Global Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The Values of Polygamy among the Langi People of Northern Uganda

Charles Amone and Monica Arao

We conducted an ethnographic study in six districts of the Langi people of northern Uganda. Participating in people's daily lives for three months; we watched everyday happenings, listened to the participants in their settings and collected whatever piece of information that could throw light on polygamy. Although Christianity and formal education have led to a reduction in the percentage of polygamy in the towns of Lira, Apac, Amolatar, Loro, Kamdini and Dokolo, the practice is still widespread in the rural environs. Male chauvinism, labour intensive farming activities and low levels of formal education are responsible for the persistence of polygamy. Each family requires more labour to farm the vast fertile land and Lango culture promotes patriarchy. The study recommends sustained sensitization of the population on the values of monogamy coupled with economic empowerment of women and rural families.