Clerici Building
Oxford, OX3 0BP
UK
This talk, illustrated with audio and video recordings will initially provide a background to the activities of ‘The Lord’s Resistance Army’ in northern Uganda, from the early days of the rebellion in 1987 to the current day.
After touching on the speaker’s initial research in neighbouring Lango which was also affected by the rebellion it will focus on the activities of one group of displaced Acholi, examining the manner in which it uses the power of music, song and dance to as therapeutic expression and to provide mutual support and to maintain cultural knowledge. The texts of some of their songs as they relate to the Acholi concept of mato oput – a traditional forgiveness ritual – will be discussed. While this ritual of is being practised as northern Uganda now experiences freedom from the ravages of the LRA and as many of its rebel fighters, young and old attempt to return to their home areas, it is meeting with mixed success owing partly to history and to the complexities of life in present-day Acholiland.
Please register your attendance, and do share with your networks. The lecture is open to all and we will be delighted to see you.