Straight Talk, May 2008

Ah, off to drink again! If men worked as much as us, our family would be richer.

I love my culture and am proud to be a Karimojong

Uganda is committed to empowering women by 2015.

Nakiru Tereza, Moroto

y 2008 No.3 Ma 4 1 l. o V

Tell us how many hours your mother works compared to your father. Is it equal? WRITE TO PO BOX 22366 KLA

Beautiful Karamoja W

hat do you know about Karamoja? The Karimojong are Ugandans with strong traditions. This has made some people feel negatively about them. Yet their society has strengths that we can learn from. Straight Talk travelled to Karamoja to get beautiful stories to share with you. Read on....

Less HIV in Karamoja Did you know that the prevalence of HIV in Karamoja is very low? Of Karimojong aged 15-49, less than 1% have HIV. This is far less than the national figure of 6.4% and far far less than the over 8% of 15-49 year olds in the Central and Central North who have the virus. The question here is, why? We tried to find out. One reason, it seems, is that they are serious on sex and marriage. Adikyo, an Elder from Naduket Moroto told us: "In Karimojong culture, boys and girls below 18 do not marry, and sex before marriage is a taboo. When a young man of 20 years or above wants to marry, he will identify a mature girl. He will negotiate with her parents for brideprice, which he pays and marries her. Most Karimojong men marry one wife. One can marry another wife only if the first wife cannot give birth. But still he does not divorce her. "

This young warrior is holding his traditional stool. See page 3 and learn how it is also a pillow.

Young warrior:

loves cows In future when I get a wife, I will be faithful to her. I fear HIV. In my culture people say HIV is a curse for people who have sex anyhow. I left school because my friends were out of school. I wanted to be part of them. I regret leaving school. I raid animals, and I am proud of having many cows, but I fear being killed. Lomurai, 18, Naduket, Moroto

Positive

Culture in Karamoja

• girls marry on average marriage at 19.3 years, a year later than in the rest of Uganda! • there is less sex before marriage: 90% of unmarried females and 76% of unmarried males aged 15-24 in Karamoja have not had sex.

ary: Dictincoe- n The growing rate Prevale want to Cherish- To love and ing th protect some rk Chores- The daily wo me ho at lly cia pe es

Negative

Culture in Karamoja

• distrust of education • rape of brides • cattle raiding.

I am smart in my blanket skirt People from all continents come here. This means we are special people. I loved school so much but my parents were not supportive. I resorted to brewing alcohol. Brewing is where I get money for survival. If I get an opportunity to go back to school, why not? I admire educated people. They look nice. Nakiru Tereza, Moroto

Can you see what is good in the Karimojong culture that reduces the chance of HIV? Discuss in your Straight Talk Club.

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Straight Talk, May 2008

Culturally, Karimojong do not have early sex. They wait until they are over 18. Karimojong rarely have sex before or outside marriage. When a boy wants to marry, he tells his parents. They negotiate with the girl's parents. Alternatively, he may force the girl into sex then marry her. But that practice is dying away. Such men pay fines of goats or cows and must marry the girl. When a man marries, he does not divorce his wife, even when they do not produce children.

Land and housing Land is communally owned. People live in manyattas, (homesteads with many huts).

Cattle culture

benefitting children and women. Today alcohol has taken the place of milk." For warriors, no guns means no cows, which means no brideprice. "They are thinking of Plan B now they can no longer raid," said one teacher. "They are not happy."

Agriculture The women grow sorghum for food and to brew into alcohol. They have donkeys which help them to fetch water and carry agricultural produce. They also have camels. Karimojong work hard to survive. Boys look after animals, girls fetch

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Sex delay and faithfulness

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Cattleraids, hunger and poverty water, grind cereals like sorghum, mothers supervise household chores while fathers plan for and ensure security of the family. Due to long drought and cattleraids, there is little cultivation and famine attacks the area.

Poverty and crisis Karamoja is the poorest area in Uganda. It has only seasonal rivers so all its water runs to neighbouring districts to the east. Cattleraids have created an atmosphere of fear and sorrow: 75% of the population is hungry and has to be fed by World Food Programme.

Cows are dearly cherished. The more cows one has, the richer he is. Traditional young men raid to get more cattle. One Karimojong explained how it is done. "First, warriors send one or two people to spy on where the animals are. Then they organise a mass movement of warriors and storm the kraal. They can kill people." But since the army started to disarm the warriors, such raids are rare, although some young men still have guns, . In fact, today few Karimojong have any cattle at all since so many cows have perished due to raids and drought! This is a tragedy for the Karimojong.

These pretty girls do not have babies. They are carrying food on their backs.

"Those few animals that are in our communities are held by warlords," explained another Karimojong. "They are held far away, not

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Most of my friends are cattle I love grazing animals more than raiders. That is where they get going to school though at the their school fees. moment am in school. Since we One was killed in a cattle raid. are only two boys in our family, we Before I joined school, I need to protect our animals. My grazed animals and did parents said that education is a not like school. But when "During waste of time. I started school the raiders took all our after my brother was killed while holidays I cows, I had nothing to went grazing. From that time I graze cows he do but to come to school. feared to go grazing but I still but fear When I joined, it was not love animals. My sisters did not easy. But I got used and being killed" go to school. Also all my friends I now like it. I want to study grew with did not go to school hard and build a because no one is there to permanent house and stop living in a encourage them. I am a warrior but manyata. others cannot identify you unless they We love cows so much because the know you and are your neighbours. more cows you have, the more During holidays I graze and dig but do respect you gain. That is why most not go very far because I fear being people steal to earn that respect. Most killed. My advice to the youth in children in Karamoja study on their Karamoja is to stop conflict over cows. own so they stop in P7. The parents Lochap Moses, St Mary’s are not able to support them. Pulkol Seminary Nadiket, S2, Moroto Ivan, 20, S5, Moroto High School High School ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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My father has 50 cows. My In our culture girls are not mother is a tailor. My cousin allowed to go to school. Our parents say we shall become was married off at just 13. She prostitutes and get HIV. But it is was in P6. Men brought alcohol not true. Anyway prostitution is a for my father and asked for her in taboo in Karamoja. My marriage. He asked for 30 parents are so negative cows and 20 goats, which they about my education. brought after a month. The "My mother So when I reached men then proceeded to my secondary, I started says girls with cousin's school. One of them brewing for school breasts are to tricked her to come out of the fees. I also have be loved by school, saying her mother pressure from my wanted to give her something. relatives, who want men" brideprice and say I They grabbed her by force am wasting time. What and took her for marriage. I hate most is men touching my The teachers could not help. Those breasts when I sell alcohol. When I men could return and kill them. I tell my mother, she says a girl with would have ran to the missionaries breasts is supposed to be loved by who can keep me in a convent or men. My advice to Straight Talkers take me to a boarding school. is: Remain firm. Education is the Chebet Emmy, 17, S2 Moroto light to a brighter future. Ajilong HS Esther, 18, S3, Moroto HS

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Some cultural practices in Karamoja like rape as courtship, body tattooing and wife inheritance are "drivers" of HIV.

3 Straight Talk, May 2008

Education and radio for a better life to modernity. Even for the few who have adopted it, males still marry traditionally and initiate to become men. Females are married for more or less the same 'price' whether they have been to school or not." The government and Unicef want all children to go to school. Young Karimojong, you can help by talking well of education.

We are happy to announce that Caroline became a parent in 2007, so she now presents the Nga'karimojong Parent Talk radio show. Anna Maria Lokwii, a young Karimojong graduate, now presents Straight Talk in Nga'karimojong. Straight Talk has an office in Regina Mundi Village in Moroto run by Martin Oenen, who for many years presented our Ateso radio show, Einer Eitena. Young people, please drop by and say hi. If you cannot go to Moroto, do not worry. Our team

Reaching the remotest communities: (left) Napeyok reads her script wearing her best traditional outfit (right) Anna Maria interviews an elder in Nakapiripirit.

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He says: "Few Karimojong have assimilated modern culture. Very few go to school, which is a vehicle

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O

nly 25% of children are in school in Karamoja. There are many reasons, including the belief that educated girls become prostitutes and that boys should focus on cows. But some Karimojong have beaten the challenge. Phillip Limlim Lomma grew up in Lorukumo, went to Moroto High School, Makerere University, and the Canadian Christian Medical Institute, where he won academic prizes. He works for UNICEF.

Straight Talk loves all young people, so in October 2006 we started a Nga'karimojong radio show. The voice behind the first shows was the young and energetic Caroline Napeyok, a PTC graduate from Moroto.

will come to Kotido, Kabong and Nakapiripirit. If you want them to visit your school or manyatta, write to Straight Talk P O Box 127 Moroto or P O Box 22366 Kampala. The shows are on Karamoja FM, Veritas, Step FM and UBC.

Problems! Problems! My mother got married to another man. When she left me, men started disturbing me. To escape forced marriage, I went to school. My father refused to give me even the little money for buying books. It is hard, but I will push on. Losike Felly Monica, S3, Moroto High School

Although HIV is low in Karamoja, it is increasing. So do not relax. Staying in school can help you stay safer. • You learn how to prevent HIV and look after people with HIV. In Karamoja some people with HIV are abandoned and die, yet with

I stay with my grandfather who tells me to marry because he is becoming old and wants to eat cows from me. He has his own cows. He says if I refuse he will curse me. I am still schooling. Should I marry? Gorreti Nakwang, Moroto HS

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Education can protect you care they can live long and meangiful lives. • Education controls the level of rape and helps you marry at the right age. Many girls who are not in school are married off against their will. If a girl marries at her own will, she can make a happier family. Education also helps you: • Get skills for jobs • Care for your environment

• Communicate confidently without fear. • Be a strong and wise leader • Be a smart business person. • Avoid the dangers of cattleraids.

When given a chance, Karimojong shine Karamoja region was the best in last year’s O' levels! It had four of the five top districts. Kotido was the best in the country. It had 141 candidates: 100% passed! Moroto was second. Out of 361 candidates, only one failed: so 99.7% passed. Abim followed: out of 166 candidates, 165 passed (99.4%). In Kabong, 91 out of 92 candidates passed (98%). Wakiso was the fifth best district in the country. Students in Karamoja study under difficult conditions, but many excel. You too can shine. Karamoja has Kotido, Moroto, Abim, Kabong and Nakapiripirit districts.

Cultural pillow Karimojong men sleep comfortably with their head on their traditional stool

Karimojong people are used to walking long distances. Their area is sparsely populated.

Straight Talk, May 2008

Dear

SYFA 3666 2236 Boxx 22 O. Bo P.P. O. L M P A A KK AA M P A L A

Getting saved and HIV Does becoming saved prevent HIV, unwanted pregnancies and STDs? Members of ST Club, Muterere SS, Bugiri Yes and no. All religions preach no sex before marriage and faithfulness to your partner. Your saved friends can be a safe group for you. But what really protects you from HIV is your behaviour. Take your time, club members. White discharge I have a problem with my penis. When I am bathing, I see Susan Tusiime, 18, and Denis Pato, 22, are the S6 leavers handling Straight Talk letter s. They promise to get an answer back to you within one month!

something white like posho. Semwanga P, S2, 15, Homeland College, Kyotera Sorry. It is not comfortable to have anything wrong with your private parts. Any discharge from your penis other than urine or semen needs medical attention. Is the posho-like substance under your foreskin? That could be candida or an accumulation of smegma, the natural substance secreted by the body. Wash daily under the foreskin, and it will go away. Please see a doctor. Virginity and pain Is it true that if a girl keeps her virginity she is likely to get abdominal pains? Phiona, S4, Kitetika Comprehensive College, Kampala No. You can have menstrual pain and pain due to STDs but you can never have pain due to virginity. Is someone encouraging you to have sex? Be wise and see behind the pressure. Pills and pregnancy Is it true that if someone uses pills, she can get pregnant after four or five years? Grace Atuhirwe, Excel HS, Ntungamo Yes, she can get pregnant after four or five years. She can also get pregnant within a few days of stopping the pills! That is why females who take pills have to take them faithfully everyday. Pills do not cause infertility. They contain a very small amount of hormone that only prevents ovulation for a day or two. Once

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Pimples Is it true that having many pimples means you have too much sperm? D Nahabwe, S3, Bwambara SS, Rukungiri No, Nahabwe. Pimples are caused by body changes. Do not be deceived. And what is the measure of too much sperm? Too much sperm is solved by wet dreams. Be gentle with your skin. Do not squeeze the pimples or use strong soap.

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you stop the pills, you ovulate again and can get pregnant. Sex demand I live with my brother. His wife asks me to have sex with her. I always refuse. What can I do? Boy, 14, S1, Buhugu SS, Sironko That is shocking and a shame. This lady is a guardian. You must continue saying no. Telling your brother will cause problems in his house. Ask a mature relative to tell her to leave you alone. If she continues disturbing you, ask your brother to allow you to stay somewhere else. Counselor Falal Rubanga, STF

Meet Charmaine!

Marijuana can make you impotent

“Sharon, it’s obvious that you are Charmaine Matovu, 20, presents in love but you need to go slow Straight Talk’s English radio show on yourself. Avoid thinking about with Robert Mukasa. She likes to tell this boy too much him that he is not a good because the more you dancer. Charmaine lives think, the more with her grandmother “I’ve been depressed you get. and completed her S6 at there - when It’s hard to ignore Greenhill Academy, you have feelings, but if Kampala. something is driving unbearable you crazy, it’s not good. feelings “At Straight Talk I have I mean you said you even learnt about computers. I for a guy.” faint! can help young people because they face problems I I’ve been there. I’ve had have been through.” unbearable feelings for a guy. But I controlled myself by reading Charmaine gives good advice. books and hanging out with my Sharon Nafula is worried that she friends. Don’t be lonely. This will feels faint when she thinks about spark off those thoughts about her boyfriend. that guy you love.” Charmaine answered on air:

In the UK health workers are seeing young men with impotence due to heavy use of cannabis (marijuana, banghi, enjaga). Says nurse Ian Russell from Scotland: “Some boys smoke five or six times a week. This tes injures special cells in the tes the e, on ter which secrete testos get male hormone. When they e hav y the 15 or 14 to age n. problems getting an erectio one ter tos tes low y ver e They hav not is is Th and low sexual desire. healthy.”

Our new Straight Talk Radio presenter!

Thanks to all who wrote in to help JK! Below are the T SHIRT winners: You are in a challenging situation because your love has grown deep. Tell her that true loves waits. A Birungi, NTC Masindi Talk to your girl friend and tell her

everything about early sex. Help her to avoid friends who cause trouble. If she loves you, she will listen. Semaliza V, 17, S4, St Mary’s SS, Bombo Please do not put much effort in that relationship. Be firm on your books. This will save you from problems. Nviiri B, S2, Bombo Army Sch If they cannot to say no to sex, they can use condoms and faithfulness to prevent HIV and outbreak from school. E Gombura, Moyo Town SS

Other winners: Asindu P, Yumbe SS; Matsiko N, Mbarara Municipal S; Bihanikire S, Labsgata Technical Institute;

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I have stayed with my girlfriend for five years. We love each other very much. We abstain. Due to peer pressure she is now asking for sex. I am focusing on studies and do not want to make her pregnant which might lead to early marriage. What can I do? GK, Ndeeba SS, Kayunga

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Give your wisdom to fellow peers and win T-shirts C Sserutoogo, Kyotera College of Business Studies

New QUIZ: Please advise!

I hear that the condom prevents pregnancy: does it prevent HIV? I hear that if a boy has sex with a girl using a condom for the first round and the second round he does not use it, she

cannot get pregnant. Is it true? What can be done if the condom remains in the girl’s vagina? E Kayondo, R Yiga, M Nakiganda, Kizza Memorial School, Masaka

Send sincere advice to Straight Talk, PO Box 22366 Kampala.

STRAIGHT TALK FOUNDATION Plot 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, P. O. Box 22366, Tel: 0312-262030, 0312-262031, 0414-530088 Kampala (U), Fax: 0414-534858, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], Web: www.straight-talk.or.ug Director: C. Watson, Deputy Director: T. Agutu, Editorial Manager: E. Kimuli, Editors: G. Awekofua, M. Akello, D. Agaba, J. Abongowath. Designers: G.B Mukasa, M.eB Kalanzi, Funded by DANIDA, DFID, SIDA, Printer: The New Vision