Pojulu people

Demography and Geography

The Pojulu ethnic groups in the Sudan occupy the Savanna lands of the Nile Valley on the west of Bari.Their neighbouring tribes are Bari to the east, Nyangwara,Moro to the north Kakwa to the south,west Mundu and Avukaya to the northwest. They speak a language which is also called Bari,but with some thick rhyme in pronunciation which sometimes shows the difference between the Pojulu among the other Bari Speakers.Most of the Pojulu population is located at Lainya county.

The name Bari of the Nile Valley would be fitting because the river Nile runs through the heart of the Bari land. This definition would also distinguish them from any other ethnic groups that may be using the name Bari; there are apparently such groups in Ethiopia and Somalia, although no information exist as to whether they are all anthropologically related.They are Pojulu are found in Yei and Juba counties in central Equatoria but have extend to Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Pojulu differentiate into smaller clans of Nyori, Morsak, Mankaro and a few other smaller ones. The population of the Pojulu is estimated to be 950,000 persons.

Environment, Economy and Natural Resources

The environment in central Equatoria is typically tropical but the weather regime is fast changing; becoming arid with less rain and long dry spells. The pojulu economy is predominantly agrarian.They also have a one of the largest teak plantation in Africa The majority of people are peasants practicing mixed farming: subsistence agriculture in which the main crops are cassava, sorghum, maize, simsim, groundnut,wheat,sweet potatoes,cabbages, beans,onions,tomatoes etc. The pojulu keep goats,sheep,few pigs,chicken,ducks and cattle in some suitable areas due to the prevalence of tsetse fly which rendered cattle herding very difficult.

Mythology and HistoryThere is little knowledge about the origin of the pojulu as a people and their relation to the Bari and other Bari-speaking ethnic communities.

LanguageThe Pojulu speak Bari language with some distinct variations linked to people’s daily activities and traditions that have evolved over time from these experiences.

Society, Social Events, Attitudes, Customs, and Traditions pojulu is the name by which this Bari-speaking ethnic community is known. Pojulu society ascribe to certain norms and values. Like other communities,pojulu is a male dominated society. The eldest male member of the family is entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the rest unless he demonstrates incompetence and irresponsibility.

MarriageMarriage begins with courtship and once the prospective bride and groom have decided to transform their friendship into a marriage relationship the matter is reported to both families for endorsement. pojulu dowry is in the form of goats, cattle and cash. This is accompanied by celebrations and merriment. It is worth mentioning that pojulu dowry is not settled at a go - even if there were prospects for that. The explanation is to maintain links and relationship between the two families,and during the marriage event there is a whole celebration for the whole relatives which includes dancing,drinking,singing and conversations.

DeathDeath when it occurs even in a natural circumstance of disease, old age, etc. is usually attributed to some mishaps and must have been instigated. The members of the family have their heads shaved throughout the mourning period.

Social and Political Organisation, Traditional Authority The pojulu chief plays the role of a political leader with judicial powers. It is hereditary usually falling to the eldest son of the departed chief. The pojulu chief is always assisted by a council of elders, who come from different clans or families. The criterion of choosing these people is wisdom, bravery, and experience in matters pertaining to the tribe.

Spirituality, Beliefs and CustomsThe Pojulu, like other Bari speaking people, believe in a Supreme Being (Ngun) who is the creator. They also believe in the existence of spirits of the departed ancestors. Many of these beliefs are now fading under the influence of modernity and Christianity.

Culture: Arts, Music, Literature and HandicraftLike other communities, the pojulu have evolved an oral culture expressed in songs, poems, dance, music, folklore, magic.Neighbours and Foreign RelationsThe Pojulu neighbour:Nyangwara and Moro to the northBari to the eastKakwa to the south and westMundu and Avukaya to the northwest. In the past, the Pojulu forged a rare alliance with Moro, Mundu against the marauding Azande armies. This cut off the main Azande force and led to the formation of the Makaraka.

Latest DevelopmentsThe just concluded long running war caused drastic changes in the lives of the Pojulu. Many were displaced and this eroded their social and family fabric. A separate administrative unit was established separating the Pojulu from the Kakwa and others in Yei River District.

Diaspora

Pojulu have been displaced and many live as refugees in Uganda,Kenya,Ethiopia,Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in many African countries like South Africa,Egypt and etc , others live in displaced people’s camps in Juba, Sudan, Khartoum and other towns.Some are now living in USA,Europ and Australia

Further Reading

Seligman, C. G., and Seligman, B. Z., ‘Pagan Tribes of the Nilotic Sudan.’ George Routledge & Sons Ltd., London, 1932. Collins, Robert O., ‘Land beyond the Rivers, the Southern Sudan, 1898 – 1918.’ Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 1971.

Regib Yunis, ‘Notes on the Kuku and other minor tribes inhabiting Kajo-Keji District, Mongalla province.’ SNR VII (1) 1936 pp 1- 41