By Patriot Corps
Th Patron of the Ateker People in the whole of the African Continent H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, has arrived in the country for the Ateker Cultural Festival 2024. H.E Hailemariam was the Executive Prime Minister of Ethiopia who served from August 2012 until April 2018.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, H.E Hailemariam was received by Uganda’s Vice President Maj. (Rtd), Jessica Alupo, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao and Ethics and Integrity Minister Roselilly Akello at Entebbe International Airport this morning.
Others included H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Uganda and Gen. Kumsa Shanko, the Military Attache to the Ethiopian embassy in Uganda.
H.E Hailemariam was accompanied by H.E. Gebremeskel Chala, the Vice President of the South Ethiopian Region.
The Ateker reunion Cultural Festival has brought together various Ateker-speaking communities spanning diverse ethnic groups from Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and has come to Uganda for the first time in history.
The gala which has started today November 26th until 29th , at Soroti sports grounds, in Soroti City, Soroti district, has brought together the Ateker communities spread all over the region that share linguistic and cultural ties with the aim of celebrating and strengthening the bond.
The Ateker speaking communities include; the Nyangatomo of Ethiopia; Topotha, Bari and Torit of South Sudan; Iteso, Turkana and Masai of Kenya; Iteso, Karimojong, Jie, Dodoth, Kumam, Langi and Kakwa of Uganda and, the Masai of Tanzania plus other closely-knit groups spread across the greater East African region.
The Ateker reunion culrural festival 2024 serves as a vibrant testament to the communities “decade after their dispersal and separation”.
The festival is being celebrated under the theme, “ Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Renaissance.”
It is expected to conclude with the issuance of a communique on commitments to strengthening unity and promoting regional development.
VP Alupo emphasized that the festival aims to foster regional integration and strengthen bonds among the Ateker communities.
“The overall objective of the Ateker reunion festival is to promote and foster regional integration for social economic transformation,” she said.
More heads of state from the East African region are expected to grace the event at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni, who will be the chief guest at the official opening of the cultural gala.
The festival will also be attended by Kings and Chiefs from Uganda and across Africa, including the Zulu King, as well as delegations from Tukiye (Turkey), Russia, and Cuba
Key activities
The event is aimed at promoting culture through various performances, including music, dance and drama, storytelling, and highlighting the unique cultural expressions of the Ateker communities and beyond.
The event will exhibit traditional crafts, attire, literature, foods, and medicine for Ateker people, which envisages a display of different cultural and other products that entail the spirit of the African Renaissance.
Workshops, panel discussions, and conferences on selected topical issues will be organized for different target groups drawn from the Ateker community and other stakeholders to engage on challenges impeding the Ateker people from embracing the African renaissance, highlighting the role of cultural leaders in strengthening the cultural communities for socio-economic transformation.
Among other activities, sports will be carried out, including traditional games and football, under the concept of Ateker cup OF nations for the promotion of physical fitness and cultural preservation.
Tree planting initiative will be one of the major greening efforts focusing on the indigenous environmental sustainability and economic empowerment to the community.