President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched the 11th Karamoja Cultural Festival in Moroto, calling for the preservation of positive cultural values while abandoning practices that hinder development.

The festival, held from September 6 to 12 at Naitakwae Grounds in Moroto District, has brought together an estimated 15,000 participants from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The event features traditional dances, beadwork, traditional foods and cultural displays, with this year’s festival centred on unity, peace and tourism.

Museveni, who launched the festival on September 9, commended the people of Karamoja for embracing peace and said the disarmament of the region had been necessary.

He said more than 41,000 firearms had been recovered during the disarmament exercise, crediting women in particular for their role in the process.

Museveni also called for what he described as a “cultural audit” to identify practices that should be preserved and those that need to be abandoned.

“I also told them to preserve the good aspects of their culture, especially discipline and family values, while abandoning practices that are no longer good for society,” Museveni said.

“We must preserve our identity while embracing development and a modern way of life.”

The President also outlined a three-phase approach to improving food security in Karamoja, including the use of climate-resilient seeds and livestock to strengthen agricultural production in the region.

The festival has also been presented as an opportunity to promote Karamoja’s tourism potential and strengthen cultural ties among communities across Uganda and neighbouring countries.

NRM leaders attending the event highlighted the improved security situation in Karamoja and the region’s potential for tourism and economic development.

The festival is scheduled to run until September 12, with cultural performances, exhibitions and other activities showcasing the traditions and heritage of the Karamojong and neighbouring communities.