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By Cinderella Atenyo
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed that he will attend the official opening of the 11th Karamoja Cultural Festival at Naitakwae Ceremonial Grounds in Moroto on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The confirmation comes as the cultural celebrations enter their second day, with communities from across Karamoja and the wider Ateker region gathering in Moroto to celebrate their shared heritage, culture and identity.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, announced the President’s confirmation on Saturday in a message shared with members of the Moroto Development Forum platform.
According to Lokii, the President’s visit will provide an opportunity to celebrate a number of important milestones, including his 2026 presidential election victory, the prevailing peace and security in Karamoja, and the official opening of this year’s cultural festival.
Lokii called on the people of Karamoja and other well-wishers to turn up in large numbers and take part in the celebrations.
The Karamoja Cultural Festival, now in its 11th edition, has become an important gathering for the Ateker communities, bringing together people from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia. The event provides a platform for communities with shared cultural and historical ties to showcase their traditions while promoting unity, peace and peaceful coexistence.
However, as preparations continue and activities at the festival enter the second day, some business operators have raised concerns about the location of the venue at Naitakwae Ceremonial Grounds, saying it is relatively far from Moroto town.
Edison Mugarura, the Chairperson of Traders, said several vendors are concerned about the distance from town and how it could affect their businesses during the event.
He said traders had raised questions about shelter, security, access to electricity and the challenge of restocking their goods from town.
Mugarura noted that organisers had assured traders of the availability of toilets, reliable electricity and security for their merchandise. However, he said some concerns remain, particularly regarding traffic management around the venue and the safety of both traders and visitors.
Despite the concerns, expectations remain high as the festival continues to attract visitors and cultural groups from different parts of the Ateker region.
With President Museveni expected to officially open the event on Wednesday, this year’s festival is expected to draw even greater attention to Karamoja, a region that has in recent years experienced improved peace and stability.
For many participants, the festival is not only about traditional dances, songs and cultural displays, but also an opportunity to strengthen unity among communities and reflect on the changing face of Karamoja.
