Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, has appreciated the President for the Parish Development Model (PDM) that has transformed the livelihoods of Karamoja people.
She said this while thanking the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who presided over the proceedings of the Karamoja Cultural Festival for the first time, a gesture deeply appreciated by the people of the Karamoja Region.
The Karamoja Cultural Festival, now in its ninth edition, has evolved into a significant event that not only celebrates cultural heritage but also brings different people from all nine districts of Karamoja and the across-border countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, among others.
The festival gathered different leaders and communities from the Karamoja sub-region, alongside key international delegations, such as those from Turkana and South Sudan. It is through this collaboration that the people of Karamoja are able to engage in meaningful dialogue on the region’s future.
A critical theme of the event was the ongoing commitment to peace and reconciliation. The festival acted as a forum for discussing the disarmament process, youth reintegration, and addressing the challenges of illicit alcohol consumption and gender-based violence.
Hon. Akello reiterated the need for government support in finalizing ordinances that address these pressing issues.
Looking ahead, the region anticipates the completion of key government projects aimed at improving infrastructure and education.
In his speech, the Chairperson Central Organizing Committee, Mark Felix Loochale, expressed gratitude for the President’s financial and moral support of Ugx 200 million, emphasizing how the festival has become a cornerstone for fostering regional development.
According to Betty Lomuria, the Chairperson of Karamoja Cultural Event, next year’s festival will take place in Nakapiripirit District.
With this announcement, the communities of the Karamoja region are hopeful that the event will continue to grow, serving as a catalyst for cultural pride and sustainable development across Karamoja.
