Who Are The “Ik” People In Uganda

Who Are The “Ik” People Of Uganda

The “Ik” people are a small indigenous group of people that live in Kaabong district around the majestic mountain Morungole. They live near Kidepo valley National Park.  Their population stands at an estimate of over 15,000 people. They highly depend on subsistence farming growing crops like millet, sorghum, corn and herbs. They are also known for their keen interest in apiary farming and rearing chickens.

What Is The Meaning Of The Word “Ik” ?

The word “Ik” means ” head of migration”. They are believed to have taken on this name due to their habit of migrating often. These people are believed to have moved to Uganda after they were displaced from their land by the “Pokot” of Kenya.

Traditional Customs Observed By The “Ik” People 

Subsistence Farming

Farming forms an integral part in the lives of the “Ik” . They grow sorghum, millet, corn and herbs for their home consumption. They also rear chickens and livestock. The people in the community actively participate in farming. However, apiculture is carried out by the men as it is considered a masculine task.

Marriage

Marriage and child bearing are very important aspects among this community. Marriages are arranged which means that couples are betrothed to each other till they come of age. Bride price is paid in form of bee hives, chicken, goats and monetary cash. Marriage is observed on the inter-clan basis as incest is not acceptable.

Rituals

• Marriage rituals

Before a marriage ceremony,  two rituals are performed. At the beginning, the betrothed are rubbed with oil; a ritual known as ” Tsan-es.” This ritual is followed by the  groom spearing  a tree in order to test his accuracy when it comes to hunting. The spearing also symbolizes masculinity and the ability to provide for the bride to be. The bride then undergoes a vetting process.  During the vetting period, the bride show cases the female qualities of home making like looking after the home, nurturing and comforting.

In the second phase, the groom’s family brings in the dowry and agreements for marriage are made over a special brew or beer. Celebrations are made and then the betrothed are considered as fully wedded.

• Initiation rituals

The youth are initiated into manhood through a rite of passage called “Ipeye-es.” The young boys slaughter and skin a goat using a spear. The skinning is neat and clean without the internal organs of the goat being damaged.  The old men also undergo an initiation ritual called “Tasapet.” The old men are shaved clean of their hair and they then live in the bush for over a month of isolation. A bull is also slaughtered in this rite. Men that accomplish this rite are considered elders and their advice is always sought.

• The Planting Rituals

In between late December and early January, the “Ik” gather together to bless the seeds for the planting season. This ceremony is known as “itowe-es.”  The seeds to be planted are placed under a sacred tree. The farmers dance around this tree so as to get blessings of a bountiful harvest.

Beer Brewing

Beer is made in large amounts using millet and sorghum. This beer is for both leisure drinking and for ceremonial purposes.

Hunting

Hunting for meat is carried out by the Ik. Meat is preserved traditionally and eaten on various occasions that require it like parties and home made meals.

Polygamy

The Ik people are free to have more than one wife if they can afford dowry. Since dowry is paid using beehives most of the time, a man with many beehives can marry even five wives.

Challenges Faced By The Ik People

• Risk of extinction; this is because their population is low. They are also isolated which limits chances of inter marriages taking place. Due to this, they face a likelihood of extinction.
• Poor transportation system; due to their living around mountain Morungole, road construction is hard due to the uneven terrain. People seeking reproductive health services and immunization are at a serious disadvantage. This setback has contributed to limited access of social services in this area.
• Scarcity in social services; Ik children cannot access proper education, health care and even clean water. This leaves them at a disadvantage as most of them are illiterate and in some cases unhealthy.
• Drought and famine; these people heavily rely on agriculture which means that when the weather conditions are not favorable, thy could starve and die of hunger.
• Harsh environmental conditions;  since the place is semi-arid, the temperatures get very hot reaching over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat causes a lot inconvenience to the natives and visitors.
• Democratic alienation; since they are a small community, they are not well represented like other Ugandans that have different constituencies. Due to this, their welfare is highly neglected which has left them backward in terms of development.

Why You Should Visit The Ik People

• Cultural encounters with the Ik people are worth adding on to your bucket list. This is because you get to enjoy the local beer and the traditional  entertainment that is offered in form of dance. In this way, diversity of culture is appreciated.
• Access to the beautiful views of Kidepo Valley and unique species of wildlife is guaranteed.  In order to access these people, you have to hike up the mountain which gives you an aerial view of the beautiful landscape and the unique animals along the hike. The visit is definitely worth it.
• Beautiful souvenirs can be obtained or gotten from these people. Surely, who wouldn’t love to have a souvenir that reminds them of these beautiful people ?

What are you surely waiting for? Come on, let us explore the beautiful community of the Ik people together !