The Ateker cup of Nations second edition is poised to attract forty eight (48) in Uganda with the competition set to kick off from 16-22nd of August 2026 in Soroti city.
While speaking in a press conference at Sparrow Hotel in Soroti city, the chairman of the technical committee Daniel Otim said that there are going to be 48 teams (8 women and the rest mens category) taking part in this year’s edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations.
Teams are going to be divided into eight (8) groups of men and 2 groups for women with matches kicking off on Sunday morning immediately after the marathon.
Otim also revealed that the opening match will be between Teso and Lango at Soroti city stadium (Oligoi). He also added that Oligoi will be the main stadium which will also host the finals of the competition.”
“We are going to have four fields at Soroti Sports grounds, we shall also use Soroti Demonstration primary school, Soroti SSS, Pioneer Primary School and Hilders primary school as some of the host venues of the competition”
“We are going to have high profile referees in this competition so I also want to promise the people of Teso that we are going to have every successful competition.” Otim while addressing the press
The CEO of Ateker Cup, Isaac Olupot also emphasised on their commitment in producing good results where he said that the competition is attracting referees from Kenya, Ethiopia and three quarters of the national referees in uganda.
Olupot also said the competition will receive Iteso and Karamojong of Uganda, Turkana of Kenya, Toposa and Jie of South Sudan and Nyangatom of Ethiopia.
He also revealed that S. Sudan has a Langi tribe which has confirmed to bring two teams in this year’s edition of the Ateker Cup.
“We have the Langi tribe in South Sudan and they have confirmed that they will produce two teams, Langi in uganda is also coming with two teams, Kumam two teams.” Olupot Stated
“There will be a marathon in the morning Sunday 16th August, teams will be arriving on Saturday then they will take a rest before the marathon.
“I would say we have 1,400 players that we shall be hosting in the city plus the Soroti community and visitors coming, we shall be together to run for peace”.
Isaac Olupot said that for so long the Ateker community has fought itself, clearly stating that Iteso fought against the Kumam, Karamojong fighting with Teso and Toposa Toposa. Olupot asked a strong question on why we would continue fighting each other yet we can United, therefore he urged the Ateker as an indigenous group to come together to develop through trade and social activities like football.
The Board member at the national Council of Sports (NCS), Cicelia Anyakoit who was in attendance assured the competition of their full support as the country’s governing body.
“As national Council of Sports we are fully on board, we shall provide balls, nets and all other necessary equipment needed for both women and men. And as regulators we will always support any game”. Anyakoit while addressing the Media.
The official sponsors of the Ateker Women’s football Competition, Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) led by the founder madam Anna Elotu reaffirmed their commitment in supporting women in football through the Ateker Cup.
Elotu added that DECODI is still empowering women through many social, spiritual and economic aspects of life as a Christian founded organization which has extended its hand to women in the sport.
“As a Christian organization she pledged to engage with all Christian churches to fully support the game and to promote peace in the community.
“As we speak have already met with Bishops of different churches and bet me shall be seeing a bishop in each game.
“Just like the CEO said, we shall have the Peace summit, it’s a high time we lay down our machetes and we develop our Ateker and for me who loves women I see this as a future for our women.”
She also told the press that the Bishops also requested to play a friendly Match with the different leader as curtain raiser Match before the finals on the 22nd of August.
But among other dignitaries in attendance was, the North East Regional League chairman, John Odongo, Soroti city East Mayor Abdul Latif, Deputy Mayor Soroti city who all emphasised the importance of the sport in uniting and developing the community.
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