First-ever Ateker reunion festival kicks off tomorrow

Delegations from various Ateker teams started gathering Tuesday in preparation for the first-ever Ateker Reunion Festival, scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday). 

The festival aims to promote socioeconomic development and unity among the Ateker people, who are spread across Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Djibouti, and other parts of Africa.

Upon arrival, some of the delegation heads including Mr Emmanuel Imana, who led the Turkana delegation, Brig. Dr. Bosco Ororo, who represented the Lango, and Mr Paul Ediau, who led the Kumam delegation, held the final preparation meeting. 

During the meeting, Ms Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of Disability in the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, emphasised the importance of discussing matters of peace, unity, and development. 

"We want to get our culture back as a strong tool for economic development," she said. "We expect this meeting to come up with the way forward, the resolutions that can define the future of Ateker people... for growth and socio-economic transformation".

Other groups, such as the Nyangatom from Ethiopia, the Kakwa, the Karamojong, the Masai, and the Jie, are expected to arrive tomorrow.

Ms Asamo also encouraged the delegates to look into issues of socio-economic empowerment, citing President Museveni's exemplary life on livelihood development and relentless campaign on wealth creation. She advised the participants to avoid the blame game and instead focus on finding solutions to the prevailing challenges.

Mr David Pulkol, the former Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO), described the event as a great opportunity for the Ateker people to come together and pursue common objectives. 

"What a great thing for us to be together once again," he said. "We will imagine how many years long ago did colonial masters divide us and made us understand that we were different people".

The festival, which will run for three days, is themed "Celebrating a shared heritage, forging a path for prosperity in the future." 

Mr Emmanuel Imana, the Peace Ambassador for the Turkana, expressed his excitement about the festival, stating that it connects them to their roots and helps them understand their heritage and identity. Over 200 Turkana people are expected to attend the event.

Other key issues discussed during the meeting included the preservation of traditional medicine and cultural sites. 
The Ateker people are also encouraged to harness the spirit of work, trade, and maximize the use of available resources to improve their livelihoods. Additionally, they are urged to use their diverse cultures to boost culture and eco-tourism opportunities.