Soroti, Uganda – Patrick Amuriat, the leader of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has accused President Yoweri Museveni and his government of exacerbating poverty among the Ateker people.
Speaking at the second day of the Ateker Reunion Festival in Soroti, Amuriat highlighted what he termed the government’s failure to address the growing inequality and underdevelopment in the Ateker-speaking of Uganda.
His statements struck a chord with attendees, many of whom expressed frustration over years of unfulfilled promises and stagnant development in their communities.
Amuriat’s critique focused heavily on the Museveni administration’s economic policies, which he argued have left the Ateker people marginalized and economically disadvantaged.
He pointed to the government’s neglect of critical infrastructure, education and healthcare in these areas, which he believes has directly contributed to the continued poverty and limited opportunities for the people.
“Despite the rich potential of the Ateker region in both human and natural resources, this government has failed to implement policies that would uplift these communities,” Amuriat said. “Instead of creating an environment for growth and prosperity, the people are still trapped in poverty, with no clear path to a better future.”
The Ateker Reunion Festival, which brings together communities from across East Africa, served as the perfect platform for Amuriat to voice his frustrations and demand action.
The festival is a celebration of the cultural ties that unite the Ateker-speaking populations from Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Ethiopia, and it provides a space for discussions about the shared challenges and opportunities facing these communities.
Amuriat urged the Ateker people to come together and demand better representation, more equitable development and policies that address their unique challenges.
He called for greater unity across these countries and encouraged the people to hold their leaders accountable for the lack of tangible progress in the region.
“The Ateker people must be the ones to drive their own development,” Amuriat stated. “We must not wait for the government to act on our behalf. It is time we took charge of our future.”
Amuriat’s remarks also brought to light the broader issue of political representation and the need for more inclusive governance that prioritizes rural and marginalized communities.
He called on the Ateker people to stand together in pushing for policies that support local empowerment, regional integration and sustainable development.
“The Ateker communities must unite, not just as citizens of Uganda, but as a collective force across East Africa,” Amuriat said. “Together, we can break the chains of poverty and build a future that our children deserve.”
The Ateker Reunion Festival has become an annual event where issues affecting the region’s communities are discussed and solutions are proposed.
This year, it became a platform for political and social discourse, with Amuriat urging the people to look beyond the traditional political divide and work together for a brighter future.
For many, the festival is not only a celebration of shared heritage but a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the prosperity of future generations.
Amuriat’s words have sparked a new conversation about the future of the Ateker communities and what can be done to address the historical inequities that have kept them from thriving.
The Ateker people’s struggle for development is far from over, but Amuriat’s speech has rekindled the hope that with unity and determination, the region can finally break free from the cycle of poverty that has plagued it for generations.
