Time with grandma helped me grow the most

What experiences in life helped you grow the most? Today, I am nostalgic about my late paternal grandmother (tata in Ateso, our language of the fourth largest first nation of Uganda). My tata passed away and rested decades ago, but how she nurtured me and what I learnt during the time I was privileged to…

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

Today, I am nostalgic about my late paternal grandmother (tata in Ateso, our language of the fourth largest first nation of Uganda).

My tata passed away and rested decades ago, but how she nurtured me and what I learnt during the time I was privileged to spend with her in my childhood and adulthood, still informs my choices.

I felt safe and protected by her always.

Tata instilled in me the will and courage to fight back against injustice meted out against me.

Everyday, when I look at her portrait next to mine in my living room, I am reminded that I carry the legacy of a powerful name, Alinga, of a powerful woman.

Yes, that is my cultural name. I am, Alinga, named after my tata.

Read “I am Alinga” to appreciate the power of name among us Iteso.

For more on my civic activism during women’s month 2025, check out this post on my X @nowaraga