Regional leaders to grace Ateker Cultural Festival in Soroti
The Ateker Re-Union Culture Festival due in Soroti City in Eastern Uganda (from November 26 to 29) aims at fostering regional unity, socio-economic transformation, and peace across East Africa.
Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development addressing journalists during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre on November 20, 2024. (Photos by Nancy Nanyonga)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Uganda is set to host one of the biggest cultural events in Africa.
The Ateker Re-Union Culture Festival due in Soroti City in Eastern Uganda (from November 26 to 29) aims at fostering regional unity, socio-economic transformation, and peace across East Africa.
Confirmed guests include high-profile dignitaries from Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, as well as distinguished guests from Cuba, Russia, plus Turkey.
Organisers confirmed that Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be s the Chief Guest at the festivities.
Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development ((MGLSD) while addressing the press at the Media Centre in Kampala on Wednesday, November 20, described the festival as a momentous occasion for Uganda and the broader East African region in strengthening ties.
“This festival is more than just a celebration of culture—it is an opportunity for our people to reunite, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the rich heritage that binds us together,” she said.
“It is a moment to promote peace, prosperity, and the African Renaissance across the region.”
The four-day extravaganza held under the theme “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path Towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Renaissance”, is packed with cultural performances, exhibitions and sports held for the first time in the country and is hosted by MGLSD in partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union.
The festival aims to celebrate the cultural and linguistic ties that unite the Ateker-speaking communities, including the Nyangatomo of Ethiopia, Topotha, Bari, and Torit of South Sudan, the Iteso, Turkana, and Masai of Kenya, the Iteso, Karimojong, Jie, Dodoth, Kumam, Langi, and Kakwa of Uganda, and the Masai of Tanzania.
“These communities are bound together by language, traditions, and shared customs that transcend borders. This festival is a way to celebrate that unity and strengthen it for the future,” Amongi emphasized.
Benefits
With over 1,500 delegates from Kenya alone and substantial participation from other East African communities, the festival is expected to boost local economies, with Soroti's hotels, transport, and service sectors already bracing for a surge in activity.
"These events will inject an estimated sh5b into the local economy and the local businesses are poised to benefit," the Minister noted.
The event will be a celebration of culture's role in social cohesion, employment creation, and economic growth, providing a platform for showcasing Ugandan arts and crafts to an international audience.
Minister Amongi and other officials pose for a group photo after a press conference. 
She added: ‘’This is seen as a stepping stone for cultural tourism, with Uganda’s rich history and cultural heritage set to be in the global spotlight.’’
"Events like this show the world that culture is not just about tradition but also about building a sustainable future," the Minister said.
"We are promoting cultural tourism and international trade by introducing our art and products to global markets. Who knows? The products from this festival could be sold in Russia, Cuba, or Turkey."
In addition to the festivities, the event will feature a tree-planting initiative to combat the semi-arid conditions of the region which is a chance for leaders to leave a legacy.
"Tree planting will not only honour our VIPs but also help combat climate change and restore green cover in the Ateker belt," she noted.
Key festival highlights
The event will feature a blend of traditional food, storytelling, and medicinal practices, alongside an academic dialogue at Soroti University aimed at resolving local conflicts and enhancing economic cooperation.
“The Ateker people share common ancestry, culture, and traditions and we want to promote peace and unity through dialogue, especially in regions affected by cross-border conflicts like Karamoja,” Amongi elaborated.
One of the central themes of the fiesta is to transform the nomadic traditions of communities like the Iteso, Turkana, and Maasai into viable economic opportunities, especially within the dairy sector.
"His Excellency the President is committed to helping these communities transition from nomadism to sustainable economic activities, ensuring that cattle keeping becomes a part of a larger value chain," she explained.
Background
Recently, the President held a meeting with his Vice President, Jessica Alupo, and the Paramount Chief (Emorimor) of the Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Paul Sande Emolot at State House, Entebbe where he was informed that Uganda has been endorsed to host this year's Ateker cultural festival.
During the meeting, President Museveni assured the Ateker community of support and confirmed his attendance as the Guest of Honor at the festival.
He also implored the leaders to preach unity and socio-economic transformation among their people cautioning the Ateker community against tribal wars, cattle rustling, and pastoral nomadism, saying the practices hinder development.
Uganda will host this event which takes place once a year for the first time after some of the neighbouring countries hosted it.
The festival will conclude with the issuance of a communique, focusing on strengthening unity among the Ateker communities promoting regional development, and showcasing the country’s role as a hub for cultural celebration and regional integration.