By KT Reporter
The need for economic empowerment and disarmament of armed communities among the Ateker people on Tuesday dominated discussions during a dialogue ahead of the Ateker Reunion Festival.
The delegates gathered at Soroti University noted with passion, the urgent need for the Ateker communities to transform from the archaic practices of local livestock farming to modern agricultural practices that generate daily income.
The State Minister for Disabilities, Hellen Asamo told the Ateker leaders to champion innovations and mindset change that will empower the communities economically. According to Asamo, the Ateker clusters are identical to poverty amidst the vast resources in their possessions.
She noted that the community is often preoccupied with internal conflicts and issues that hinder progress across the regions they inhabit, including Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Alfred Osukuku, one of the Ateker leaders in Kenya says that a lot of energy has been spent on the acquisition of illegal firearms which is causing communities to remain in conflict and poverty. He challenged the Ateker traditional leaders to champion mindset change to address all the issues affecting the growth and development of the Ateker communities.
Osukuku wants the festival to help strengthen ties among the Ateker communities. He also called on the heads of state hosting the Ateker communities to address the issue of economic empowerment by offering incentives that will tap skills and innovation for development.
Juliet Oruchum, a youth leader from Amagoro Division in Busia, Kenya called on the Ateker leaders to help the youth address issues of family, especially early marriages. She notes that young people have strayed away from the tradition that honours marriage, leaving the children born in such marriages to suffer without support and guidance.
The Ateker Reunion Festival runs up to Friday, November 29, 2024, under the theme “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path towards Peace.”
