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African Manners
Traditional Wisdom through African Proverbs
Acholi Proverbs: (118 in Total)
Acholi is a tonal Luo language belonging to the Nilotic branch of African languages. It is spoken in
Acholiland in Northern Uganda and some parts of Sudan. The Acholi are part of the Luo-speaking Nilotic
peoples who moved into Uganda from southern Sudan between 1400-1800 AD. Moving in small clans, the
Luo-speaking Nilotic peoples wandered around Uganda, in search of pastures for their cattle and goats.
Oral legend holds that a conflict arose between the leader, Gipir and his brother Labongo over a bead
eaten by a child. Gipir moved west. His descendants include the Alur. Labongo’s group moved east of the
Nile by AD 1500. It is from this group that the present day Acholi and Langi emerged.
Acholi clan members live in a homestead clamped around the compounds of their kin. The Acholi
traditionally build round mud and wattle huts. These huts still have beautiful graduated grass roofs. Today
there is increasing use of bricks. The compounds boast of granaries filled with staple foods like simsim,
millet, peas, beans and groundnuts.
The Acholi are also keepers of cattle, sheep, goats and chicken and green fields of cassava and potatoes.
Residents of the Koc Goma areas in southwestern Gulu grow cotton for cash when conditions are
appropriate. Traditionally, Acholi were organized into clan groups led by a rwot or chief. Some of the big
clans had sub-clans and lower chiefs under the great chief. The rwot is responsible for dispensing
traditional justice. The Acholi value communal values although these have been somewhat eroded by the
conflict in northern Uganda.
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Agwata ma tek mac aye puku
Hardened gourd is softened by fire
When left too long, a gourd becomes hardened and brittle, and is not easy to split into two halves to make
it into ‘water cups’ or ‘plates’. Used of a person who needs tough treatment before he can see sense.
Kicaa pa ladit pe dong nono
An elder’s handbag is never completely empty.
Old age brings wisdom that prepares one for difficult times.
Labolo nywalo too ma neke
The banana tree produces what kills it.
The banana tree is ‘killed’ as it were by its produce. After bearing fruit the stem is cut down when the fruit
is ripe. At the same time numerous shoots spring up. The proverb refers to parents who suffer on account
of their children’s needs.
Labul tong gweno ngeyo ka pene
S/he who’s experienced at roasting eggs knows where the embryo is.
A specialist in any occupation knows best. Elders are wiser than young people in many matters in which
they have much experience.
Yoo aryo oloyo lalur
Two roads defeated the hyena.
A hyena was hurriedly following the smell of meat reached a junction and could not decide which one was
correct as the smell was coming from both directions. It is not possible to do two things at the same time.
Olam mamit pe cek gi ryo
opportunity knocks only once
Oyo mapol pe golo ot.
Direct translation-many rats cannot dig a hole to make their house- another version of everyone’s business
is no man’s business, ie for maximum productivity of a number of people, you have to give each one
specific tasks and hold each one accountable individually.
Papayi iwi lagweto
The pawpaw fruit on a tree drops on the one whoever picks it off the tree
I guess this one is a caution that we stay out of trouble because when you initiate trouble, you will end it
with the worst repercussions.
Gwok oringo kama coogo nonge iyee
The dog run where he could find bones (read food). As humans, our motivation determines what we do-
these include family, home, greener pastures, love, money, political parties, friends, etc…
Gin marii doko gweng
The English man says delay breeds danger; and others add to this do it now or never. Our elders were very
keen on doing activities ASAP. I guess it was their way of teaching us not to procrastinate.
Oyo madwong pe golo ott
another version of too many cooks spoil the soup
Adong medo i kom can
a slap adds to the poverty or misery.
Physical abusing a poor or miserable person makes that personproblem worse.
Agoro pe camo kato kulu
a type of white ant, which comes out only at night, does not eat beyond a river.
Even if you are strong you should only operate within you territory.
Agulu odiyo otac
The pot is pressing the grass stand.
Pressure has made someone to do something usually against his/her will.
Agwata matek mac aye buko
A hard calabash is only frightened (opened) by fire. A stubborn person is only managed by something
scary. In other word it is a deterrent punishment which corrects.
Akuri ma welo came neno wang ceng
A visiting dove eats and checks the sun.
When one if far from home one should always be time conscious, to give allowance for time to reach
home.
Akurri ma welo maro moko
A visiting dove gets easily trapped.
A newcomer is usually in danger of being trapped or tricked.
Aling aling ma ki celo wanga ki cogo?
Should I keep quiet when someone has hit my eye with a bone?
Alunya loyo lakwong
Ahe follower is more severe than the first.
The initial problem is usually not as bad as the second or what comes after it.
Aming aming ongolo nge gweno
A type of white ant appears after the chickens have turned in.
The ants are normally not eaten by man. Something good turned up after those who could benefit from it
have just gone.
Ange tyene lit/ koko ange
Regret has a painful leg that is why it arrives late.
“Had I known” comes after a disappointment.
Arwot ki oda
I am a chief in my own house.
No matter how poor one is, he is a chief/boss in his own house or territory.
Atura lipip calo ngok gwok
Suddenly like a dog’s vomit.
Something happened without a warning.
Ayom mudong cen nyero yib lawote
The monkey at the back laughs at the tail of the monkey in front.
Someone criticizes another person’s looks/errors without first looking at their own which might be similar.
Aweno pe kilaro ki rwod tol
Do not compete for a guinea fowl that has been caught in someone else’s net, because it belongs to the
owner of the net.
Do not vie for something which is not rightfully yours.
Bedo inget bye oweko kom pura kwar
Staying near the anthill made the antelope brown.
Ber ber pa leteme/lalaa
As beautiful like lateme, a wild fruitless banana.
So nice to look at but useless.
Bolo opuk i pii
Throwing the tortoise into water (in order to kill it).
Sending someone to a place a kind of punishment, not knowing that the person feels very comfortable
there; tortoises love water.
In other words miscalculating and as a result carrying out the opposite.
Can pa min Agudi (kimwono te aduku ka kidok ka twomo ki pii)
The poverty of Agudi’ mother (she seals the bottom of a basket and then use it for fetching water).
Can pa min Adeng, cito kulu ki pany
The poverty of Adeng’s mother, she goes to fetch water with a mortar. Extreme poverty leads to looking
for last possible alternative.
Cet gwok kinguku mapud lyet
The poo of a dog must be dealt with while it is still hot.
Things /problems are better dealt with while it is still fresh.
Cogo oturo wot pa gwok
A bone stops the journey of a dog
(Because dogs love bones they can easily be distracted by them).
Because of something nice the original intention or mission is abandoned.
Cok ogwang iwek gweno
Chase away the fox and not the chicken.
The fox is the bad element. In other words one should support the good person.
Dako nywal ki nyeke
A woman gives birth with her co-wife.
One can assistance even from a rival
Dongo min bul medo ki latinne/lanyige
Beats the mother of the drum as well as the child drum.
Ducu oyo to pa min Akec
They are all rats from Akec’s mother house.
They are all the same type, usually implying negative quality e.g they are all lazy, thieves, rude etc.
Dyel ma lapele tur ibad dero
A naughty goat breaks its legs on the arm of a granary.
Kids like playing in dangerous places even if they are stopped, some will still continue and as a result get
hurt.
A naughty person gets hurt easily.
Dwon odiyo Pilato
Voices pressured Pilate.
Pressure of the peoeple force Pilate the Roam judge to convict Jesus.
Going in to pressure from the majority.
Gin ma ikwiya darri yen
What you do not know (how to cook) finishes the firewood (without getting cooked or soft).
What you do not know how to deal with can waste a lot of your time without success.
Gin maruu doko gweng
Something which stays too long turns to stone.
Hanging on something for too long may turn out to be a disadvantage.
Gwok ceto/woto kama ki bolo ire kwon
A dog goes where they throw it food. One frequents where one is welcome.
Gwok ma dako bene mako lee
A female dog can also catch an animal.
A woman is as good as a man.
Ibino ma atakka pyeri opong
You have come with your waist full of decorations (ready for a big part in a dance). You have come full of
ambitions and self pride.
Be warned it might not be so easy.
Ibino ki gwok macol
You have come with a black dog.
You have misfortune.
Icwako ogwang iwek gweno
Support the fox and leave the chicken.
Sometime the weaker person is also to blame.
Igal ka mwodo aboke
You delay eating the first ready part of the harvest Usually, more abundant rewards come following the
beginning, so do not get stuck/overstay at the start.
Ikeng wii ogwang mutwo
You miss the dry head of a fox.
Dried meat is a delicacy and one can miss this if one is unhelpful or uncooperative. The dry head of a fox is
used here as a description of the contents of the old peoples·bag, made of skin of a fox.
Ikeng ki ollele
You will only have the gravy and miss the rest.
If one is unhelpful or greedy other people would not assist him/her to get the best. He/she ends only with
the superficial one.
Itwaro ma odoko acut
You scatter only vultures.
If you come late ( at a scene where a animal was killed) you find only vultures, the meat having got
finished. It is important to arrive in time.
Iyoke ki ajut kweyo
You have hit a small heap of sand. You have luck.
Jwi jwi ni/ci Ongole
Everyday like Ongole.
Ongole a hunter was a very successful hunter. He had a net which kept on catching/trapping animals. So
when you repeat success then one is being like Ongole. One can become the favourite as luck keeps on
striking one from time to time.
Kalli cek pa lawok kalli
(A type of nut) are plenty at a toothless person’s home.
Kicaa/kibegu pa ladit tere tut
An old person’s bag is deep.
There is abundance of knowledge in an old person. when an old person dishes out something to children,
there is usually more where that came from. or tan old person’s wisdom is limitless, full of surprise,
experience etc.
Kalwok pe doko katwo
The bathing place should not be the drying place as well.
Meaning do not live by habit change your ways with the times
Kuk co kun co this side men the other side men.
A tie, parity, equality.
Labolo pito to maneke
The banana plantain feeds its own killer.
Sometimes one unknowingly looks after ones worst enemy.
For example a parent caring for or bringing up a child who eventually destroys him/her.
Labul tong gweno ngeyo ka pene
The one who roasts an egg knows where the navel is.
An expert knows better, leave it to him/her.
Labwor ma kok pe mako lee.
A lion which roars does not catch an animal.
One needs to be cautious and lees noisy in order to succeed.
Lacan makwo pe kinyero
A poor person is never laughed at.
Do not laugh at a poor person because something may yet come his/her way. Life and not wealth is
paramount.
Ladit malam dong itee atabo
An elderly person who is light remains eating when others have left.
If one is dignified, and elderly people are supposed to be, one does not continue eating until all the food is
finished.
In other words one should know when to withdraw or end a visit.
Ladwar neno opoko pii ki wange
A hunter sees the water gourd with his eyes.
When a hunter us thirsty and is told that there is no drinking water, he insist on checking the gourd
himself. The result may disappoint him if finds there is indeed nothing, or please him if there is some
water. Whatever the case, the decision and consequences are his. Whoever insists on something will see
the consequences by themselves (usually something negative).
Lakwo kidongo to laling
A thief is beaten and dies silently (without confessing).
It is very difficult to admit one has done something wrong.
Langala ramo/mwodo boo ki toyo
One who despises or belittles eats greens with dew.
One who does not appreciate what he/she has always ends up with a worse one. As a result of despising,
one comes back eating the poorest food, all the good ones having been finished.
Traditionally Acholi vegetables are not cooked immediately they are picked form the garden. They are first
allowed to wilt in the sun in order to get rid of the insects. When one is very hungry an emergency food
(boo which has dew and cooks fast) has to be prepared to feed those who had not eaten, including the
despiser.
Lapok cinge ki guna
The one who serves has curved fingers (and retains some for him/herself). One s usually more generous
with oneself.
Lapyelo inget yoo nyebe
One who defecates by the road side can make it a habit.
Someone who commits crime can become addicted and eventually gets caught because of repeating it.
Lalur mwodo cogo kun geno ngwinye
The hyena eats bones while trusting its anus.
The person know what he/she is doing, despite the hardship involved.
Lalworo geyo ngwinye ki oluto kwon
A coward clean his/her anus with the stick for making kwon (millet bread).
In Acholi villages people use leaves for cleaning their anuses. A coward is too scared to look for leaves
especially at night so he/she uses whatever is easily available. Also cowards are called names.
Latong pa latek ladit aye omo
The axe of a stubborn/unhelpful person is fetched by an old /stronger person. if one refuses to cooperate,
he/she is denied cooperation too, except the old ones who do so out of sympathy.
Latot kic aye nango cinge
The honey harvestor is the one who licks his/her fingers.
You reap what you saw.
Lato wang pe peyo wadi
a blind person can not pull another blind person.
This shows how ignorant people can not help each other.
Layom cwinye poto
The heart of a circumcised person misses a beat. #The one who is circumcised always feels guilty. (The
Acholi did not believe in circumcision). In a society where something wrong has been committed and the
suspect is not known, the culprits behavior betrays the person.
Latin gwok pe tuko ki cak/nyuka ma ii lawote
A puppy does not play with the milk/porridge in another puppy’s stomach. One can not be contented just
because some else is.
Lee ma welo poto i bur
A visiting animal falls into a hole/pit.
A visitor or newcomer can easily get into trouble or gets easily tricked.
Lum acel (ka owot) pe weko to cwe
One grass (if it falls) cannot make a house leak.
No damage is done if one out of many defects/defaults.
Lum maburuburu ogengo ayweri koko
Young soft grass prevented the rooster from cooing.
Temporary progress may stop your progress.
Min gweno pe tongo bolo
The mother hen does not pick (food) and throw (to the chicks).
When it becomes dark, everyone for him/herself.
Mon nywal ki nyeggi
Women give birth with their co-wives.
One can get assistance even form rivals.
Mot mot ocero munno poto
Slowly slowly prevented the European from falling.
Persistence, however slow, pays.
Ngat ma otwoni ngwen okony ki cadi
Someone who denies you white ants has saved you from dysentery.
Someone who denies you something “nice” might be saving you trouble.
Ngor cek pa lawok ngor (edible pea) is plenty at a toothless person’s home.
Odo mabor pe neko twol
A long stick does not kill a snake.
One can not solve a problem from a distance. This is emphasizing good neighbourliness as a neighbour,
rather than a relative, may be the first to come to ones aid or rescue
Ocamo oo i labyel kweri
He/she has eaten until the food reached where one carries a hoe.
A person has over eaten.
Ocok man ki byene
Every ocok (a type of fruit plant) has its own ant hill.
Everyone has his/her own place or problems.
Ogwang pe lwoko gweno
A fox does not escort a chicken.
One can not expect an enemy to help.
Ojukkwe ceto ki cet iot pa maro
Ojukkwe (someone who cannot be prevented or warned from doing bad things) goes with feaces to the
mother-in-law’s residence.
It is important to listen to advice.
Okol ocok te the last log.
Problems covering all, cry over helplessness.
Okom oyoko langwec
A tree stump has hit a runner.
An impediment has stopped someone from achieving something.
Opong wiye woko
It is so full the head is outside.
The occasion is very well attended.
Opong agana lam it
I so full one is unable to talk about it.
Opong ma lalur matar rabo kitenge
Is it so full the white hyena skirts around .
Opoto ma tugo
It has fallen like the coconut.
Something nice has happened unexpectedly.
Opuk odoko amida
A tortoise has become the favourite.
Rebounding on a post from which one has been sacked earlier, please the bouncer. (What was formerly
despised, rejected becomes the favourite?)
Opuk malaco/matek kineno i mac
A strong/male tortoise will be seen in the fire.
When a tortoise is threatened it withdraws into its shell until the danger is over. When thrown into a fire, a
greater danger, it will open up in order to get out of the situation. A person equally puts on a cover until a
higher pressure is exerted. A strong person will be tested when faced with danger.
Or bwong dyel
Being sent on errands is a goat kid.
Being sent on errands is good because there are usually rewards.
Oree oketo latin joking made a child.
Doing something as a joke may end into something serious.
Oyo man ki wino ume/doge
Each rat has its own whiskers.
Each person is responsible for his/her problems.
Pii pe mol dok tere/cen
River/water does not flow back to the source.
Somethings cannot be reversed, like aging.
Puk con aye yat kot
Early rising is the medicine for rain.
Planting early in the season is good.
Rucurucu ocwalo ayom ki yibe
Rushing or hurrying sent the monkey with its tail (or made the monkey go with its tail, unlike man.)
It is good to prepare early and be ready for a specific task.
According to legend both man and monkey were going for an important visit. Man who was ready took of
his tail, while monkey was so much in a hurry it left forgetting to remove its tail (or the monkey was in a
hurry to leave the creation house so the creator let it go with its tail unlike man who was more patient,
allowing the creator to complete his job).
Ruko war ikom okuto
Wearing a shoe when one has thorns in the feet.
Adding more pain willingly without first dealing with the problem.
Te okono pe kiputo
The roots of the pumpkin is never uprooted.
Do not destroy your reputation, friendship or asset on leaving as you might come back and need it or it
will assist you.
Tek callo kolo man gwok
As difficult as castrating a dog.
It is an impossible task.
Tiyo obalo akeyo
Aging has spoilt akeyo (a type of vegetable which is nice and soft when young, but hard and bitter when
old).
Aging spoils beauty.
Twol pwodo yibbe
A snake wriggles/beats its tail.
A defeated person tries to be strong/comes forward when he/she is no longer able to.
Twol nwoyo lakke
A snake repeats its bite. Bad things have a way of repeating themselves.
Twon dyang oye ladod?ogwil
A bull has accepted a yoke/rope.
Because of pressure/torture one can accepts something one is very opposed to or against. Pressure forces
someone to accept(even unwillingly) a situation.
Twon gweno lworo labuce
A cock fears the one who de-feathers it.
When cocks fight, the stronger one beats the weaker one so much that it plucks off some of the latter
feathers leading to the beaten one? Permanent fear of the victor.
Twon gweno pe kok pa yaa
A cock does not crow beyond its border (because there are always stronger ones beyond its border). One
should always be conscious of ones limitations and restrictions.
Tingo dul ma opong ki nginingini carrying a log full of black ants.
Getting involved in a situation unstudied before hand normally results in a bad choice or unexpected
problems.
Twon gweno lworo labucce
A cock fears the one who removes its feathers.
One fear the one who is likely to hurt or has hurt him/her.
Twon gweno pa ladiro odoko kiler
The chicken of the miser has become full of tendon.
Miserliness can make one miss the best part of ones wealth.
Wang ceng odok
I ode the eye of the sun has returned to its house.
A reconciliation (between a wife and husband) after a rift.
Wek akuma ki rwode/rwede
Leave the trap to the owner.
Do not vie for something which is not yours, something you did not set up.
Wor obwumu ladobo
Night/darkness camouflages a leper.
Wot ki lakwany lum iwangi
Travel with someone to remove the grass from your eyes.
It is good to have companion, especially when travelling or visiting.
Yito pe duny nono
It does not smoke for nothing.
There is no smoke without fire.
Yito duny lubu agulu smoke follows the pot.
A bad smell comes form the source.
Or the one who has dodged a problem he/she has caused is finally caught by revelations by the same
person.
Yom cwiny oneko latinna
Generosity killed Latina.
Do not be too generous like Latina who died because of it. Legend?
Yoo aryo oloyo lalur
Two roads defeated the hyena.
A hyena was hurriedly following the smell of meat reached a junction and was confused as to which
branch to follow. It lost time and could not decide which one was correct as the smell was coming from
both directions. It is not possible to do two things at the same time. One should choose and stick to that
choice. Or one cannot be faithful to two masters/ mistresses.
Ywayo mori ki lagadagidi
Sulling safari ants with a rope.
Bringing problem innocently.
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