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President Museveni inaugurated the Ateker Festival in Soroti, urging Ateker communities from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia to unite for peace, economic growth, and regional cooperation. He emphasized collaboration on shared resources, trade, and peacebuilding, pledging government support for infrastructure, water development, and security measures.

President Museveni being presented with a painting during the opening of the Ateker reunion festival 2024

President Museveni yesterday 27^th November 2024 inaugurated the Ateker Festival in Soroti, calling on the Ateker communities to unite for peace, economic growth, and regional cooperation.

Addressing a crowd of thousands at Soroti Sports Ground, the President emphasized the importance of harmony and collaboration among Ateker people, whose cultural and linguistic ties extend across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

“The Ateker must work together to restore peace, foster integration, and establish prosperous markets,” Museveni said.

Some of the Cultural dancers from the Ateker community

“You must also prioritize access to water and other shared resources to facilitate development.”

The President pledged government support for the Ateker region, including desilting dams, improving road infrastructure to enhance trade, and disarming armed groups within Ateker communities to ensure peace and security.

The festival drew an international audience, with ambassadors and high commissioners from Turkey, Algeria, Libya, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Angola, and China attending the opening.

The Itesoti dance group from Kenya

Also present were former South African Prime Minister and First Lady, representing their country’s president, alongside various regional and local leaders.

This global and regional presence highlighted the festival’s growing significance as a venue for dialogue on cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and economic development among Ateker-speaking communities and beyond.

Dance group from South Africa

David Pulkol, Chairman of the Ateker Community, presented a resolution to heads of state and dignitaries at the festival. The document called for enhanced regional collaboration to address shared challenges, including:

• Promoting peace and security among Ateker communities.
• Developing water resources to support pastoralist livelihoods.
• Strengthening trade networks across borders.

These resolutions align with the festival’s broader goal of uniting Ateker people through shared cultural heritage and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for sustainable development.

Running over the next three days, the Ateker Festival features cultural exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances, and discussion sessions.

These activities aim to strengthen bonds among Ateker communities while providing a platform for meaningful dialogue on challenges and opportunities in the region.

President Museveni’s message resonated with attendees, emphasizing that sustainable peace and economic progress require concerted efforts by both communities and governments.

“We must work together, not only to preserve our cultural identity but to secure a prosperous future for all Ateker people,” he concluded.

Some of the Itesoti group that graced the Ateker Cultural festival in Soroti yesterday

As the festival continues, it promises to celebrate the rich traditions of the Ateker while addressing contemporary issues of integration, peacebuilding, and development in the region.