The Okebu Tribe

Once upon a time, in the heart of North-western Uganda, where the Nile River weaves its ancient tales, there existed a tribe known as the Okebu. Their story, like the river’s meandering course, is both mysterious and captivating.

Origins and Migration

The Okebu, also called Ke’bu or Ndu, belong to the Nilotic ethnic group. Their journey began in the Middle East, where they embarked on a remarkable odyssey. They traversed Ethiopia, South Sudan, and finally settled in Uganda, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Legend has it that three brothers—Kebu, Aliga, and Zamba—led this migration. When they reached South Sudan, Aliga and Zamba found their resting place, while Kebu continued southward.

Kebu’s Footprints in Uganda

Kebu’s footsteps echoed through the lush landscapes of Northern Uganda. He founded the Kebu tribe, which extended into the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Kebu settled in Uganda, he left his mark in Metu (now Moyo district) and later in Umba Medigo (now Yumbe district). Here, he was joined by the Madi people. From Umba Medigo, Kebu moved to the foot of Mountain Wati (now Arua district), where his tribe flourished.

The Okebu Identity

The Okebu people thrive amidst the Alur, Lugbara, and Lendu ethnic groups. Their language, Ndo, sets them apart, although they are often grouped with the Lugbara among the Madi-Moro cluster. The Alur call them Okebu, while the Lugbara refer to them as Ndo.

Cultural Riches

Economy and Agriculture

Economically, the Okebu are both agriculturalists and skilled ironsmiths. Their fertile lands yield millet, sorghum, cassava, maize, bananas, beans, and an array of vegetables. But their talents extend beyond farming—the rhythmic clang of ironwork resonates through their villages.

The iron work legend

The Metu have a tale explaining why they have the exclusive right to do ironworking. According to the story, the Lendu and the Madi lost their tier skills at a beer party, but at first, the Okebu, the Lendu, and the Madi all shared the art of iron working.

According to legend, while the other three groups were in the middle of smelting, the hardworking Okebu stayed behind to complete their task before joining the others to have beer.

By taking this preventive measure, the Okebu were able to escape the tragedy that befell the Lendu and the Madi when their skin bellows were destroyed when their unattended furnace caught fire while they were drinking beer.

The Okebu took great pride in their ability to make iron. The majority of them, whether they were Europeans or Lugbara, quadrupled the power of others. However, colonization decimated their ironworking art. The colonists discouraged the traditional Okebu iron-workers and insisted on bringing iron tools from Europe.

The Okebu smiths, who are still in business in the region between Arua and Godi, have had their traditional function severely undercut by this. They produce knives, slashers, and little weeding hoes that they sell at their neighborhood markets. The Belgian colonial authorities forbade the Okebu from practicing their art of ironworking in the Zanzi region of Zaire until 1950.

Settlement and Border Life

The Okebu straddle both sides of the Uganda-DR Congo border, cultivating their lives between Logiri and Kano. Zombo district, nestled in West Nile, serves as their heartland—a food basket sustaining their communities. The Okebu’s quarter of the population resides in Uganda, where they coexist with the Alur, Lugbara, and Lendu.

Beyond the statistics lies a tapestry of stories—of resilience, kinship, and the quiet strength that binds the Okebu. Their traditions insist on Sudanic origins, and their migration echoes through time. They were the second to cross the Nile, following the Lendu, and were later trailed by the Madi.

Conclusion

The Okebu, with their unique language and rich heritage, are more than mere statistics. They are the guardians of a cultural legacy, woven into the fabric of Uganda’s history. As the Nile continues its eternal flow, so do the Okebu—unseen yet steadfast, their story etched into the land they call home.