Beyond Modern Science: Ryemo Gemo (Chasing Away Evil Spirits), Tradition and Faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Acoli in Northern Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorAlidri,Agatha
dc.contributor.authorOkello,Simon
dc.contributor.authorOchen,Patrick
dc.contributor.authorTukupe, Ochan Demas
dc.contributor.authorAure, Onek Richard
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-23T08:39:39Z
dc.date.available2026-04-23T08:39:39Z
dc.date.issued2025-05-14
dc.description.abstractBackground: This was a historical study of the Ryemo Gemo tradition among the Acoli people of Northern Uganda, and its implications in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic. It explored strategies indigenous people adopted for epidemic control and prevention anchored on their tradition and belief systems passed, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study adopted the qualitative approach and ethno-historical design. It explored community meanings, beliefs, values, practices and lived experiences of Ryemo Gemo during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study was conducted in Gulu City, and the districts of Gulu, Omoro, Lamwo, Kitgum and Agago, where the ritual of Ryemo Gemo was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using Key Informant interviews, one-on-one interviews and six Focused Group Discussions. A sample size of 63 participants based on the data saturation point, and their knowledge and experience of Ryemo Gemo, was selected using the snowball and networking approach. They included: Cultural leaders, elderly persons, spiritual mediums, and health workers. Findings:Gemo was a calamity brought by bad spirits. The spirits acted as an early warning system, foreseeing and informing the people through spirit mediums of a looming calamity. Whereas Gemo was a calamity sent by bad spirits, others argued that COVID-19 was not a Gemo as it was man-made. Ryemo Gemo fostered a sense of identity, unity, and shared values, principles and practices. It promoted cultural continuity and connection between the living and the dead. Conclusion: Ryemo Gemo reflects the Acoli spirituality, beliefs and collective approach to managing calamities, reinforcing community bonds and cultural continuity.
dc.description.sponsorshipThe authors disclose receipt of the financial support for the post-doctoral research and authorship of this article. The authors received funding for this post- doctoral research and departmental capacity building from the Carnegie Consolidating Early Career Academic Programme (CECAP) - Makerere University.
dc.identifier.citationAlidri, A., Okello, S., Ochen, P., Tukupe, O. D. & Aure, O. R. (2025). Beyond Modern Science: Ryemo Gemo (Chasing Away Evil Spirits), Tradition and Faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Acoli in Northern Uganda. East African Journal of Traditions, Culture and Religion, 8(1), 57-71. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajtcr.8.1.3000.
dc.identifier.issn2707-5362
dc.identifier.issn2707-5370
dc.identifier.uri10.37284/eajtcr.8.1.3000
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/798
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherEAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION
dc.relation.ispartofseriesVolume 8, Issue 1, 2025
dc.subjectRyemo Gemo
dc.subjectAcoli
dc.subjectSpirituality
dc.subjectHealing
dc.subjectFaith.
dc.titleBeyond Modern Science: Ryemo Gemo (Chasing Away Evil Spirits), Tradition and Faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Acoli in Northern Uganda
dc.typeArticle

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