Story by Osuta Yusuf
Maracha District:Elders in the Paranga clan of Paranga Sub-county, Maracha East constituency, Maracha District, have been urged to address the alarming issue of sexual intercourse and marriage between young relatives. The call was made during the annual cultural gala held in Paranga Sub-county, which aims to educate young people about the history, origin, and cultural values of the Paranga clan.
Hon. Osutre Godfrey, the LC3 Chairman for Paranga Sub-county and the initiator of this event, emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural values of the Lugbara tribe, which strictly prohibits incestuous relationships. He highlighted the cultural gala as a platform to reinforce these values and educate the youth.
Grandmother Penina Gbokoru attributed the increase in incest among youths to a lack of familiarity with one another, which could be mitigated by attending funerals and participating in cultural activities such as dowry feasts.
Hon. Ruth Lematia Molly Ondoru, the area MP for Maracha East Constituency, advised women in the Paranga clan to focus on parenting their children to prevent them from engaging in obscene crimes, including homosexuality.
The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in Lugbara Kari, Hon. Andama Richard Ferua, who served as the Guest of Honor, criticized Christian and Islamic religious leaders for not adequately emphasizing the teachings in the Quran and Bible that forbid incestuous relationships.
The annual Paranga Day cultural gala featured oral history telling, riddles, cultural music and dancing, poems, and exhibitions of traditional art and crafts. These activities are designed to promote cultural awareness and prevent harmful practices among the youth.
