Draft:Echoes of Heritage: Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Lango Tradition and Culture

Cultural Dressing of the First Generation of Lango Tribe

Lango are a Nilotic ethnic group that lives in North-Central Uganda. The Lango are believed to have originally migrated from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) which dates back to 1600 AD as one group.

Lango History

Upon reaching the Kenya-Ethiopian boarder, ethnic fragmentations begun where the first group know as the Turkana remained at the Kenya-Ethiopian boarder, the second group known as the Toposa moved and settled in present day Sudan, and the third group Dodoth settled in present day Karamoja in Northern Uganda where the Jie (Karamojong) remained and settled to this day. Ethnic fragmentations continued where three other groups emerged and these included the Pian, Bokora, and the Matheniko who also remained in Karamoja till this day. However, the Iteso settled in present day Soroti District, and Kumam settled in present day Kaberamaido District after migrating westwards with Kumam being the smallest group. Furthermore, the Langi moved to the Central region of Northern Uganda occupying the present day Lira, Apac, Dokolo, Amolatar,, Otuke, Alebtong, Kole and Oyam Districts where the Lango tribe settled to the present day.

Language

Lango people are the largest Non-Bantu Ethnic groups in Uganda. it encompasses the Acholi, Alur, and Langi who majorly speak the distinctive language of Acholi, Langi, Luo and Alur in unique dialects understood by all the three tribes. this languages are also widely spoken by the Japadolha in Eastern Uganda (Tororo District) and the Luo of Western Kenya.

Location

The people of Lango can be found between latitude 1°30′ N and 2°44′ N and longitude 32°15′ E and 33°15′ E.

Weather and climate

A Non Cultivated Garden in Northern Uganda.

Northern Uganda is relatively a semi-arid part of Uganda and experiences one to two rainy seasons with relative humidity as it lies outside of the tropical region hence receiving little rainfall between March and October with temperature's of January and February at an average daytime range of 22 – 28°C ( 71 – 82°F) with peaks of more than 30°C in the far northern region of Uganda

Culture and tradition

Lango Flag with the Rhino Totem (Amuka)

The cultures of Lango people envisaged leadership as a key pillar in their institution. The cultural leader is called "Won Nyaci", meaning "visionary leader" and the current Lango cultural leader is His Majesty Won Nyaci Yosam Odur The Lango people also pay allegiance and uniquely identify with the Rhino as their cultural totem.

Initially, the Lango people had their traditional government system before the British rule. These included the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief), Twon Lwak (Military Leader), Awitong (Supreme Clan Chief), Rwot (Chief), Won Paco (Head of Homesteads), and Awi-Otem (Head of Family Lineage).

A Grass Thatched House In Dokolo District.

Additionally, the dressing of the Lango people were mainly hides and skins adopted from the Acholi civilization then but previously they used leaves and others walked naked. The homesteads were built and roofed with grasses (Grass Thatched House) which remains a prominent tradition to this present day. Marriage involved a substantial bride-price in livestock for a man getting married as an appreciation to the girls family that were determined by the girls parents, a tradition that stands to this present day. As herdsmen, traditionally cattle were wealth to the community, unfortunately the cattle rustlers from Karamoja stole almost all the cattle the Langi had and this greatly demoralized their herding spirit.

Mingled/Prepared Millet Flour (KALO)

Food

Traditionally, Lango people grew millet which remains their staple food to this present day. Millet is used to make the Kalo (millet posho) that is eaten with all foods for example beans, vegetables, beef among others. Millet is also used to brew the local beer called "Kongo Ting," (Marua) a nutritious beverage taken by the Langi people. Also, the Lango people took pride in their cattle.