Soroti, Uganda – His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while addressing thousands of people at the Ateker Reunion Festival, urged the Ateker cluster to work together with the government to create lasting peace.
The festival, held at Soroti Sports Ground in Soroti City, is a celebration of unity for communities within the Ateker cluster, a group of peoples from the Nile-Hamitic region.
During his opening remarks, President Museveni acknowledged the presence of Karimojong from Ethiopia and emphasized the diversity of God’s creation, quoting from the Bible to reinforce the importance of unity.
He recognized the Ateker people as a cluster of the Nile-Hamitic group and urged them to continue strengthening their bond.
“I encourage you to continue the work you are doing, as it is in the right direction. The Ateker people are showing that they are one. Keep building on these similarities,” President Museveni said. He also highlighted the significance of economic and political integration among East African nations, noting that such unity would promote prosperity and peace in the region.
The President elaborated on the four principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He stressed that these values should guide the efforts of the Ateker cluster and the government to foster peace and development.
President Museveni also spoke about the importance of creating peace and stability in the region, citing the government’s efforts in Karamoja, where 41,000 illegal guns were confiscated. He emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, such as peace dams and water projects, to move away from traditional nomadic practices.
“We must ensure that nomadism is abandoned in favor of peaceful development,” the President stated. He reflected on the region’s growth, noting that in 1980, when he first campaigned in Karamoja, the population was just 190,000. Today, it has grown to over 1.2 million, with Amudat District, once home to only 20,000 people, now witnessing significant population growth.
The President also thanked the Ateker people for the timely rain during the event, marking the importance of the occasion.
The event, which runs from November 27th to 29th, 2024, attracted distinguished dignitaries, including Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, heads of statutory bodies, permanent secretaries, and representatives of various Ateker cluster groups from regions such as Masai, Turkana, Nyangatom, Karamoja, Teso, Jopadhola, Lango, and the Kumam people.
Among the notable attendees were the Emorimor of Teso, Sande Emolot; the Paramount Chief of Kerkwaro Acholi, Rwot David Onen Acana II; and Won Nyaci Odur Yosam Ebii of the Lango Chiefdom.
The festival served as a powerful reminder of the unity and shared heritage of the Ateker people and the importance of working together with the government to achieve lasting peace and development.
