Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I, a son to Prince Christopher Paul Kiijanangoma and a grandson of Omukama George David Kamurasi Rukiidi ascended to the throne on September 29th, 2026, after the death of his cousin King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV who succumbed to cancer at the age of 34 in the United states.
The Ateker-speaking communities include the Nyangatomo of Ethiopia; the Toposa, Bari, and Torit of South Sudan; the Iteso, Turkana, and Masai of Kenya; the Iteso, Karimojong, Jie, Dodoth, Kumam, Langi, and Kakwa of Uganda; and the Masai of Tanzania, plus other closely-knit groups spread across the greater East African region.
Levi Emurugat, the chairperson of the Kamolo division located in the Eastern region of Kenya, has said that the Ateker festival is an event designed to unify the Ateker people across East Africa because they are one people.