The inaugural Ateker Cup of Nations tournament, which brought together football teams from pastoral communities in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, has laid bare the poor state of sports infrastructure in Turkana County, 12 years after the advent of devolution under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed witnessed the challenges firsthand after organisers were forced to relocate matches from the heavily flooded Lodwar Prison Ground to local primary schools.
Despite being the most reliable sporting facility in the region, the Lodwar Prison Ground was rendered unusable after heavy rains flooded the area.
Located next to Lodwar Airstrip, where Mr Mohammed landed, the field had makeshift tire fences to prevent fans from invading the pitch during matches.
Faced with the flooding, organisers moved matches to alternative venues, including Nakwamekwi Primary School—home ground for Hillside FC, which is currently fourth on 40 points after playing 24 games in the FKF Division One-Zone B—along with Lodwar Mixed Primary and Kanam Kemer Primary Schools.
A water-logged Lodwar Prison Grounds in this photo taken on April 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
While Mr Mohammed avoided direct comments on the deplorable conditions faced by athletes in arid and semi-arid regions, he emphasised the broader purpose of the tournament.
"Sports can tackle all challenges facing young women and men, including unemployment, crime, early pregnancies, as well as drug and substance abuse," he said.
"I will work closely with the county government to improve sports infrastructure in the county. We will build a stadium in Lodwar in the future through our partnership with the county government, national government, development partners, private sectors, and with the support of locals."
The tournament concluded with Ng'ora FC from the Iteso community in Uganda emerging victorious, defeating Kakuma United FC from Turkana 4–3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.
A water-logged Lodwar Prison Grounds in this photo taken on April 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
The final was held at Lodwar Mixed Primary School and attended by dignitaries including Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, East African Community Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, Uganda’s Minister of State for Minerals Peter Lokeris, and Senator James Lomenen, alongside representatives from South Sudan and Ethiopia.
"We need a stadium in Lodwar town where our players can be motivated to compete fairly. As fans too, due to the scorching sun, we need shades and seats where everyone can follow the match comfortably," he said.
During the eighth edition of the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival in October last year, county officials displayed a stadium design developed during the administration of former Governor Josphat Nanok.
President William Ruto, then the chief guest, advised the county to seek a more affordable design, suggesting consultations with then-Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Action between Ng'ora FC from Iteso community in Uganda and Kakuma United FC from Turkana during the Ateker Cup of Nations tournament at Lodwar Mixed Primary School on April 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
In May 2021, Mr. Nanok had presented designs for the proposed Ekaales Stadium and Sports Complex at the Ekaales Center, the venue for the annual Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival. However, earlier efforts to build a stadium were marred by scandals, with a local contractor blacklisted in 2020 over embezzlement and failure to meet project expectations.
Governor Lomorukai expressed optimism that his administration would prioritise sports to foster unity among the youth in border regions still experiencing conflict over resources and boundaries.
Sports officials from Turkana County show President William Ruto and other dignitaries the current design of the proposed Ekaales Stadium in Lodwar town on October 25, 2024. Dr Ruto directed the officials to consult Ministry of Sports for a design of an affordable stadium terming this as an expensive one.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
"Sporting activities such as the Ateker tournament are meant to bring together the people from Ateker communities that speak the same language, like Teso and Karamoja of Uganda, Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, and Nyangatom of Ethiopia. We are one people, and by coming together through sports, we will be able to appreciate one another because of a common identity like origin and culture," Governor Lomorukai said.
Mr. Lokeris echoed the sentiment, urging governments to invest in youth through sports, promoting them as peace ambassadors rather than followers of the violent paths of the past.
