Ateker Cup returns with call to heal historic divisions through sport

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The second edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations has been launched with leaders calling on Ateker communities across East Africa to use the tournament as a platform to strengthen unity, deepen regional integration and promote peaceful coexistence among communities linked by a common heritage.

Launching the 2026 tournament, Kenya's ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, said the competition presents an opportunity for Ateker communities to advance integration efforts that have faced numerous challenges over the years.

Namwamba highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as an important vehicle for promoting Pan-Africanism and East African integration.

Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba speaking as Munyes and Peter Lokeris look on during the unveiling of Ateker Cup of Nations in Soroti City. (Credit: by Delux Emmy Alomu)

"The Ateker Cup serves as a catalyst for unity, reminding us of our shared linguistic and cultural heritages," he stated.

He noted that the Ateker community, comprising the Iteso, Karamojong, Langi and Kumam of Uganda, the Iteso and Turkana of Kenya, the Toposa of South Sudan and the Nyangatom of Ethiopia, shares deep linguistic and cultural ties that have often been overshadowed by historical conflicts.

"While these challenges have been daunting, we must recognise that we are one people, transcending the colonial boundaries that divide us," Namwamba asserted.

He urged members of the Ateker community to use the tournament to foster peace through sport and cultural exchange, saying the initiative can inspire broader regional unity across East Africa.

Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba displaying the female Ateker cup of Nations trophy in Soroti City. Looking on is Peter Lokeris and women leaders. (Credit: by Delux Emmy Alomu)

Namwamba also called on organisers to professionalise and commercialise the tournament to transform it into a major sporting and cultural event.

“So, you must curate a product that will be attractive to potential corporate sponsors and media houses,” he said.

He further advocated for the establishment of Ateker charters supported by dedicated secretariats and budgets through ministries responsible for East African Community affairs to ensure sustainability. He noted that Kenya currently has such a charter while Uganda and Tanzania do not.

The ambassador praised President Yoweri Museveni for his commitment to East African integration.

He also commended the founders of the Ateker Cup for incorporating women's football into the tournament, describing it as recognition of one of the fastest-growing areas in sport.

A key feature of the tournament is its partnership with Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI), a Soroti-based NGO that has joined the Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation to ensure women actively participate and compete for their own title.

Flags were handed to respective countries that are going to participate in Ateker Cup of Nations Tournament in Soroti City. (Credit by Delux Emmy Alomu)

John Munyes, the special peace envoy for the Ateker region, said sporting initiatives should be used to promote peace, unity and socio-economic transformation.

Peter Lokeris, chairperson of the Ateker Union, emphasised the need for improved road infrastructure to facilitate trade and strengthen relations among Ateker communities. He said sports and other social activities can play a vital role in fostering friendship and peaceful coexistence.

Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach of Soroti Catholic Diocese said the Ateker Cup should be about more than competition and profit. He said it should leave a lasting legacy of peace, harmony and socio-economic development while encouraging communities to embrace unity over conflict.

Isaac Olupot, chief executive officer of the Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation, announced that Soroti city will host the tournament from August 16 to 22, 2026.

He said the event is expected to attract more than 33 football teams and over 40,000 fans from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia. The tournament will continue rotating among host locations as part of efforts to spread the message of unity throughout the Ateker community.

Brizan Were, the Kenya country director for the Ateker Cup of Nations, described the tournament as a significant opportunity for young people across the region.

He said borders should not divide communities, and there is no reason for conflict among people who share common cultural roots.

Dr Andrew Musiime, commissioner for political affairs at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, represented First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

He said resolutions previously discussed by Ateker ministers had already been submitted to the East African Community Council of Ministers for consideration. He also announced a contribution of sh1 million towards the event.

Launched in Uganda in 2021, the Ateker Cup has grown from a regional football tournament involving communities in Teso and parts of Bukedi into a wider celebration of culture, peace, unity and sportsmanship.

The tournament also seeks to nurture patriotism among young people while strengthening ties among Ateker communities across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.