The Ateker Cup of Nations 2026 was launched on Thursday, 10th June 2026 in Soroti City, with organizers, religious leaders, and regional officials hailing the tournament as a powerful tool for fostering peace, unity, and integration among Ateker communities across East Africa.
Organized by the Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation, the tournament will bring together teams from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia under the theme “Building Bridges, BuildingChampions.”
The competition is scheduled to run from August 16 to 22, 2026, and will feature football matches, marathons, cultural carnivals, and regional dialogue forums.
Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation Chief Executive Officer Isaac Olupot said that the tournament was established to unite Ateker communities that have historically experienced conflicts and cattle-related disputes.
The Ateker community stretches across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia and includes ethnic groups such as the Iteso, Kumam, Karamojong, Turkana, Toposa, Nyangatom, and Langi.
Olupot also announced the introduction of a women’s competition for the first time in the history of the Ateker Cup, saying women are key stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.
Launching the event, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Joseph Eciru, described the tournament as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among Ateker communities.
The bishop urged participants to remain rooted in spiritual values and use the tournament not only to compete for trophies but also to build lasting friendships and social transformation.
Commissioner for Political Affairs Dr. Andrew Musiime from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs said President Yoweri Museveni had directed greater attention towards cultural connections as an important driver of East African integration.
Presidential Special Envoy for Ateker Affairs, John Munyes, welcomed the progress made so far and emphasized the importance of preserving cultural ties among Ateker communities.
Chief Guest Ababu Namwamba, Head of Mission at the Kenyan High Commission in Uganda, highlighted the transformative power of sports in promoting unity and development.
“I want to encourage the organisers to professionalize and commercialize the tournament by attracting sponsorships and expanding media coverage to ensure its sustainability. I also commend the inclusion of women’s football,” noted Namwamba.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators from across the Ateker region, reinforcing the tournament’s growing reputation as a vehicle for peace, cultural exchange, and socio-economic development.
