Independent Global Citizen

Acholiland

The Acholi people are an ethnic group who are located in the northern part of Uganda.  The area is commonly referred to as Acholiland. They have a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is expressed in a wide variety of music and dance that has been passed from generation to generation.

Unfortunately the Acholi culture was stifled for two decades while the region suffered from a horrific conflict that traumatized innocent civilians.  The displacement of people from their villages caused social degradation that threatened the survival of important Acholi traditions.

Now that peace has returned to the northern part of Uganda, the Acholi people are revitalizing their culture as it existed before the war. Elders are now teaching important traditions to the younger generations once again.

In December 2007, I traveled to Gulu, Uganda to attend a large community event that celebrated the Acholi culture in music and dance .  The celebration lasted from early evening until sunrise the next morning.  I documented the event with pictures and video. Being able  to witness a community rising from brink of extermination is something that I will never forget.

I would like to dedicate this video to my Acholi friends who are now rebuilding their culture and traditions.

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Acholi resources:

Acholi Community of North America

Acholi Times: The Voice of the Acholi People