Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival Comes to a Successful Close
The Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival, which took place from November 26-29, 2024, at the Soroti Sports Ground in Soroti City, Uganda, came to a successful close on Friday, November 29.
The festival, which was organized by the Ateker Community, with support from various partners, including the Ugandan government, the Ethiopian government, and several civil society organizations, was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and unity of the Ateker community.
Throughout the festival, participants were treated to a wide range of activities, including traditional dance and music performances, cultural exhibitions, and dialogues on promoting peace, unity, and cultural diversity.
The festival was attended by thousands of people from across the region, including dignitaries such as President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni of Uganda, as well as the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn.
Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, the cultural leader of the Iteso people, hailed the festival as a huge success, saying, “We are thrilled with the success of the Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival. This event has brought our people together, promoting unity, peace, and cultural diversity. We are proud of our cultural heritage, and we will continue to work together to preserve and promote it.”
The festival also provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents and express their views on issues affecting their community. “I am so excited to have been a part of this festival,” said Akello Flavia, a 19-year-old dancer from Nyero sub county in Kumi District. “It has been an amazing experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talents and promote our culture.”
Delegates from across the region also praised the festival, highlighting its importance in promoting unity and cultural diversity.
“This festival has been a wonderful experience for us,” said Lokiru Lopeyok, a delegate from Turkana, Kenya. “We have learned so much about the Ateker culture and traditions, and we have been inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people.”
“I am so proud to be part of this festival,” said Abera Tola, a delegate from Ethiopia. “The Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival is a shining example of the power of culture to bring people together and promote unity and understanding.”
“This festival has been a great success,” said Ayaa Simon, a delegate from South Sudan. “We have been inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the Ateker people, and we look forward to continuing to work together to promote peace, unity, and cultural diversity in our region.”
“I am so happy to be here and celebrate our culture with my brothers and sisters from across the region,” said Okello David, a delegate from the Langi community in Uganda. “This festival is a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting unity and cooperation among our people.”
“This festival has been a wonderful experience for us,” said Andama Patrick, a delegate from the Kakwa community in Uganda. “We have learned so much about the Ateker culture and traditions, and we have been inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people.”
As the festival came to a close, the organizers and participants reflected on the successes and challenges of the event, and looked forward to the next edition of the festival.
“We are grateful to all our partners and supporters, and we look forward to continuing to work together to promote the cultural heritage and unity of the Ateker community,” said Lokiru Kizito, a community leader from Rupa subcounty in Moroto District.
The Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ateker community, and a celebration of the rich cultural diversity that exists within the region.
