Unity in Diversity: Karamoja Cultural Festival Celebrates Peace and Shared Heritage
They came from all walks of life, tall and short, boys and girls, men and women, as well as the elderly; many having trekked kilometers on foot and dressed to “kill” with a unique cultural attire and jewelry complete with the latest wacky hair styles.
One could easily mistake this for a show biz of sorts. But wait a minute! Welcome to Napeikori Ground in Karenga Town Council, Karenga District, where over 45,000 people converged from 2nd to 7th September 2024 to celebrate the 9th Edition of the Karamoja Cultural Event under the theme, “Celebrating Cultural Diversity, Peaceful Coexistence and embracing Tourism for Sustainable Development.”
The Karamoja Cultural Event attracted the Dodoth, Matheniko, Jie, Ik,Ethur,Pokot,Turkana(Kenya) among others who gathered to showcase their traditional music, dance and drama as well as dialogue under the theme “Cultural diversity, peaceful coexistence and tourism for development.
Some of them are spontaneous groups, and others are supported by implementing partners like Riamiriam Civil Society Network, VEDCO, Better World, GARD, Warrior Squad Foundation with funding from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The songs which they sung, or the drama which was performed had themes on social cohesion, peace, effects of domestic violence, promotion of girl child education, effects of alcohol on families etc.
Not even the scorching sun or heavy rains would deter the huge ecstatic crowd which had turned up to enjoy the energetic performances which rocked not only the main venue for the event at Napeikori Grounds but also lit the normally quiet and calm Karenga Town Council.
“Mic check! Mic check! DJ pull up! Iam gona burn “dem” like fire. Yeah man! Iam here to show ‘dem’ my talent and pass my message of peace and hope”, bellowed one of the youngsters identified as, “Original” Lopuli Emmanuel from Karenga to the thunderous applause from the thousands of ecstatic crowds.
Another artiste known as Lady Kuku from Kotido District worked the crowd with her energetic performance which kept chanting, cheering and praising the artistes as they performed. Others who performed were Lovely Star from Kaabong District, Chacha from Kenya and Afabde Natasha from Kaabong, etc.
Besides, there was energetic performances cultural groups which sang and danced throughout the day and night non-stop for seven days in the streets of Karenga Town Council. There was showcasing of cultural dances, foods, exhibition of cultural heritage, performing some cultural rituals, exhibition of cultural artifacts, dialogue, games and sports.
There also roasting of bulls which were offered by Riamiriam Civil Society Network, VEDCO, Better World, GARD, Warrior Squad Foundation with funding from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) by elders.
Read more about Karamoja Cultural Event (KCE)
