Museveni Calls for Political and Economic Integration.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call for political and economic integration if the people of Africa are to achieve sustainable prosperity. According to the President, the United States of America is prosperous because of political and economic integration as compared to Latin America which is limping economically with its abundant resources due to fragmentation.

“What caused the difference between the USA and Latin America? In my view, the answer is political and economic integration versus fragmentation. If you fragment the market, you have this small market of Uganda, Kenya, that is where the problem is,” he said.

The President who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks during the Ateker Cultural Festival celebrations held in Soroti City Sports Ground.

The annual festival brings together the Ateker Communities of Nyangatom of Ethiopia, Topotha, Bari and Torit of South Sudan, the Iteso, Karamojong, Jie, Dodoth, Kumam, Langi and Kakwa of Uganda, the Masai of Tanzania and the Turkana and Masai of Kenya.

President Museveni explained that political and economic integration among similar and linked people done appropriately, means strength and prosperity while political and market fragmentation means weakness and misery on account of poverty and insecurity.

“That is why our National Resistance Movement which started as a student movement in the 1960s, distilled the four ideological principles which are Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and democracy,” he said.

Furthermore, the President reminded the Ateker people of the three historical missions that were put in place by Pan-Africanists to protect the interests of the African people. He listed the three historical means as creating prosperity, promoting strategic security and brotherhood “undugu”.

The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo informed the President that the festival is a celebration of unity, cultural heritage and shared dreams. “I’m humbled by the spirit of togetherness demonstrated by your physical presence here today. Consequently, this festival serves as a vibrant testament of the reunion of the communities after decades of over 136 years of separation. Ateker people share linguistic and cultural ties and the purpose of this festival is to celebrate and strengthen the bonds that tie us together as Africans,” H.E Alupo explained.

The Patron of Ateker people in Africa and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership and commitment in making this highly esteemed event possible. “I’m honoured to stand before you today at this vibrant celebration of the cultural festival of the Ateker people. This festival is a testament to our shared heritage, our resilience and the enduring spirit of our ancestors,” he said.

The Paramount Chief (Emorimor) of Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Paul Sande Emolot on behalf of the Ateker people,  thanked President Museveni for the generous support he has provided to ensure that the function is a success. The Emorimor also commended the President for his efforts in bringing security and peace in the Teso sub region, Karamoja and beyond.

The three-day event is running under the theme: “Celebrating Shared Heritage, Forging a Path Towards Peace, Prosperity and Cultural Renaissance” and this year’s festival is intended to consolidate peace, team building and celebration of unity as well exploring the economic opportunities among the Ateker community.