A whole different world... Karamoja

Throughout my time on the mission field, I have been asked many times, “How is Africa?” Sometimes I wonder if people realize how big Africa actually is and that I just live in a little country in East Africa. But recently I had the opportunity to travel and realized that though I live in Uganda, there are sub-cultures within the country that are so different than my norm it is like being in a totally different country. 

To the northeast of Mbale is a region called Karamoja. Known for being cattle raiders, the Karamojong have lived a nomadic lifestyle throughout their history, up to about 13 years ago. There is so much rich culture in this area.

Here were a few things that stuck out to me:

     1)  The Roads

Unbelievably bad. That is a true description. What should take about 2 hours took more than 3.5 hours due to the road conditions. 

When it rains the roads are just a muddy, slippery mess. Four wheel drive is a necessity.

We did not pass through just one car-eating-pothole, but at least half a dozen.

We also crossed this "bridge" that obviously didn't get the memo that bridges are meant to be OVER the river, not through it. 

2) The Culture

Uganda has many tribes. Each tribe is rich in history, culture, and uniqueness that defines them from other tribes in the country.

One of the unique facts about the Karamajong people is that they are a nomadic tribe that highly values cattle. In fact, up until about 15 years ago they were known (and feared) for the frequent armed cattle raids that could turn dangerous.  Since then, they have been disarmed, but cattle still remain a huge asset. Another fact is that it is just within the past 15 years they have began wearing clothes. Yep. Their birthday suits were totally the norm.

Now their cultural dress is beautiful and unique. The women typically wear skirts of mix and match material that are sewn together in a bunchy skirt. They adorn their necks with brightly colored necklaces. It is not uncommon for the men to only be wrapped in a blanket and carrying a shepherding stick and very small wooded stool. Many of the young men wore awesome knitted top hats of sorts with dangly silver earrings. And almost everyone was seen with the silver and black bracelets that are a typical branding of a Karamajong, where ever they live. 

The tribes in Mbale are all considered Bantu tribes.  But the tribe in Karamoja is much more closely related to the Masaai tribe in Kenya and their form of dress shows that.

Bright colors saturate the region. We had the chance to go shopping in the nearest town to buy material for skirts.

3) The Work God is doing through the mission team in Karamoja

I visited a mission team, consisting of 4 families and some singles, that live and work pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Having to stock up in Mbale with supplies and food, they make the most of what they have. It was such a blessing to get to see what they are doing and how the Lord is working through them. 

One of my first visits was to their clinic, run by a mzungu doctor, nurse, and volunteers, who work alongside their Ugandan staff. They offer quality medical care at a very low cost.

The clinic starts each morning with songs and a devotion time. 

Though not full in this photo, about 3 hours later it was packed full with many mothers and their babies.

Through their efforts they have also started a nursery school, training up not only the children but also the teachers in more effective learning/teaching methods. The teachers were very impressive and the children were so sweet. 

In addition to getting to see Karamoja, a friend and I were also able to bless the mission team by watching their children during the teachings of their team retreat. With a group of 15 kiddos walking around the village, we turned a few heads. They deemed themselves the MCA (Mzungu Children's Army).

We were able to sing a few songs for the children at the nursery school.

And my favorite ministry I was able to see….

4) Village evangelism and discipleship

Multiple times a week someone goes into one of the surrounding villages to share the gospel and other stories of the Bible. We were able to go to one village. Pictures speak a thousand words.

We had to cross a river to get there. 

Walking to the village I couldn't help but think of how scripture was coming to life through this verse:

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to [Karamoja], "[The Lord Almighty] reigns!"

We also walked a good distance through the bush. At one point I thought to myself, "If I we weren't on this footpath, I would NOT think we were headed anywhere because I see NOTHING around me but the bush."

(And at this point- having crossed a river and walked on a small footpath in the middle of nowhere, in Africa-  this journey started looking quite similar to the start of my Tim Team's epic adventures in Cameroon.)

But after some distance, there was sight of life.

In Karamoja villages are surrounded by thorn bushes with just a little entrance.

And inside the thorn fence was this...

And these little people...

We gathered whoever was interested and shared God's Word under the tree. I was very impressed at the missionary, Pastor Dave, who taught the whole Bible lesson in the Karamajong language.  

What a beautiful place. May God continue to do a mighty work there, changing hearts from idols and false gods to the One true God and Savior, Jesus Christ.