Soroti, (UG):- The Ateker event has provided an opportunity for us to re-discover our roots and reminded us of our tangible and intangible cultural heritage that has been in existence for generations, the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Betty Amongi Akena has said.
“We didn’t know for example Kakwa, one of the Indigenous communities in Uganda were also Ateker,” the Minister said on Wednesday at the opening of the festival held in Soroti City during which President Museveni presided over the function.
“This festival therefore helps identify with one another, unites us and will play a great role in enhancing national cohesion in integration in East Africa as well as all of Africa, thereby strengthening Pan Africanism,” she noted.
Hon Amongi added that “since this event brings together people who speak the same language, it enables safety nets for effective communication and therefore a train and belt for an established base for trade between our five countries for social transformation.”
She however noted that there is a need for support mechanisms to be established by all the governments hosting Ateker events such as founding the Ateker secretariat in the sub-region to boost the entire East regional integration.
She says the Ateker culture provides a very rich tapestry of cultural resources that countries can use to trigger the development and economic transformation of the continent.
“Your Excellency, it has been my desire to see a change in how culture and creative industries can become engines of socio-economic transformation in Uganda,” she noted.
“The wealth of untapped scientific knowledge and skills among the Ateker communities for example could trigger innovation and creativity thereby creating global economic opportunities and raising awareness of Africa`s massive contribution to modern life.”
The reunion that drew Heads of States, Royal and Cultural leaders and Ateker communities from Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia will run up to Friday, 29th November.
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