President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held a meeting at State House, Entebbe on Tuesday with Vice President Jessica Alupo, Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union Papa Paul Sande Emolot, and Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu. The Vice President informed President Museveni that Uganda has been chosen to host this year’s Ateker cultural festival.
This annual festival gathers the Ateker community, which includes the Karamojong, the Iteso from Uganda and Kenya, the Turkana of Kenya, the Toposa of South Sudan, the Nyangatom of Ethiopia, and the Masai of Tanzania. Although the festival rotates between Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, this will be the first time Uganda hosts it. The event is scheduled for November at Soroti Sports Grounds and will last for three days, from November 27 to 29.
President Museveni assured the Ateker community of his support and confirmed his attendance as the Guest of Honor. He urged the leaders to promote unity and socio-economic transformation among their people, emphasizing the need to abandon practices like tribal wars, cattle rustling, and pastoral nomadism, which hinder development. Museveni pointed out that while other regions in Uganda ceased such conflicts over a century ago, the Ateker community still struggles with these issues. He called for a change to ensure better living standards.
The President also addressed water issues in Karamoja, questioning why the funds allocated to each district for water supply are not effectively utilized. He directed Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu to investigate the mismanagement of these funds and report back.
Papa Paul Sande Emolot expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the Ugandan government for their continuous support of cultural institutions. He highlighted the significance of hosting the festival in Uganda as a great opportunity for the Ateker people. Emolot also thanked the President for his dedication to the Teso region, which has instilled a sense of pride among its residents.
This year’s Ateker cultural festival aims to foster peace, unity, and economic opportunities within the Ateker community. The meeting was attended by Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi, Ambassador Yimenu, Members of Parliament from Karamoja and Teso, as well as Iteso and Karamoja cultural ministers.
