By Nathan Eyagu 

KAMPALA — The spirit of unity and togetherness among the Iteso community was on full display on Saturday as hundreds of people gathered in Kampala for the third edition of the annual Iteso Meet & Greet.

The event, held at Favored Gardens along Namugongo Road, opposite Agenda 2000, brought together members of the Iteso community and their friends for a day of cultural celebration, entertainment, networking and community interaction.

The gathering was attended by Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, who commended the Iteso for maintaining a strong sense of community and for turning up in large numbers.

Kabanda hailed the community for identifying with one another and demonstrating unity, saying her office remains open to working with the Iteso and other communities in Kampala.

The enthusiasm surrounding the event was evident from the early hours of the morning, with guests beginning to arrive at the venue as early as 8am, despite the official gates opening at 10am.

Organizers described the early turnout as unusual and a sign of the growing interest in the annual gathering.

By later in the day, the venue had filled with people participating in various activities aimed at celebrating Iteso identity and heritage.

Traditional food was among the major attractions at the gathering, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy and reconnect with Iteso culinary traditions.

A variety of local dishes, including eboo, emalakany and ecadoi, were served alongside other traditional delicacies.

The food, combined with music and cultural activities, created an atmosphere of celebration as attendees interacted and shared experiences.

The third edition of the Iteso Meet & Greet featured a broad programme celebrating culture, heritage and entertainment.

Activities included cultural heritage presentations, a red-carpet session, Akogo and Ajosi, Ajenna, Ajok na Ader, an Aboi competition, traditional dishes and networking opportunities.

The event also brought together a number of musicians and entertainers, including Canis Odoo Richo, VIPA Teso Mada, Moze Fiza from Karamoja, Apollo Wilson, Simple Bullet, Yang Maro, Success Music, D. Lebo, Princely Tino, Abigail and Lyrical Jersey.

The entertainment line-up was further supported by DJs Mato, Max Miles and Ikay, while MCs Rickxel, EmmaSo, Rogers and Mr. Keith kept the programme moving. Comedian RCC Dolopiko also entertained guests.

The gathering also attracted political leaders and community figures.

Among those who attended was David Beecham Okwere, Member of Parliament for Bukedea County, as well as Dan Mulalu, a former parliamentary contestant for Ngariam County in Katakwi District and member of the Kazi Ni Kazi group.

Their participation added to the networking and community engagement aspects of the event.

For many participants, the gathering was more than a social event. It provided a platform for members of the Iteso community to reconnect with their cultural roots, build relationships and celebrate their shared identity.

The strong attendance from the early morning hours was seen as an indication of growing interest in initiatives that bring the Iteso together in Kampala.

As the third edition concluded, the event reinforced its growing role as an annual platform for culture, unity, networking and community building, with participants looking forward to continued efforts to strengthen the bonds among the Iteso community.