Day 6: Acholi Cultural Experiences

June 19, 2024

DAY 6: ACHOLI CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Today we had the chance to visit some villages where we learned about the culture of the Acholi tribe.

In the morning, we left for Lukodi, one of the eight Acholi districts, where we went on a guided LRA walk. The Lord’s Resistance Army was a rebel group that started in northern Uganda and was responsible for the biggest civil war in Ugandan history.

A massacre occurred in the village of Lukodi on May 19, 2004, as part of this war. 34 members of the army were stationed there to protect the people. At 6 pm, 200 rebels attacked. More than 72 people were killed, and many others were abducted and never again found.

We learned a lot about the village's history and how the Acholi people’s lives differed before and after the massacre. Our guide at the Lukodi Memorial Center, Wilfred, showed us many items from the villages that were important in their lives. Many elders were killed during the massacre, which was detrimental to the Acholi culture. The culture was documented through oral stories and traditions. Without the elders, these things were lost.

Our next activity was an Acholi culinary experience. We had a chance to make traditional Acholi foods from scratch. We began by going to the gardens where we were able to harvest plants like boo, which was a key ingredient in our dishes. Afterwards, we took the leaves of the plants off the stems and cleaned the leaves. With these leaves we made three separate dishes that everyone was able to help with.

The coolest part of this experience was making peanut butter. The first step to making the peanut butter was to boil the nuts. After taking the nuts out of the water and letting them cool for some time, we learned different ways to unshell the nuts. We then took turns grinding the unshelled nuts until they started to come together. Finally, we used a grinding stone to turn the mixture into peanut butter. It took a lot of time and effort, but in the end, it was enjoyable to see and try the finished product.

Two other dishes we made were millet bread and pigeon peas with shea butter. After all our hard work, we had a delicious meal inside a traditional mud hut.

Our final activities were basket weaving and pottery making. Some people made pots and bowls out of clay. I did not do the pottery myself, but the people doing it seemed to be enjoying themselves, and their final products turned out well.

Instead of pottery, I was doing basket weaving. It was very challenging to do, but towards the end, I was getting the hang of it, so it was sad to leave. We left the pots that were made drying in the sun, and we will get them before we leave Gulu. Our teachers will also finish our baskets for us so we can bring them home to New York. Seeing the traditional basket weaving was a great experience. It was interesting to learn that the men who did the basket weaving are able to make four baskets in one day, which is extremely impressive.

These experiences were exciting but also educational. The war is an important part of Acholi history, and although it is upsetting to hear about, it defines the lives of Acholi people today. Food and craft are important parts of everyday life. Learning about them in their true setting from the people who practice these talents each day was special.

The Acholi are a group that people in other countries may not know about. We can help teach the world who they are by learning about them and their traditions.

Thank you!

Cassidy McGee

Social Promise Youth