President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the importance of unity and linguistic ties among the Ateker communities from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, among others, gearing a platform for promoting African unity and cooperation.
This was during the Ateker Reunion Festival 2024 celebration on November 27, 2024, as President Museveni was officiating the event that was held in Soroti city.
He said that reconnecting across colonial borders is essential for fostering unity among Africans, naming it “Historical Missions,” reminding the attendees of the three historical missions, including Pan-Africanism, such as creating prosperity, promoting strategic security, and fostering brotherhood (undugu).
“We should get reminded that achieving these goals requires a unified approach among African nations,” Museveni said.
President Museveni added that economic integration is vital for sustainable development in African unity, with initiatives like the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) as fundamental for enhancing market access and economic collaboration across Africa.
The president called on the Ateker communities to prioritize peace by working with their governments to address issues such as disarmament and resource management, which he said is a prerequisite for development and prosperity in the region.
According to Vice President Jessica Alupo, the Ateker festival was not only serving as a reunion of the Ateker people but also celebrating their rich cultural heritage because the annual event reinforces the bonds that unite these diverse communities across the region.
“This festival is a big reunion beyond the Iteso-Ateker across the borders,” she said.
The president’s address at the Ateker Reunion Festival emphasizes a broader vision for African unity, economic cooperation, and peace-building among communities that were historically divided by colonial borders, a message that booms with ongoing efforts to strengthen ties within the continent and promote collective progress.
