By Stanley Ebele
The Ateker Reunion Festival, slated for next week in Soroti City, is picking up momentum as its preparations are now in high gear, the Iteso Cultural Union, has told Etoil A Karamoja.
President Yoweri Museveni, is expected to grace the Festival, which will bring together the Ateker Speakers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Ateker Reunion will run from November 27 to 29, 2024, under the theme, “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path Towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Resilience in Africa.”
From Uganda, the Ateker speakers including Karimojong, Pokot, Iteso, Kumam and Langi, will have the opportunity to interact with their ancestry from other countries including; the Nyangatom in Ethiopia, the Toposa and Bari in South Sudan, the Iteso, Kuria, Pokot, and Maasai in Kenya, alongside the Maasai in Tanzania.
Andrew Ochole, the ICU Prime Minister, told Etoil A Karamoja, on phone that the preparations are in the final stages, adding that regional leaders including; presidents of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, Salva Kiir Mayaedit of South Sudan, Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia and Kenya’s William Ruto have all confirmed attendance while all Ateker Clusters also have confirmed sending their delegations.
The PM said the Ateker Reunion Festival, will hold a historic reunion – the first of its kind in 600 years with the aim of exploring trade opportunities, discuss peace and security and celebrate rich cultures of the Ateker speakers.
Various cultural leaders who spoke to Etoil A Karamoja, say they are upbeat about the historical event which will allow them to officially meet since migrations. John Bosco Akore, the Kotido Elders Council Secretary says elders are prepared to attend the event.
Similarly,Jacob Ocen, the Minister of Information Lango Cultural Foundation says they are upbeat and ready to meet the Ateker speakers from other regions.
