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Reli Tribe is a minority ethnic group living in Itula sub-county, Obongi District, West Nile-Uganda. [1] This indigenous community was recognized on 1 February 1926 and published in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. [2] [3] [4]
The Kakwa people are a Nilotic ethnic group and part of the Karo people found in north-western Uganda, south-western South Sudan, and north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly to the west of the White Nile river.
The Lango are a Nilotic ethnic group. They live in north-central Uganda, in a region that covers the area formerly known as the Lango District until 1974, when it was split into the districts of Apac and Lira, and subsequently into several additional districts. The current Lango Region now includes the districts of Amolatar, Alebtong, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Lira, Oyam, Otuke, and Kwania. The total population of Lango District is currently about 2,884,000.
Equatoria is the southernmost region of South Sudan, along the upper reaches of the White Nile and the border between South Sudan and Uganda. Juba, the national capital and the largest city in South Sudan, is located in Equatoria. Originally a province of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, it also contained most of northern parts of present-day Uganda, including Lake Albert and West Nile. It was an idealistic effort to create a model state in the interior of Africa that never consisted of more than a handful of adventurers and soldiers in isolated outposts.
A chiefdom is a political organization of people represented or governed by a chief. Chiefdoms have been discussed, depending on their scope, as a stateless, state analogue or early state system or institution.
Yumbe District is a district in Northern Region, Uganda. Like most other Ugandan districts, it is named after its 'chief town', Yumbe, where the district headquarters are located.
Arua is a city and commercial centre within the Arua District in the Northern Region of Uganda.
Koboko District is a district in the Northern Region of Uganda. The town of Koboko is the site of the district headquarters.
Alur are a Nilotic ethnic group who live in northwestern Uganda and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They are part of the larger Luo group.
The Mà'dí are a Central Sudanic speaking people that live in Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan and the districts of Adjumani and Moyo in Uganda. From south to north, the area runs from Nimule, at the South Sudan Uganda border, to Nyolo River where the Ma’di mingle with the Acholi, the Bari, and the Lolubo. From the east to west, it runs from Parajok/Magwi to Uganda across the River Nile.
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.
The Lugbara are a Central Sudanic ethnic group who live primarily in the West Nile region of Uganda, in the adjoining area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a few living in South Sudan. They speak the Lugbara language, a Central Sudanic language similar to the language spoken by the Madi, with whom they also share many cultural similarities.
A tribal chief, chieftain, or headman is a leader of a tribal society or of a chiefdom.
The Keliko or Kaliko are an ethnic group in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with immigrants in Uganda. Most members of the Keliko are Christians. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they are called kaliko umi, more especially from Laibo, Mado, awubha awuzi and so on. There is a slight pronunciation between Kaliko people in South Sudan and those in the DRC.
Koboko is a town in Northern Region of Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative, and commercial centre of Koboko District. Koboko is also the hometown of former dictator Idi Amin who ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979.
The Pojulu is a tribe of the savanna lands in the White Nile Valley, in the Equatoria region of South Sudan. They are Nilotic people and part of the Karo people—which also includes Bari, Mundari, Kakwa, Kuku, Nyangwara, and the Karo Tribes Of Omo Valley in Ethiopia such as the Banna, Hamer, Mursi, Kara, Dassanech, Arbore, Nyangatom known as the Omo Karo peoples.
The Nyangwara, also known as the Yangwara, are a Nilotic ethnic group living in the state of Central Equatoria, South Sudan. The population numbers between 25,000 and 30,000 people, and is divided between the Terekeka and Juba Districts. Their largest town is Rokon, which lies about 53 miles west of Juba.
South Sudan is home to around 60 indigenous ethnic groups and 80 linguistic partitions among a 2021 population of around 11 million. Historically, most ethnic groups were lacking in formal Western political institutions, with land held by the community and elders acting as problem solvers and adjudicators. Today, most ethnic groups still embrace a cattle culture in which livestock is the main measure of wealth and used for bride wealth.
Agofe is the noble title for the chief cultural leader among all the Lugbara people or King of Lado Kingdom which covers the regions of West Nile, Ituri, Torit, Uele and Yei. The term means 'Pillar' or 'Paramount Chief' and was the title given to Jalusiga. A king is also called opi in Lugbara though an opi is usually a chief or the clan leader of a Lugbara lineage. Around 1967, President Milton Obote abolished kingdoms, but then the 1995 Uganda Constitution reinstated cultural institutions and by 2000, the Lugbara Cultural Institution had evolved. In 2015, the Government of Uganda finally accepted this revised Agofe institution among the 17 recognised cultural institutions in Uganda. The Agofe's duty is to preserve Lugbara culture through literature and other assignments.
The Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo Road is a road in the Northern Region of Uganda, connecting the towns of Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo.
The Reli people are an ethnic group that primarily inhabits Itula sub-county found in Obongi district, West Nile sub-region, Northern region in Uganda. Reli Tribe existed way back in the 15th and 16th century. Reli Tribe is one of the 65 indigenous tribes in Uganda as listed by the Uganda constitution of 1995. Article 10(a) and the Third Schedule of Uganda’s Constitution alphabetically enumerates Reli tribe as Uganda’s 61st indigenous communities as at 1 February 1926. History holds it that the Reli were living together with the Pojulu people of southern part of South Sudan, near the border with Uganda who are part of the larger Bari ethnic group. The Reli speak a language called Reli and the Pojulu also speak a language called Pojulu which is a Central Sudanic language. The Reli have been coexisting with other tribes in West Nile, Northern region in Uganda. The most proximal tribes are the Madi, Aliba, Gimara, and Aringa. There has been intermarriage and cross fertilization of culture overtime which resulted in adaptation between the tribes of useful cultures, values and beliefs. Though the interaction has caused loss of some of the cultural values of the Reli, they have preserved their culture till to date. The Reli people traditionally practiced hunting, fishing, and subsistence farming cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, sorghum, millet and peas. They also kept livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The Reli people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and storytelling playing an important role in their society. They also have a strong sense of community and are known for their hospitality and generosity. In recent years, the Reli people have faced significant challenges due to conflict and displacement in Uganda during the war of West Nile Bank Front II. Many have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring districts within Uganda with some crossing to other countries like South Sudan. There is a threat of assimilation of the Reli people. The Reli language is mainly being spoken by elders. Despite these challenges, the Reli people have remained resilient and continue to preserve their cultural traditions and way of life. The Reli are in advanced stages of reorganizing their traditional and cultural governance and leadership system with a modern touch.
The Social Life of the Reli People The Reli people are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Uganda. Their social life is influenced by their culture, traditions, and environment. Here are some aspects of the social life of the Reli people:
1. Family and community The Reli people place a great emphasis on family and community. The extended family is an important social unit, and people often rely on their relatives for support in times of need. The community also plays a vital role in social life, with people coming together for celebrations, rituals, and other events.
2. Traditions and customs The Reli people have a rich cultural heritage, and their traditions and customs play a significant role in social life. For example, the initiation ceremony for boys is an important rite of passage, and it involves several weeks of instruction on Reli culture, history, and customs. The women also have their own initiation ceremony of initiation which is a celebration of womanhood.
3. Religion The Reli people in Uganda practice a mix of traditional, Christian and Islamic religions but they are predominantly Christians Catholics, and Christianity plays an important role in their social life. There are also many Muslims among the Reli people. The Reli have their own traditional religion before Christianity and Islam hence there are those who practice the traditional Reli religion. The Reli people have a strong belief in the power of prayer and the importance of following Christian, Islamic and Indigenous religion traditions. Traditional beliefs and practices form a major part of their social life, and they often combine Christianity and Islam with traditional beliefs. Many Reli people still practice traditional beliefs and rituals, such as ancestor worship. The Reli people used traditional worship to implore God to fight their battles. There was a prominent successful battle against the colonialists who settled on Reli land through prayers.
4. Livelihoods The Reli people are primarily fishermen, farmers and herders, and their livelihoods are intertwined with the land. Agriculture and animal husbandry are communal activities, with families and communities working together to cultivate crops and raise livestock. This is the reason Itula sub-county is known for cattle keeping.
5. Gender roles Gender roles are defined in traditional Reli society, with men being responsible for activities such as hunting, fishing, and herding, while women are responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. However, these roles are changing as more women are becoming educated and entering the workforce. The King was a role model to men as well as the Queen to women.
6. Social challenges The Reli people face social challenges such as poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and conflicts with other ethnic groups in the region. These challenges can impact social life and limit opportunities for individuals and communities. The most recent border conflict is between the Reli people and the Aringa tribe of Yumbe. In conclusion, the social life of the Reli people is characterized by a strong emphasis on family and community, rich cultural traditions, and a close connection to the land. Despite social challenges, the Reli people maintain a strong sense of identity and pride in their culture and traditions.
The History of the Reli People The Reli came from a place called Pojulu in South Sudan in between the 15th and 16th Century. The legend states that there lived a family which had two sons namely Julu and his younger brother, Reli. They grew up to maturity and loved each other very much. They spoke a language, a Bari dialect, similar or the same to that of the Kakwa of Koboko in west Nile, and of Yei in South Sudan. Julu and Reli married and multiplied and formed two large groups or clans. Traditionally, they often gathered under a big tree to hold meetings or make crafts like knives, arrows, spears, hoes, granaries etc. No mention has been made of the type of large trees; although it is not uncommon to find extremely tall towering mango trees growing wild in Southern Sudan. They continued such sittings even when the groups became larger clans. One day, as they sat very peacefully under the same tree, Julu’s people sat on the western side and the Reli were on the eastern side in the sunshine. However, as the sun heat grew stronger, the Reli felt the burning sun heat and requested their brethren to move and allow them space in the shade, but the Pojulu refused saying the Reli had chosen to enjoy the warm sunshine. So, they should continue to enjoy it. Of course, the heat became worse, but the Pojulu never allowed the Reli to move to the shade. The former encouraged them to endure the heat, hoping that things would later change for the better. Surely after midday the heat turned to torture the Pojulu on the western side of the tree. It became hotter and hotter till they also cried out and asked the Reli to give them space in the shade. Similarly, the Reli refused. So, a bitter quarrel ensued and the two sides took to fighting each other. They ran to their homes, collected weapons and fiercely fought one another. The two groups never reconciled and this led to their separation. The Reli people were defeated. The defeated Reli travelled towards Uganda via Yei in southern Sudan, and after some years they reached Koboko in Uganda. After some years again, the Reli parted with the Kakwa at Mount Liru in Koboko and decided to travel South East towards Rhino Camp via Odravu sub-county in Yumbe District. A small community called Odravu Luwi in Odravu sub-county, is believed to be some of the Reli people who were left or remained behind in Odravu sub-county. Meanwhile, Reli and the majority of his people migrated South East-wards to Rhino Camp, but found that the western shore of the Nile was already occupied by some strange people whom they later came to call the Aliba people. Reli then decided to travel North-wards, across the large river called Envenga in Rigbo, but called Enyau in Arua. However, as they crossed the large valley of Envenga, some of them found some fish in the shallow pools of water and started to catch the fish. The larger group called them several times, “Poundi ta wule-wule yooo!” that is “come quickly…” the latter replied “Yi kulo i momokunda somo kaya a rigbo-rigbo dodo yooo!” meaning “we are yet catching some scanty fish!” They were mistaken. The fish was abundant and it delayed them. Perhaps they did not like the others to join them. Eventually, when they tried to follow, they lost the way and remained in the valley drying their fish. Later they decided to move back to the high Southern bank of Enyau River and settled there till today. Their land to date is called RIGBO and the people are also called RIGBO, originating from the word their ancestors used to reply Reli and his larger group with. The original Rigbo people speak a dialect similar to Reli language. Many Rigbo people have close relatives among the Reli people of Itula Su-County in Obongi district. Rigbo sub-county is in Mad-Okollo district. Having discovered the Aliba tribe had occupied all the Western bank of river Nile from Rhino Camp through Ewanga, Obongi and Awodi, a small village which is North of Gopele and East of Lomunga, the Reli crossed the large river now called Onvoso in Obongi but called Koci in Koboko and Yumbe districts. They settled in the areas of Demgbele, Alimara, Waka-lo-Gimero, Dikiri, `Dongo, Lukuri, Lereje, Orinya, Legu, Morubi, Mokir, Mbgorokonyo, Kali, Mureriya, Belameling, `Bele, etc. making what is called Reli Land which forms more than three quarters of Itula sub-county. After some years the Reli people crossed the Nile to the East and settled in parts of Adjumani like Ogboro. They found the land was rather rocky and decided to return to their land in the West. It is believed that the community called Lowi, in Adjumani district is likely to be the Reli people who were left behind like the Rigbo when the majority returned to Itula. However, on arrival they saw some smoke at a distance. Perhaps that might have been another part of them who did not cross to the East. Then Reli sent a messenger to find who they were. So, the smaller village agreed that Reli was the owner of the land and they agreed Reli to rule over them. Reli land borders the Aliba in the South (separated by Onvoso), the Gimara in the West, Lefori in the North, the Palorinya (Palujo) in the North-East and Liri across the Nile in Adjumani district.
The Traditional Governance of the Reli People After centuries, the descendants’ of Reli have formed thirteen Clans called Chiefdoms under a single King. Reli himself was the first King of the Reli people with Supreme power. It is believed that such a King could make rain fall whenever he talked to God through his ancestors whose souls were believed to be near God. So, the welfare of his people was in his hands, but he also had a council of elders that comprises the Royal Council and the Supreme Council called “Kediya” (Kedi, singular) who assisted him. The Royal and Supreme Council comprised of Reli Chiefdom Paramount Chiefs (Jokuweto Ti Kotumito) and their executive. The Royal and Supreme Council is assisted by Reli Council of Chiefs (Tokima Lo Reli). However, when Reli, the overall King, became old and rather weak, he decreed that one of his four sons should be chosen through a traditional method to be groomed to become a King after his death. One of the leaders, “Kedi” performed the ritual of selection and the lone son of the second wife of King Reli won the race, in all three performances. Confidentiality was ensured by the same Kedi who would only declare the result to the King alone. Even the boys would not know that such trial was given them. The tests were given some months after each other. After the job was concluded, the lone son of the second wife was declared winner in all three tests. Unfortunately, when the other boys and their mother heard this, they became jealous, disappointed and angry. Reli, the King, was worried and afraid that his children would kill themselves. So, he declared the traditional ruler-ship to be divided into three parts. The power to “make rain” was given to the eldest son, called Bura who became the King. This rite is still held by the Bura Clan and held by the Payira Sub-Clan. The Nyako were given the role of working with and advising the King of Reli. The son of Reli called Loke was made in charge of the land and takes care of the crops, animals and controls diseases. This is the role of the current Paloke Clan. Finally, the control of fishing was given to Gimero, the lone son of the second wife. His control was mainly over the large Eastern area of river Onvoso swamp, known as “Waka-lo-Gimero”, till now. When the “Waka” is flooded by the over flow of Onvoso water, nobody, even the King, is allowed to enter it until the Gimero selected elders have given the order for the people to go in after checking that the fish were many and could suffice the Reli who went there.
The Governance Structure The Reli people have a Kingdom called Reli Kingdom “Tumata Lo Reli” with a King as a Supreme Leader. The Kingdom is divided into 13 Chiefdoms “Kotumito” derived from the 13 Clans of Reli ruled by Paramount Chiefs “Jokuweji”. The Chiefdoms are sub-divided further into Sub-Chiefdoms derived from the fifty sub-clans of Reli Tribe and are ruled by Chiefs “Kuwe”. All the traditional leaders of the Reli people are hereditary leaders. Three of the sub-clans (Kakakutuji) closed and currently the Tribe has 47 Kakakutuji.
Mataji Ti Reli, Kings of Reli Kingdom As of now, the Reli Kingdom is being ruled by the MATA Lo RELI, His Royal Highness Male Victorio, having inherited the throne from his predecessors through blood lineage and seniority in the Royal Chiefdom. The Kings of Reli Kingdom according to oral tradition were: 1) Reli, the first King of Reli Kingdom. 2) Bura, the second King of Reli Kingdom. 3) Yira, the third King of Reli Kingdom 4) Togbo, the fourth King of Reli Kingdom 5) Otira, the fifth King of Reli Kingdom 6) Mandru, the Sixth King of Reli Kingdom 7) Togbo, the Seventh King of Reli Kingdom 8) Kayi Gola (Koluni), the Eight King of Reli Kingdom 9) Bokitaka Abuca, the Nineth King of Reli Kingdom 10) Setimio Nyamgbulu, the Tenth King of Reli Kingdom 11) Tumudali Bhoka, the Eleventh King of Reli Kingdom 12) Togbo Alisandro, the Twelfth King of Reli Kingdom 13) Waigo Martiliano, the Thirteenth King of Reli Kingdom 14) Lino Guma, the Fourteenth King of Reli Kingdom 15) Male Victorio, the Current and fifteenth King of Reli Kingdom
The Chiefdoms of Reli Kingdom The Reli Tribe is made up of thirteen Chiefdoms (Clans) ruled by Paramount Chiefs and fifty Sub-Chiefdoms (Sub-Clans) ruled by Chiefs. Each Chiefdom (Kotumito) has a traditional leader since the establishment of Tokima Lo Reli called a Paramount Chief who rules over the Sub-Chiefdom (Kakakutuji) Chiefs. These positions of Paramount Chiefs and Chiefs are hereditary and is retained by one family or homestead of that particular Clan or Sub-Clan. So, there are thirteen Reli Paramount Chiefs, while each sub-clan has a leader called a Chief. The Clans of Reli are: Bura, Gimero, Paloke, Romogi, Muru, Nyako, Paduku, Ketingi, Padingo, Parundi, Morca, Padidi (Paini) and Giyawa. This unique governance structure shows how the Reli people though a minority tribe have been well organized from the start to date. The abolition of cultural institutions didn’t affect these structural establishment of the Reli Tribe.