It was a moment of strictly smiles, laughter and brotherly handshake at Entebbe International Airport this morning as the patron of the Ateker people in the whole of Africa H.E Hailemariam Desalegn jetted into the country.
Hailemariam, who was the Prime Minister of Ethiopia between August 2012 and April 2018, has been received by H.E Maj. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President in company of Norbert Mao and Akello Rose Lilly, both ministers in President Museveni’s cabinet.
Others included H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Uganda and Gen. Kumsa Shanko, the Military Attache to the Ethiopian Embassy in the Uganda.
Hailemariam who arrived in company of H.E. Gebremeskel Chala, the Vice President of the South Ethiopian Region, is here for the Ateker reunion Cultural Festival 2024 which has brought together various Ateker-speaking communities spread across countries like Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
According to Alupo, this gala brings 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.
“This festival is being celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Renaissance” she said adding that it is expected to conclude with the issuance of a communique on commitments to strengthening unity and promoting regional development.
Alupo who is also the certified Katakwi district Woman MP, 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.
Heads of State from the East African region are expected to grace the event at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni, who will sit in the biggest chair at the official opening of this 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 Turkiye (Turkey), Russia, and Cuba
KEY ACTIVITIES
At this event, a buffet of activities has been organized. Top on the agenda will be various performances, including music, dance and drama, storytelling, and highlighting the unique cultural expressions of the Ateker communities and beyond.
The event will also 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 also 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.
Don’t forget sports! It 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” said short-haired Akello Rose Lilly who was clad in traditional attire!
The gala begins today to November 29 at Soroti sports grounds!
