Authorities in Eastern Equatoria’s Imehejek Administrative Area are investigating the Lohobohobo Village youth for burying alive a traditional rainmaker identified only as Loture, who they accused of occasioning a long dry spell
Angry youth from Muhalele Boma stormed the home of the rainmaker on Wednesday, arrested, and buried him alive.
A similar incident happened in Mura Lopit in 2021 where a suspected rainmaker was buried alive over a long drought, with claims that he was encouraging famine in the area.
Imehejek administrator Mathew Oromo told Radio Tamazuj that they were investigating the burial of the rainmaker alive.
Oromo said there were no traditional or state laws that prescribed the burial of rainmakers alive, warning that those found guilty will be dealt with.
“I am yet to establish the details and also investigate the incident. We, as the government in the area, advocate the rule of law,” he said.
Eastern Equatoria Youth Chairperson Oriaja James confirmed the incident and called on government to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
He cautioned the youth against taking the law into their hands, saying rain patterns are natural and can change over time
“I condemn it in the strongest terms. These youth are not supposed to take the law into their hands by killing anyone. The climate has changed and it can rain in some part while other parts remain dry. I urge the State Government to intervene immediately and arrest those who have committed this atrocity against the rainmaker,” he stated.
The Director for Coalition of State Women and Youth Association, Ellizabeth Ihari, also condemned the act, and urged the self-proclaimed rainmakers to avoid making promises of what they have no control of.
She, however, urged the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and devise peaceful means of settling disputes.