The President Yoweri Museveni has implored the leaders of Ateker Community to preach unity and socio-economic transformation among their people.
He says these people need to change so that they live a better life, citing their constant tribal wars, cattle rustling and pastoral nomadism, which he said hinder development.
“You are exactly 130 years behind your other brothers. These tribal wars were there in all these areas; the last war between Ankole & Rwanda was 1895, there was the Bunyoro-Buganda war, however these wars have since stopped, from 1900 they never happened again,” the President said in reference to the current tribal wars characterized by raids among the Ateker.
The President observed the need to stop nomadism and described it as very wasteful.
“Children don’t get immunized, they die, they don’t go to school, there is no income, people must change so that they can live a better life,” President Museveni emphasized.
The Head of State made the remarks during a meeting between him and the Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo who led a team of Ateker leaders including Emorimor, MPs among others to State House last evening.
The President’s other concern according to State House deputy spokesperson Hajji. Faruk Kirunda was the water issue in Karamoja. Museveni wondered why the leaders pocket the Shs800 million given to each district for water. He thus tasked Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu to investigate where this money is being channeled and report his findings.
ENTER ALUPO
During the interaction, Alupo told Museveni that Uganda has been endorsed to host this year’s Ateker cultural festival.
The annual festival she said, always brings together the Ateker community which comprises the Karamojong, Iteso of Uganda and Kenya, the Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, Nyangatom of Ethiopia and Masai of Tanzania.
“Ateker cultural festival takes place once a year either in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia or Uganda but Uganda has never hosted it. According to the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, the cultural festival has been endorsed to be hosted by Uganda this year in November,” the Vice President said.
Alupo, also Katakwi district Woman MP added that the festival will be held at Soroti Sports Grounds and it will run for three days (27th – 29th, November, 2024).
A jovial Museveni assured the Ateker community of support and confirmed his attendance as the Guest of Honor.
EMORIMOR
Meanwhile, Papa Sande Emolot, the Emorimor of Teso, appreciated President Museveni and his government for the continuous support towards the cultural institutions in the country.
He said having this festival in Uganda is a very big opportunity for them as the Ateker people.
“Your Excellency, I would also like to thank you for loving Teso. You have made us very proud in Teso,” he said.
This year’s festival is intended to consolidate peace, team building and celebration of unity as well exploring the economic opportunities among the Ateker community.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Members of Parliament from Karamoja and Teso as well as Iteso and Karamoja cultural ministers.
