Kampala, Uganda – Preparations are in high gear in Soroti according to the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, as far as the Ateker Reunion Festival is concerned.
In a press briefing, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena updated the country on the preparations for the Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival scheduled from 26th to 29th November in Soroti City, eastern Uganda.
In a press statement at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala earlier this week, Hon. Amongi Akena said the Ministry she heads, in partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union, is happy to be at the center of organizing the reunion festival, an annual social extravaganza and cultural festival that brings together various Ateker-speaking communities.
According to Amongi, by 20th November, four countries, including South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, had confirmed their active participation and presence in the high-profile reunion festival being held in Uganda for the first time.
“I am happy to report that the Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia have all confirmed participation at the invitation of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, who will be the chief guest during the function,” narrated Amongi.
Meanwhile, the colorful event will be attended by Kings and Chiefs from Uganda and across Africa, including the Zulu King, as well as dignitaries from Türkiye, Russia, Cuba, and others,” she added.
The minister highlighted the rationale of the festival, which she said serves as a vibrant testament to the reunification of the communities decades after their dispersal and separation.
“Well knowing that these communities share linguistic and cultural ties, the festival aims to celebrate and strengthen these bonds,” she noted, adding that members of the Ateker communities, including the Nangatomo of Ethiopia, Toposa, Bari, and Torit of South Sudan, Turkana and Masai of Kenya, Iteso, Kumam, Karimojong, Lango, and Kakwa of Uganda, are all set to take part.
The Masai of Tanzania, plus other closely-knit groups spread across the greater East Africa region, will also participate.
The festival is being celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating shared heritage, forging a path towards peace, prosperity, and cultural renaissance.”
The key activities to be expected at the festival include cultural performances, exhibitions, sports, tree-planting initiatives, and dialogue.
