Summary:
- Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Hon. Betty Amongi detailed plans to accommodate around 10,000 participants, including 460 foreign attendees 200 from Kenya, 100 from South Sudan, 100 from Ethiopia, 64 from Tanzania, and 2,040 local participants.
SOROTI: Soroti City is set to host the inaugural Ateker Reunion Festival in Uganda, expecting over 10,000 attendees, thanks to the Ugandan government’s financial support of UGX 2.3 billion for the event.
Scheduled for November 27-29, 2024, the festival will unite Ateker communities from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan to celebrate their shared cultural heritage and promote regional unity.
Traditionally held in alternating locations in Ethiopia and Kenya, the Ateker Festival is a significant cultural event where Ateker elders gather to honor their ancestry. The announcement was made during an engagement meeting at Soroti University on November 2, 2024, led by Vice President Rtd Maj Jessica Rose Alupo Epel.
This year marks a pivotal moment as Uganda, with the backing of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will host the festival for the first time. Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Hon. Betty Amongi detailed plans to accommodate around 10,000 participants, including 460 foreign attendees 200 from Kenya, 100 from South Sudan, 100 from Ethiopia, 64 from Tanzania, and 2,040 local participants. Each district will send 60 delegates, with Teso contributing 540, Kuman 120, Bukedi 240, Karamoja 540, and Lango 600.
The anticipated attendees include 2,040 festival participants, 300 invited guests, 5,000 members of the general public, 1,000 NOC and support staff, and around 200 service providers. This financial backing reflects Uganda’s commitment to cultural harmony and African integration.
Prior to the festival, several cultural activities are planned, including Karamoja Cultural Day, which received UGX 200 million in funding, and the coronation anniversary of His Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng, supported with UGX 300 million. Lango Cultural Day is also scheduled, with an additional UGX 200 million allocated by the Ministry of Gender.
Dignitaries from seven nations, including Kenyan President William Ruto, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, are expected to attend. The festival’s theme, “Celebrating Shared Heritage: Path towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Resilience,” emphasizes unity and development.
Vice President Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo commended government officials, particularly the Ministry of Gender, for their efforts to ensure the festival’s success. She acknowledged Ethiopia’s support, noting Uganda’s involvement in the festival since 2001.
Iteso’s Prime Minister, Ochole Andrew, promised a vibrant celebration, while Soroti Resident City Commissioner Peter Pex Paak stressed the importance of effective communication among organizing teams to facilitate smooth preparations. Media representatives called for equitable access to information and resources, advocating for better coordination among organizing committees.
The Vice President reassured the media of their crucial role in the festival’s success and promised improved communication. As the Ateker Reunion Festival approaches, there are high hopes that this historic event will foster cultural pride, peace, and regional development throughout East Africa, engaging communities from Yangatom, Iteso, Topotha, Turkana, Karamoja, Kitengela, and Arusai.
