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.

The Ateker festival, which is celebrated under the theme Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path Towards Peace, Prosperity, and Cultural Renaissance, will also feature members of Ateker Communities, including the Nyangatomo of Ethiopia, Topotha, Bari & Torit of South Sudan, Iteso, Turkana, and Masai of Kenya, Iteso, Karimojong, Jie, Dodoth, and Langi of Uganda, and the Masai of Tanzania.

The Karamoja Cultural Festival started eight years ago with this event making its ninth year, the reason it is called the 9th edition. The cultural event aims at preserving peace and unity among the Karamajong, Turkana, Pokot, Dodoth, Jie, Nyangatom, and other tribes as Ateker to promote cultural diversity.