Kampala, (UG):- The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Betty Amongi has updated the country on the preparation of the Ateker Reunion Culture Festival scheduled from 26th to 29th November in Soroti City, eastern Uganda.
In a press statement at Uganda Media Center in Kampala, Hon Amongi said the Ministry she heads, in partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union, is happy to be at the centre of organising the reunion festival, an annual social extravaganza and cultural festival that brings together various Ateker-speaking communities.
According to Amongi, by 20th November four countries, South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania had confirmed their active participation and presence in the high-profile reunion festival being held in Uganda for the first time.
“I am happy to report that the President of Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the prime minister of Ethiopia have all confirmed participation at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni who will be the chief guest,” Hon Amongi said.
“The event will be attended by Kings, and Chiefs from Uganda and across Africa including the Zulu King as well as dignitaries from Kuriye (Turkey), Russia, Cuba and others,” she added.
The minister highlighted the rationale of the festival which she said serves as a vibrant testament to the reunification of the communities decades after their dispersal and separation.
“These communities share linguistic and cultural ties, and the festival aims to celebrate and strengthen these bonds,” she noted, adding that members of the Ateker communities include the Nangatomo of Ethiopia, Toposa, Bari and Torit of South Sudan, Turkana and Masai of Kenya, Iteso, Kumam, Karimojong, Lango, and Kakwa of Uganda are all set to take part.
Others are Masai of Tanzania plus other closely-knit groups spread across the greater East Africa region.
The festival is being celebrated under the theme: “celebrating shared heritage, forging a path towards peace, prosperity and cultural renaissance.”
The key activities to be expected at the festival include cultural performances, exhibitions, sports, tree-planting initiatives and dialogue.
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