The government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has gazetted Raphael Otaya as the first Kumam Cultural leader.

Otaya was elected to be the first cultural leader of the Kumam tribal group in July 2022.

Aggrey Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, in a letter written on August 1, 2023, directed the Executive Director of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation to appoint Otaya as Kumam cultural head.

“The directive is in accordance with Section 6 of the Cultural Leader’s Act 2011, which comes after the installation of Otaya as cultural head for the Kumam speakers,” read part of the letter.

Frank Mugabi, the Ministry spokesperson, says the government approved the decision to gazette Otaya after a thorough scrutiny of the processes leading to his election.

“The ministry had no objection to having Otaya gazetted as the Kumam leader,” said Mugabi.

Raphael Otaya, who will now supervise as the cultural head for the Kumam speakers, is a retired teacher and holder of a diploma in education.

Otaya has elected 51 members of the cabinet, who were unveiled on August 7, 2023.