By Nathan Eyagu 

Katakwi District - The much-anticipated Ecomai Festival is officially on course following a successful stakeholders' meeting held today at Magoro Town Council headquarters in Katakwi District.

The festival, slated for April 18–19, will take place at Opeta Parish in Magoro Sub-county, drawing attention to Teso’s rich cultural heritage and growing tourism potential.

The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including cultural leaders, local government officials, community members, and development partners, all committed to ensuring the success of the event.

The Ecomai Festival, organized by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) in collaboration with Ateker Museum and other partners, aims to promote Teso’s traditional delicacies—particularly Ecomai, a highly treasured wild tree known for its nutritional and medicinal value. The festival also serves as a platform to spotlight the region’s unique biodiversity, with Lake Opeta—home to rare bird species like the Shoebill (Ekurududu) and others playing a central role in tourism promotion.

During the meeting, Magoro Town Council Mayor Okello Richard lauded the ICU leadership for reconnecting with grassroots communities. “We thank God for blessing the Iteso with a visionary Emorimor and dedicated ministers. Their efforts to engage directly with the people show true leadership,” he said.

District Councillor Patrick Emongot Eria (Fungaro) encouraged residents to embrace indigenous foods over processed meals, noting the health benefits and cultural significance of local cuisine. “We must promote what is ours. Through unity, we can build a sustainable tourism sector in Teso,” he urged.

Joseph Ojatum, ICU’s Minister for Tourism and Documentation, emphasized the importance of environmental conservation. He called on residents to preserve local wildlife, especially rare bird species, and discourage deforestation. “Our birds and trees are part of our identity. If we protect them, we secure a future for eco-tourism in our land,” he said.

Ojatum also announced a traditional campfire session (Etem) to be held on the festival’s opening night. Elders will share stories and cultural wisdom with youth while seated on traditional three-legged stools (Emakuk) and carrying symbolic wooden staffs (Ebela). The event will feature cultural performances, storytelling, and teachings on the benefits of consuming Ecomai.

He further encouraged Iteso to add value to traditional products such as Ajon (local brew) and explore commercial opportunities in local food processing. Plans are also underway to distribute Ecomai seedlings to residents to support environmental regeneration and food security.

The festival has been welcomed by residents, who see it as a chance to revive pride in Teso culture. Michael Opolot, a local, called for ICU to ensure that revenue generated through tourism stays in the community. Meanwhile, Iringot Martine from Angisa urged leaders to address deteriorating road conditions and encourage the youth to embrace cultural dress and language.

Omoding Thomas, a lay leader in the Anglican Church, emphasized the need for cultural restoration. “The Karamojong and Westerners proudly wear their heritage. Iteso must return to their roots. As a church, we support this cause and urge everyone to turn up for the Ecomai Festival,” he said.

As preparations intensify, Katakwi is set to become a cultural and tourism hub, with the Ecomai Festival poised to not only honor traditional foods but also plant seeds of unity, pride, and sustainable development across Teso.