Uganda will host the prestigious Ateker Re-Union Cultural Festival 2024, a significant cultural event in East Africa, for the first time in Soroti City. The festival, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), brings together communities from across Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, all united by their linguistic and cultural heritage.
This year’s event is expected to attract the attention of regional leaders, with five Heads of State from Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia confirmed to attend. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who will serve as the host and Chief Guest, expressed his enthusiasm for the gathering, which underscores the importance of cultural unity in East Africa. “We are honored to welcome our regional leaders to Uganda to celebrate the shared heritage of the Ateker-speaking communities,” said Hon. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
The festival’s activities will include cultural performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and storytelling, as well as exhibitions of crafts, foods, and indigenous medicines. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Ateker Cup of Nations, a competition promoting physical fitness while celebrating cultural diversity. A major focus will also be environmental sustainability, with tree-planting initiatives aimed at addressing the impact of climate change in the region.
In addition to the African leaders, the event will feature kings, chiefs, and delegations from across the globe, including the Zulu King and representatives from Türkiye, Russia, and Cuba. The festival is part of ongoing efforts to promote regional integration, economic transformation, and peace through cultural exchange.
The Ateker Re-Union Cultural Festival, under the theme “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path Towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Renaissance,” is a testament to the enduring bond between these communities. It is set to conclude with a communique outlining commitments to strengthening unity and advancing regional development.