By: Moses Ariong
The Iteso and the Ateker people have a long history of migration, conquests and oppression. Our journey from Abyssinia to where we call home today must have been a long and painful one, but one that we had to take to find home in Uganda and Teso specifically.
We were the lucky ones to find one of the best habitats on planet earth suitable for livestock production, the economic activity that defines our livelihood.
But lately, we have found ourselves stripped of this livelihood and now one of the poorest corner of this country. This is no accident as I have come to see lately.
I found some answers from the Holy Bible and it’s description of the ways of God as he interacted with his people over the years.
The times of trials, oppression and preparation, are mixed with the good times of success, transition and transformation. A period of 40 days or 40 years defines these events and outcomes.
Trials, preparation and remembrance of God.
When God instructed Noah to build an ark and warn the people to stop their evil ways, turn to God to avert the floods, they not did listen to him.
The rains eventually fell for 40 days and 40 nights, creating a flood which lasted 40 days for water to drain (Genesis 7). Those who witnessed and survived this strengthened their faith in God while the rest perished. Their end had come within 40 days.
The same period is referenced when Moses went in to prayer in Mt Sinai for 40 days, and eventually spoke to God and brought back the 10 commandments to guide the Israelites (Ex. 20).
Those who were not patient enough to wait for the word perished, while those whose faith was tested and remained strong lived.
Jesus Christ himself was tested as he fasted for 40 days, while the Israelites wondered for 40 years in the wilderness before getting Gods favor. These are often periods of preparation, trials and returning to the ways of God.
Periods of success, transition and transformation.
As the saying goes, there is always light at the end of a tunnel. God is always with his people during the bad times of testing their faith and preparing them for what lies ahead, to the times of relative success.
These times seem to alternate in 40 year periods as reflected in the bible.
After spending 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites finally entered Canaan the promised land. Before that, they had sent spies to asses the land and they spent 40 days before their return (Numbers 14).
They got a king (Saul) who reigned for 40 years despite some of his terrible ways. But the persistent challenge by the Philippines kept them at war until the rise of another leader, David.
After being taunted by Goliath for 40 days, David dared to challenge Goliath and won in that fight, ushering in a period of peace. Saul lost Gods favor and a transition happened, with David taking the reign for another 40 years.
There is a clear pattern of events occurring in 40 day periods or 40 years, with the former representing significant events, while the later representing a lifespan of a group, or the end of an era.
Significance to Teso and Ateker people.
In the last 40 years, we have seen nothing but suffering. We faced very harsh treatment by the NRA who raped our women, infected them with HIV, took our cattle, mimed and tortured our people, and the war itself claimed so many lives whose numbers are unaccounted for todate.
We lost everything during the last 40 years. We faced the Karimojong raids, survived the brutal actions of Lakwena then and Kony in the recent past. We were being tried and our faith tested for 40 years.
It is not accidental that NRM has ruled for the last 40 years and now seem to have lost all favor from God. This is reflected in the rampant torture, abductions, corruption and the negligence of duty as every Ugandan can see.
Those who’ve been doing this to their own people must know the ways of God and repent, because the 40 years are here with us now.
To my fellow clansmen and women, God hears our prayers and has seen our faith and belief in him. We have gone through the period of oppression and trials, and we now must be ready for what lies ahead of us. But we must prepare well and choose the right way and leadership with the guidance from our creater.
To the oppressors, I remind them about the message shared by Moses to the arrogant Pharaoh of Egypt, “LET MY PEOPLE GO”. Let our people free because they have suffered enough. Respect their choices and their need to move forward.
May God bless us all in the name of the Almighty God
MOSES ARIONG
MP AMURIA COUNTY ASPIRANT (12th Parliament)
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