Norah Owaraga

Origins of “Bukedi” – could it derive from Ateso?

I have just had an interesting telephone conversation with Professor Samwiri Lwanga Lunyiigo who insists that the word “Bukedi” (plural) is a Luganda word derived from the word “Mukedi” (singular); which words refer to people that are either half naked or fully naked (not wearing clothes). However, Prof. Lunyiigo acknowledged that he was not certain…

Bukedi is the land of the naked people?

“Bukedi – literally ‘the land of the naked people.’” Joan Vincent quoted by Dr. Ben Jones in his book: “Beyond the state in rural Uganda.” “Eeeh!,” was my reaction when I read how my homeland got its name. I immediately asked myself, “how come I did not know this?” So, I went on a Google…

Lira Woman MP Hon Auma triumphs again

“Bony Aliro was supposed to present the petition with signatures of registered voters in the constituency to support the petition. The witnesses who swore affidavits did not have a polling station to identify them, no voter identification number; while some of them lacked genuine national identity cards; and the signatures were forged.” Paul Idambi, Hon.…

To be a ‘Big Man’ in Teso is earned not inherited

“The ideal clan elders were men of understanding and impartial judgement who saw themselves not as rulers but as the arbiters and mediators of their people … if a son lacked the quality of leadership, another among the sons, fulfilling the requirements of leadership, was chosen by the clan to take over. Courage and generosity,…