A symbolic elephant statue has been revealed in Gulu City in honour of the cultural significance of the creature to the Acholi people.
The Chief Justice unveiled the statue, installed with funding from Uganda Breweries.
Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and the Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot David Acana II.
This memorial will be the first unique feature residents, and guests will see as they enter Gulu city, and it is located at Gulu ker kwaro Acholi- Airfield Road.
According to Justice Owiny Dollo, “We are proud of our culture, traditions and heritage as Acholi people, and the importance of this majestic creature to our culture and practices cannot be overstated. It is a clear sign of respect and reverence for great people and a great city and compliments the already beautiful nature of this place. I appreciate Uganda Breweries for this gesture.”
The statues of elephants hold a deep sentimental value to the Acholi. To this, it appears at the centre of the cultural institution’s flag as a symbol of strength, peace, and supremacy nation.
According to Alfred Balikagira, the Director of the Supply Chain Director for Uganda Breweries, “We were honoured with a partner with Ker Kwaro Acholi in order to fund the structure of this monument, which will be a special identifier from which the people of Acholi can draw dignity in their cultural heritage. The elephant also holds great significance to our business as the official logo of our beloved brand, Tusker, which celebrates 100 years of existence this year.”
Statues play a crucial symbolic role in people’s lives from different walks of life by acting as a visual reminder of cultural values and as vehicles that solidify bonds and build solidarity between individuals and the wider group.
Notable examples include the bull statue – Rusiina – which graces the entrance to Mbarara City and symbolizes cattle keeping as the main economic activity of the people of the greater Ankole region, and the lion – Entale – monument in Fort Portal, which represents the courage, sovereignty, majesty, power, stateliness and valour of the Batooro.
