By Alfred Atwau 18
The Ministry of Tourism and Documentation in the Iteso Cultural Union Chiefdom has announced that the Ecomai Cooking Festival will take place on March 22, 2025, at the Lake Opeta Tourism site in Magoro sub-county, Katakwi district. This event aims to celebrate and preserve local cooking traditions, promote community cohesion, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
According to Joseph Ojatum, the Deputy Minister of Tourism in the ICU Cabinet, the festival will feature a competition where teams of women or individuals will prepare local traditional dishes like Ecomai, ecadoi, eboo, small mud fish in Ateso (ikudoi), and local brew (Ajon) using locally sourced ingredients. Ojatum emphasized the importance of preserving traditional cooking methods and formulae that are at risk of being forgotten.
The festival will also provide opportunities for local women, farmers, and artisans to market their products and services. Additionally, it will offer a platform for young people to learn about their cultural heritage through interactive activities. The event is expected to attract local residents, domestic tourists, food enthusiasts, and stakeholders in agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage preservation.
Other activities scheduled for the day include a showcase of local produce, handmade crafts, and eco-friendly products at the nearby Acib Ikonye market place. Cultural performances, such as dances and storytelling, will entertain attendees and enrich the cultural experience. The winner of the best cultural dish will receive a cash prize of UGX 500,000, with the second and third place winners receiving UGX 300,000 and UGX 100,000, respectively.
The Ecomai Cooking Festival is a unique event that promises to boost Teso tourism while promoting cultural preservation and community development.
