Lodwar – 21st August, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

A football tournament dubbed “Ateker Football for Peace” kicked off today, with ten teams confirming their participation.

Organized by Turkana County as part of the preparations for the upcoming eighth edition of the Turkana Tourism and Cultural event, the tournament has drawn teams from the Ateker communities in Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

The County Executive for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Audan Leah Lokala, announced that the four-day tournament would be held at the Kalobeyei Sports Complex in Kakuma Municipality.

“The tournament is part of the Governor’s initiative to promote peaceful coexistence among the neighbouring Ateker communities, which are the focus of the Tobong’ulore festivals,” Lokala stated.

The Chief Officer for Sports, Leah Losiru Lokaala, underscored the importance of discipline as she witnessed the flagging off of the football teams from Turkana Central.

“High discipline is not just about following the rules; it’s about commitment, teamwork, and respect for the game. Success comes to those who uphold these values,” she said.

The flagging off exercise was also witnessed by directors from the sports and tourism, team officials, event partners and organizers, fans and general public.