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By Timothy Eodu-Nakapiripirit
As the annual Karamoja Cultural Festival that is rotational in the 09 districts of the sub-region this year is taking place in Nakapiripirit District at old Nakapiripirit primary school under the theme “Strengthening Cultural cohesion in diversity for socio-economic transformation”, the tide is not as lively as in the past events.
Information in the public domain, those privy with the organizers state that the event did not receive the much-needed financial uplift this time around, something sources within the organizing committee have blamed on the current political season.
Francis Lopeyok, the Executive Director of Karamoja Youth Effort to Save Environment-KAYESE says the gaps will affect a lot of activities during the event, although some partners have come in to support. He says KAYESE will support the youth dialogue and election of the Karamoja cultural ambassadors as a way of encouraging youth participation in meaningful developmental activities and peace building.
According to information from sources within the organizing committee, they are already managing the situation amidst funding gaps and hope that they shall successfully steer the event to its very end with more successes to be registered, especially as development partners keep covering some of the most critical budgets.
Assuring the public and visitors of their safety during and after the cultural event, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson IP Michael Longole stated that they are working closely with the event organizers to ensure maximum security. He urged the community to be cooperative with the joint security forces and report any incidents that may threaten their safety.
Yesterday, the second day of the week-long event was characterized by finishing of construction, arrival of delegates from the different Ateker communities in Karamoja, Teso, Lango and those from Kenya and South Sudan. Normal programming is expected to kick off today-Wednesday 10th, as most dignitaries have already arrived.
Activities at the venue include blood donation, voluntary HIV testing and counselling, cultural dance displays, and exhibitions among others. The business community is set to grab the opportunity of the event to economically be boosted, with most accommodation facilities fully booked and nearby schools registering increased numbers of people seeking accommodation in classrooms.
The festival was expected to be opened by HE the Vice President of the Republic of Ugandan and the Chief Guest would be HE the President of the Republic of Ugandan Gen Y K Museveeni. However, the information on ground is that the opening function will be officiated by the Minister of Karamoja and the Chief Guest shall be the Hon Min of Gender Labour and Social Development, the Hon Amongi Betty.
