Owiny Akullu
Owiny Akullu (born in 1845) was a Lango warrior who played a significant role in the resistance against colonialism in Uganda. He was born in Acutanana, Kamdini sub-county, Oyam District to Ogwang Akota and his wife Akullu.
Owiny rose to prominence as a military leader, amassing a private battalion of more than 150 troops and conquering the entire region of Lango.[1][2] He was so skilled in javelin that he would throw a spear at a thin line of rope from a distance and would hardly miss. In a singular engagement known as the Battle of Minakulu, Owiny achieved a significant victory in the battle of Minakulu, where he defeated the Acholi and seized the area between Kamdini and Bobi in present-day Gulu District.[1][3][4][dead link][5]
Early life
[edit]Owiny Akullu was born in 1845 in Acutanana, Kamdini sub-county, Oyam District to Ogwang Akota and his wife. Akullu grew up to become a formidable military leader. He was able to assemble a private battalion of over 150 troops, with whom he successfully conquered the entirety of Lango.[1][6]
Military contribution
[edit]Owiny Akullu is indeed remembered for his military contributions to the resistance against British colonial forces in Uganda. He was a prominent commander and ally of Omukama Kabalega, the former King of the Bunyoro kingdom, who British colonial rule. Akullu fought alongside Kabalega and supported his resistance efforts until Kabalega's capture in 1899, which marked a significant turning point in the colonial conquest of Bunyoro. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience and resistance against colonial oppresion in Uganda.[3]
Legacy
[edit]Owiny died in 1947 at the age of 102. [1] In 2019, a statue commemorating Owiny Akullu was erected in Kamdini sub-county, Oyam District, Uganda, to recognize his role in resisting colonial rule. Owiny Akullu is celebrated as a local hero for his contributions to the fight against colonialism, and this statue serves as a tribute to his legacy and impact on Ugandan history.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Owiny Akullu: Langi warrior who defended Kabalega to the end". Monitor. 2021-01-09. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Lango's first palace". New Vision. Archived from the original on 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ a b "Owiny Akullu: Langi warrior who defended Kabalega to the end. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Photography Archive". 100 Years of Kabalega. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "1st International Lango Cultural Heritage and Tourism Conference". Lira university. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ AWEE, FRANCIS. "June 2021" (PDF). Kyambogo University.
- ^ "Exploring the tail end of Kabalega's trail". Monitor. 2023-09-23. Retrieved 2023-12-18.