Reconciliation among the central luo of northern Uganda: The ingredients and process of Mato Oput

Abstract

There are suggestions to adopt Mato Oput as a way to bring about reconciliation in northern Uganda; however, there are limited data on the processes and events that lead to Mato Oput. The aim of this study was to describe the processes that lead to and the ingredients of Mato Oput. We conducted a qualitative study using an ethnographic approach and secondary data review. The researchers visited and interviewed renowned elders purposefully selected based on their knowledge and participation in the process of reconciliation in Acoliland. Eight respondents, aged 60–101 years were included in the study. The researchers also observed and documented the processes of a case of Mato Oput in 2019. Mato Oput is the second last step in the process of reconciliation and restoration of peaceful co-existence following commission of grave harms by a person against another. Both the culprit and victim must be known, and the culprit must have knowingly caused the grave harm to the victim for Mato Oput to be relevant in the reconciliation process. If the grave act of a magnitude that would require Mato Oput happens between Acoli people and a group of people from some other tribes or ethnic groups, then Gomo Tong is performed as part of reconciliation ceremony, not Mato Oput. The researchers conclude that Mato Oput in its real essence is unlikely to be an appropriate way to deal with circumstances of mass killings and violent crimes against humanity like those that occurred in northern Uganda.