President Yoweri Museveni has tipped the Karamoja sub-region to turn its rich culture and tourism potential into a source of household wealth, as he officially opened the 11th Karamoja Cultural Festival at Naitakwae Grounds in Moroto District on Wednesday, 9th September.
Running from September 6th to 12th under the theme: “Unity in Culture, Strength in Peace, Prosperity Through Tourism and Natural Resources,” the week-long festival has drawn thousands from the Ateker cluster – Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia – showcasing traditional music, dance, food, dress and heritage.
The President said Karamoja, strategically located between Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, is endowed with vast landscapes, wildlife and unique cultural traditions that, if well-harnessed, can drive socio-economic transformation.
“You have a very rich culture and beautiful natural resources. Use these resources to create wealth for your people,” Museveni said, adding that culture should facilitate development, not hinder it.
“Culture should help us to develop. It should not stop development. We must preserve our identity while embracing development and a modern way of life,” he told the gathering.
Museveni also commended the people of Karamoja for supporting peace and disarmament efforts, revealing that more than 41,000 guns had been collected.
“I especially thank the women who supported us in collecting more than 41,000 guns. Guns had brought murder and instability. Disarmament was necessary to end insecurity,” he said.
President Museveni urged communities to uphold discipline and family values that strengthen social cohesion, while abandoning harmful practices that block progress.
Vice President Jessica Alupo lauded Karamoja for supporting the ruling party in the recently concluded elections, saying peace has created development opportunities.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs John Baptist Lokii welcomed the President’s focus on food stabilisation to complement PDM and Emyooga, but appealed for delayed recovery of PDM funds due to prolonged drought.
“Let us allow Karamojongs to recover properly from this strong drought,” Lokii appealed.
The festival continues until September 12 with traditional dances, exhibitions, and dialogues on peace and sustainable development.
