The Kumam Cultural Leader, Won Ateker Raphael Otaya, has urged the Ateker Community in Uganda and neighboring countries to collaborate with governments in power to achieve prosperity for all.
While addressing thousands of Ateker communities comprising of Lango, Kumam, Topotha, Iteso, and Kakwa, among others, during the second day of the Ateker Reunion festival held at the Soroti Boma grounds on Thursday, November 28th, 2024, Papa Otaya emphasized unity and cooperation with the existing governments.
He echoed President Museveni’s call for harmony among the diverse tribes within the Ateker Community, highlighting their shared cultural beliefs and practices.
In recent years, the community has faced insecurity due to cattle rustling and tribal conflicts, particularly between Karamojong raiders and the Iteso people.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni opened the three-day festival on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, and called for critical commitment to promote peace and stability among the Ateker communities.
In his message, President Museveni stressed the importance of coexistence, noting that the Ateker community should live together peacefully without any of them provoking one another.
Won Ateker addressed the need for resource sharing and called for unity among the Ateker people.
“What belongs to the Iteso also belongs to the other tribes. Let us respect each other’s property and lives to live harmoniously. With the recent discovery of oil in Ateker land, it is essential that we work closely with the government to benefit from this resource. You cannot fight your father because it brings curses,” stated Papa Otaya.
Papa Otaya highlighted the need for the Ateker community to embrace government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), for socio-economic transformation.
The Kumam community, part of the Ateker cluster, includes people from Kaberamaido and Kalaki, primarily occupied by the Kumam, as well as others from the districts of Soroti and Serere in the Teso sub-region.
The Kumam community officially separated from the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) led by Emorimor in 2023.
