Norah Owaraga

The last of my grandfather Chief Engatunyun’s sons, my papa Omio, has rested

He was the last of my late grandfather’s sons who was still alive. We each have our time surely; and today, 30th August 2023, papa Stephen Omio’s time came. Two years ago, I wrote this of my late papa Omio and it is valid that this is how I should announce his passing early this…

I identify as Atesot, Ugandan & African – why does my being tribalistic offend some?

I was recently privileged to be part of a conversation during which the aspect of one’s identity was discussed, among other issues. It was fascinating for me how some of my fellow country folk cautioned the rest of us not to identify as among members of our respective 56 plus first nations of Uganda. Those…

Marriage Bill 2022 versus Iteso customary marriage – Part 2

Listening to and reading about the ongoing debate on the Private Member’s bill by Hon. Sarah Opendi, the Marriage Bill 2022, one may be persuaded to believe that customary laws of the first nations of Uganda are devoid of logic on matters marriage. “The Marriage Bill 2022 seeks to provide a comprehensive legislation on matters…

Marriage Bill 2022 versus Iteso customary marriage – Part 1

We, the Iteso, are the fifth largest first nation of Uganda and in our culture, marriage is adukokin. In Ateso, our language, adukokin means to build. And so, marriage among Iteso is when a man and his wife or wives enter into union to build a home, a family, a clan, a legacy, et cetera.…