Location

West Nile sub-region, previously known as West Nile province and West Nile District, is a sub region in north-western Uganda, in the northern region of Uganda. Traditionally, the Lugbara are farmers who rear some livestock and poultry, mainly Guineafowl locally known as 'ope'. They are the predominant keepers of guinea fowl in Uganda. Lugbara occupy the West Nile region of Uganda and Arua City, Maracha, Terego, madi Okollo, yumbe and Koboko districts of Uganda to be specific. The Lugbara are divided into many dialects which are easily understable to each other. These include Ayivu, Maracha, Terego, Vurra and Aringa. Tribes related to the Lugbara include Madi and Keiko in Southern Sudan.

West Nile people are settled subsistence farmers. Cassava is now the traditional staple. They also grow millet, sorghum, legumes, pigeon peas, beans and a variety of root crops. Before cassava was introduced to West Nile to manage famine when the cereal (millet and sorghum) failed due to drought in the 1960s, millet and sorghum used to be their staple food. Chicken, pigs, goats and at higher elevations, cattle are also important. Ground nuts, simsim (sesame) chickpeas and sweet potatoes are also grown. Maize is grown for brewing beer and tobacco is an important cash crop. New emerging crops are avocado, pineapple and mangoes.

Challenging myths to empower women in West Nile:

In the vast landscape of West Nile where communities are deeply rooted in tradition and culture the journey towards social justice for women and girls has been laden with obstacles. However, midst these challenges, organisations like mentoring and empowerment programs for young women (MEMPROW) are leading the charge, demonstrating that change is not only possible but also achievable.

West Nile is woven with various ethnic groups, each with its own social and cultural distinctions. From the Alur and Lugbara to the emerging Aringa community, the dynamics of gender relations differ, but a common thread of patriarchal dominance often prevails. This dominance manifests in varying degrees, form the conservative centralized structures of the Alur to the intensively Muslim communities like the Aringa, presenting unique challenges for advocates of women rights.

Central to the struggle for gender equality are the entrenched myths and realities about culture that perpetuates harmful practices. Among the Lugbara, the notion of (Aruba) dictates that women suffering from domestic violence must endure silently, lest they invoke misfortunes upon themselves and their children. This myth not only subject women to physical and mental anguish but also perpetuates a cycle of violence within communities.

Similarly, the concept of (Ojuke) or bride price, prevailed across many ethnic groups, are often commodifies women within marital relationships, constraining their urgency and perpetuating unequal dynamics. However, there are reflections of hope as cultural leaders like the traditional chiefs of Ayivu clan and the prime minister of Lugbara Kari cultural institution speak out against these harmful practices, challenging age-old beliefs in favour of gender equality and have continuously been trained by MEMPRO.