President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has yesterday held a meeting with the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo and the Paramount Chief (Emorimor) of Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Paul Sande Emolot at State House, Entebbe.
During the interaction, the Vice President shared with the President that Uganda has been endorsed to host this year’s Ateker cultural festival.
The annual festival always brings together the Ateker community which comprises the Karamojong, Iteso of Uganda and Kenya, the Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, Nyangatom of Ethiopia and Masai of Tanzania.
“Ateker cultural festival takes place once a year either in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia or Uganda but Uganda has never hosted it. According to the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, the cultural festival has been endorsed to be hosted by Uganda this year in November,” the Vice President said.
H.E Alupo further informed the President that the festival will be held at Soroti Sports Grounds and it will run for three days (27th – 29th, November, 2024).
On his part, President Museveni assured the Ateker community of support and confirmed his attendance as the Guest of Honor.
The President also implored the leaders to preach unity and socio-economic transformation among their people.
“These people must change so that they live a better life,” he said.
He also cautioned the Ateker community against tribal wars, cattle rustling and pastoral nomadism, saying that they hinder development.
“You are exactly one hundred thirty years behind your other brothers. These tribal wars were there in all these areas ; the last war between Ankole & Rwanda was 1895, there was the Bunyoro-Buganda war, however these wars have since stopped, from 1900 they never happened again,” the President said in reference to the current tribal wars characterised by raids among the Ateker.
On the concern the President raised regarding stopping nomadism, he said it was very wasteful and should be stopped as this hinders development.
“Children don’t get immunised, they die, they don’t go to school, there is no income, people must change so that they can live a better life,” President Museveni added.
The President’s other concern was the water issue in Karamoja and wondered why the leaders pocket the Shs800 million given to each district for water. He tasked Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu to investigate where this money is being channeled and report his findings.
Papa Sande Emolot appreciated President Museveni and the government of Uganda for the continuous support towards the cultural institutions in the country.
“Having this festival in Uganda is a very big opportunity for us as the Ateker people,” Papa Sande said.
“Your Excellency, I would also like to thank you for loving Teso. You have made us very proud in Teso,” he added.
Meanwhile, this year’s festival is intended to consolidate peace, team building and celebration of unity as well exploring the economic opportunities among the Ateker community.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Members of Parliament from Karamoja and Teso as well as Iteso and Karamoja cultural ministers.
