H.E MAJOR (RTD) JESSICA ALUPO// THE VICE PRESIDENT OF OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA ADRESS ON ATEKER.

The Ateker Culture Reunion is an annual event that celebrates the shared heritage, traditions, and unity of the Ateker people—a collective group of closely related ethnic communities found in East Africa, including the Karamojong, Turkana, Teso, Nyangatom, Toposa, Jie, and Dodoth. These communities share linguistic, cultural, and historical ties.

Purpose of the Ateker Culture Reunion

Strengthening Unity:

The event brings together members of the Ateker communities to foster collaboration, peace, and solidarity among these groups despite geographical boundaries.

Cultural Preservation:

It serves as a platform to celebrate and pass down traditional practices, music, dance, language, and stories to future generations.

Dialogue and Exchange:

A significant aspect of the reunion involves discussions between cultural leaders, elders, and youth on issues affecting their communities, such as cultural erosion, conflict resolution, and adapting to modernization.

Showcasing Heritage:

Through performances, traditional attire, crafts, and cuisine, the festival provides an opportunity for communities to showcase their unique identities while highlighting their shared roots.

Advancing Regional Collaboration:

By uniting Ateker groups from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia, the reunion promotes regional harmony and cooperation.

This year’s reunion in Soroti City likely emphasizes cultural dialogue between leaders, strengthening inter-community ties and preserving the Ateker heritage for future generations.