Lotuka language is widely spoken by many tribes in South Sudan, including the Imatong Tribe, who live on the southeastern slopes of the Imatong Mountains.
This is the largest mountain in South Sudan and is home to many wild species, including:
- Carnivores – Lions, hyenas, and leopards.
- Herbivores – Giraffes, elephants, and antelopes.
- Reptiles – Lizards and snakes, some of which are poisonous while others are not.
- Birds – Migratory birds such as the African green pigeon, ostrich, hooded vulture, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Rufous chatterer, brown babbler, Harlequin quail, spur fowl, and Pternistis squamatus.
- Primates – Monkeys and other species.
The green vegetation covering the mountain, from the tip to the ground, catches the attention of visitors. The bushy vegetation helps in rain formation, which supports subsistence farming in the region.
Crops grown here include sorghum, groundnuts, beans, and maize.
The Imatong Forest is highly valuable, as it supports hydroelectricity generation, provides timber and local medicine, and is a great attraction for tourists.
Once at the mountain peak, visitors can see parts of Uganda. Many tourists find this fascinating and take photos and videos of the area.
The nature walk continues to Imatong village, where visitors are welcomed and shown around. The locals showcase their songs, poems, music, body decorations, arts of warfare, drums, and whistles made from animal horns. They also express their deep love for cattle, which serve as an important food source for the community.
The History of the Imatong People
The Imatong were originally part of the Lotuka people, but they later split due to conflicts. These conflicts arose when the chief became too old to continue ruling, and disagreements began over replacing him while he was still alive.
His supporters and opponents clashed, forcing him to seek help from neighboring groups, which resulted in an attack on his own home and ultimately led to the split.
Despite the separation, the Imatong people share many characteristics with the Lotuka.
For example, they:
- Practice exogamy (marrying outside their clan or tribe).
- Live in clans and homesteads, which are grouped into villages.
- Celebrate marriage ceremonies and worship ancestors, whom they believe reincarnate as animals.
- Perform funeral rites and rain-making ceremonies, which are led by their leader, Monyomiji, and assisted by rainmakers, fortune tellers, and diviners, all of whom are highly respected.
The Imatong people believe in a supreme being and communicate through ancestors and mediums, where they make petitions to their gods.
Explore the Imatong tribe of South Sudan and expand your interest!
