Otole dance

Acholi moving to the stage to perform a traditional dance

The Otole dance is a traditional war dance of the Acholi people. Its purpose is to teach young Acholi what to expect from fights with rival ethnic factions or groups neighboring their territory. This war dance encompassed men ranging from 30-50 years including strong women. When the British invasion in Bunyoro Kingdom happened, the Acholi chief then Chief Awich Abok of Payira offered protection to Kabalega the Bunyoro king in Acholiland.

Otole Dance

The war dance wasn't an ordinary encounter for the faint hearted, it was organized at the call of a chief, signaling something important has to be done as it serves a diverse and complementary role in the Acholi tradition. Also, the war dance similarly helped the men and women to physically prepare for war, organize strategies during attacks using the spear and shield. Additionally, the "Otole dance" emotionally prepared the men for use of force and violent encounters and preparing them for combat.

As the Acholi perform Otole dance, men showcase victory dances and fake fights as they carry shields and spears to defend their person. However, this dance symbolizes the important role men play in defending their lands, women, and children throughout Acholi history.