By Godfre Eyoku
The Gazelles sub-clan under Matheniko has officially taken over the traditional leadership in Karamoja sub-county. The Ngimoru sub-clan under the Bokora clan from Napak district has been the custodian of the spear and the fire for the last 60 years.
The ritual transfer of power took place over the weekend at Akiriket, one of the largest shrines in the Lotisan sub-county, Moroto District. It involved the sacrificial offering of the black bull, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light. The Elders also consumed raw blood as part of their traditional staple diet.
In the Akiriket, four elders from the clan receiving power were chosen to kindle a new fire from the two sticks. The fire would be used for roasting the sacrificial bull and afterward, Elders would take the fire to their homes as a symbol of new leadership.
