The Lotuko tribe is one of the Nilotic groups living in Eastern Equatoria State, with a population ranging between 500,000 and 700,000 people. They live in villages such as Lliu, Hiyala, and Lobira, among others.
Some of the Lotuko people include the Oronyo, Oudo, Langairo, Tirangore, Hiyala, Offi, Oming, Murahatiha, Chalamini, Burung, Haforiere, Hutubak, and Olianga.
They speak the Outho language and build their shelters along plains and mountains. They mainly practice agro-pastoralism, keeping large herds of cattle while also engaging in subsistence farming.
Crops such as groundnuts, sorghum, maize, and sesame (simsim) are grown in the plains, while crops like sweet potatoes, yams, tobacco, and telebun are grown in the hilly areas.
It is said that the Lotuko people first settled in the southern part of the Lopit Mountains but later migrated to their current location due to conflicts within the community. The conflict arose when some members wanted to replace Loghurkak (father) with his son before his death.
This angered him, leading him to seek help from Akara, who attacked the community, causing them to scatter in different directions and resulting in the deaths of many Lotuko people.
The Lotuko are organized into social units called hang, and each hang follows specific norms. These norms include caring for the well-being of all members. Interestingly, each group believes in transforming into a particular animal, such as elephants, hyenas, or lions, after death, joining the unknown world.
When a person is ready for marriage, a feast is held, although no elaborate ceremonies take place. This may be due to their culture or the tradition that requires individuals to marry outside their clan or tribe (exogamy).
The Lotuko are known for their selflessness, as the bride’s father keeps part of the bride price and shares the rest with the bride’s maternal relatives, which is quite unique.
The groom is required to work for his father-in-law for two years and must show full respect to his mother-in-law. Girls typically marry at the age of fourteen, which is common in many African communities.
The Lotuko build large shelters close to each other and place great importance on cleanliness, ensuring that no dirt is thrown on the streets. Each village has a designated dancing area with ebony stakes where drums are hung.
Paradise is real in Lotuko village—don’t miss visiting it!
