Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival: Celebrating Unity and Cultural Heritage
SOROTI CITY-UGANDA-The Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival, being held in Soroti City, Uganda, has brought together thousands of people from across East Africa to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and unity of the Ateker community.
The festival, which is running from November 26-29, 2024, is a resounding success, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Ateker culture.
The festival was graced by the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni of Uganda. Other notable attendees included the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, who commended the Ateker community for their efforts in promoting cultural renaissance and unity.
“In a world where diversity is often seen as a source of conflict, the Ateker community is a shining example of how different cultures can come together to celebrate their shared heritage,” Desalegn said. “I am honored to be a part of this celebration and to witness the richness and diversity of Ateker culture.”
In his keynote address, President Museveni emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and the need for communities to work together to promote peace and prosperity. He also stressed the need for prosperity through wealth creation, highlighting that it can only be achieved when each adult engages in producing a good or service and selling it sustainably.
We must focus on four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT,” Museveni said. “We must also ensure that all adults engage in wealth creation, struggle for completely free trade, provide free education, and work towards an East African Federation.”
Museveni also preached peace among the Ateker people, saying, “You the Ateker people are saying you are brothers, but were determined to finish each other. I had to use a very big stick to separate some of you. I had to remove over 41,000 guns from Karamoja. So don’t just come here to jump and dance, we need “aipuc” (peace).”
The Iteso paramount Chief, His Highness Emorimor,Sande Paul Emolot called for the establishment of an Ateker Council of Elders to resolve conflicts and promote unity within the community. This council, inspired by traditional African conflict resolution mechanisms, would bring together respected elders to mediate disputes and provide guidance on community affairs.
“The Ateker Council of Elders would be a vital institution in promoting peace and understanding within our community,” Emorimor said. “By tapping into the wisdom and experience of our elders, we can resolve conflicts in a way that is consistent with our cultural values and traditions”.
The festival featured a wide range of activities, including traditional dance and music performances, cultural exhibitions, and dialogues on promoting peace, prosperity, and cultural renaissance in the region.
Reformed Warriors from Karamoja supported to attend the event by Riamiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja with funding from the United Nations Development Program(UNDP) and Korea International Cooperation(KOICA); accompanied by the Resident District Commissioner, Moroto District, Jane Frances Amongin Okili and LC3 Rupa Sub County, Joseph Otita, delivered a powerful performance, symbolizing hope, redemption, and the power of community-led initiatives.
The Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ateker community, which spans across Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. The festival provided a platform for the community to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and promote unity and cooperation.
The festival was organized by the Ateker Community, with support from the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Development and various partners the Ethiopian government, and several civil society organizations.
