An embellished African elephant statue has been elected at the entrance of Gulu town in honor of the cultural significance of the creature to the Acholi people.
The monument that was solely financed by Uganda Breweries limited was unveiled by the Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and His Highness Rwot David Acana II – the paramount chief of Acholi in a simple function held in the town.
The monument will be the first unique feature residents and guests will see as they enter Gulu city and is located at Gulu – Ker Kwaro Acholi – Airfield Road.
Speaking at the unveiling function, Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed happiness and thanked Uganda Breweries limited for their choice of Gulu town to house the embelished work of art.
“We are proud of our culture, traditions and heritage as Acholi people and the significance of this majestic creature to our culture and traditions cannot be overstated. It is a fitting sign of respect and reverence to a great people and a great city, and compliments the already beautiful nature of this place. I appreciate Uganda Breweries for this gesture,” Justice Owiny-Dollo said.
History defines the deep bondage between the Acholi people and the elephant holding back to their migration into present day settlements. The Elephant is said to have played a key role during Luo migration from Sudan to present place in Northern Uganda. Elephants move together in groups and when they move, they leave a road like path. During the migration, Luo followed the path created by elephants.
“All the animals fear elephants including predators and where elephants have passed, you don’t see any wild animals. Where elephants drink water, crocodile stay away there. This implies the elephants provided protection to Luo during migration,” a cultural leader said while at the function.
The animal’s significance can still be seen as it appears at the centre of the cultural institution’s flag as a symbol of strength, supremacy and a peaceful nation.
“We were honored to partner with Ker Kwaro Acholi to fund the installation of this monument which will be a unique identifier from which the people of Acholi can draw pride in their cultural heritage. The elephant also holds great significance to our business as the official logo of our beloved brand, Tusker, which celebrates 100 years of existence this year,” said Alfred Balikagira, Supply Chain Director, Uganda Breweries.
Monuments play an important symbolic role in the lives of people from different walks of life – acting as a visual reminder of cultural values and as vehicles that solidify bonds and build solidarity between individuals and the wider group.
The elephant being one of Uganda’s biggest tourist attractions makes the monument a necessary landmark and addition to the city’s beautiful attractions, reinforcing its position as a key tourist destination.
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