Calls for peaceful co-existence and unity among pastoralists has dominated speeches at the 8^th edition of the Karamoja annual cultural festival official opening in Napak district, amidst an afternoon heavy downpour.

The one week long ceremony brings together members of the Karamoja or Ateker cluster, being held at Naarakorio village, Matany Sub County in Napak district.

John Paul Kodet, the district chairperson Napak urged the Ateker people to unite and fight insecurity that has robbed them of their wealth.

Napak district Woman Member of Parliament Faith Nakut has meanwhile urged communities in the Karamoja cluster to use such events to unite for peace, adding that the event has over the years helped unite the people but there are still some gaps in the struggle.

Her counterpart for Nabilatuk district Sylvia Awas, reiterated the need to strengthen peace initiatives in the cluster.

Addressing the huge gathering, Daniel Korobe the Sub County chairperson Matany asked the Ateker knot to unite for peace, saying the cluster is lagging behind because of insecurity characterized by killings and cattle raids.

On behalf of his counterparts’, Korobe commended governments in the East African region for the struggle to unite the locals in the Karamoja cluster.

Meanwhile, the state minister for energy Peter Lokeris who was the chief guest urged the ethnic groups to join hands and fight the common enemy – insecurity in the cluster.

Lokeris encouraged the sub tribes to use the event to reconnect with each other in efforts to secure a peaceful co-existence.

This year’s Karamoja cultural event is being marked under the theme, “Preserving our cultural identity and diversity for a dignified, and resilient future”.

The cultural event has offered a rare platform not seen over the years with an immense crowd and a commitment to peaceful co-existence.