President Museveni holds meeting with VP Alupo, Iteso cultural leader

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held a meeting with the Vice President, Jessica Alupo and the Paramount Chief (Emorimor) of the Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Paul Sande Emolot.

During the interaction at State House, Entebbe on Tuesday, the Vice President informed the President that Uganda has been endorsed to host this year's Ateker cultural festival.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a meeting with the Vice President Jessica Alupo and Papa Emorimor of Teso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng at the State House Entebbe. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

The annual festival always brings together the Ateker community which comprises:  the Karamojong, Iteso of Uganda and Kenya, the Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, Nyangatom of Ethiopia and Masai of Tanzania.

“Ateker cultural festival takes place once a year either in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia or Uganda but Uganda has never hosted it. 

According to Ethiopia's Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, the cultural festival has been endorsed to be hosted by Uganda this year in November,” the Vice President said.

The Vice President Jessica Alupo, Papa Emorimor of Teso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, Ethiopia Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu and Members of Parliament from Teso region in a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State House Entebbe. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

Alupo further informed the President that the festival will be held at Soroti Sports Grounds and it will run for three days (27th - 29th, November 2024).  

According to a State House release, President Museveni assured the Ateker community of support and confirmed his attendance as the Guest of Honor.  

The President also implored the leaders to preach unity and socio-economic transformation among their people.

“These people must change so that they live a better life,” he said.  

He also cautioned the Ateker community against tribal wars, cattle rustling and pastoral nomadism, saying that they hinder development.

Vice President Jessica Alupo and Papa Emorimor of Teso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng attending a meeting chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State House Entebbe. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

“You are exactly one hundred thirty years behind your other brothers where tribal wars occurred.

The last war between Ankole and Rwanda was 1895, there was also the Bunyoro-Buganda wars, however, these wars have since stopped, from 1900 they never happened again,” the President said in reference to the current tribal wars characterised by raids among the Ateker.  

Encouraging communities to end nomadism, Museveni said the practice was very wasteful and should be stopped as this hinders development.

“Children don’t get immunised, they die, they don’t go to school, there is no income, people must change so that they can live a better life,” President Museveni added.

The Papa Emorimor of Teso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng while meeting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State House Entebbe on the 23rd July 2024. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

The President’s other concern was the water issue in Karamoja and wondered why the leaders pocket the sh800 million given to each district for water. He tasked Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu to investigate where this money is being channelled and report his findings.

Papa Sande Emolot appreciated President Museveni and the government of Uganda for the continuous support towards the cultural institutions in the country.  

“Having this festival in Uganda is a very big opportunity for us as the Ateker people,” Papa Sande said.

“Your Excellency, I would also like to thank you for loving Teso. You have made us very proud in Teso,” he added.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a group photo with the Vice President Jessica Alupo, Papa Emorimor of Teso Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, Ethiopia Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu and Members of Parliament. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

Meanwhile, this year's festival is intended to consolidate peace, team building and celebration of unity as well exploring the economic opportunities among the Ateker community.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, the Ambassador Yimenu, Members of Parliament from Karamoja and Teso as well as Iteso and Karamoja cultural ministers.