The Latuka tribe are also known as the Otuho. They are a small ethnic group who practices subsistence farming. They keep large herds of cattle, sheep and goats in the mountains of south Sudan.
Unlike in other part of the world where a man and a woman agrees to getting married if they are interested or have mutual feelings, however, these tribes are peculiar for kidnapping their intended before seeking the ‘to-be father of the bride’s approval.
It is after this act that the suitor goes to visit the girl’s father along with his elder male relatives to ask for the blessing to marry, while the girl still in his possession.
The father of the kidnapped daughter has to respond with a “yes” or “no” alongside a ceremony, If he agrees to the proposal, he is expected to beat up his prospective son-in-law to show consent. The beatings signify that the man is willing to be beaten for his wife since it’s about the sacrifice he’s willing to make for the woman he loves.
However, if the father’s response is “no” the suitor has the discretion to decide whether to return the kidnapped ‘bride’ or go ahead to marry her regardless. In all ways the man forcefully marries the girl anyway.
In this tribe, a woman is deprived of choice and right to marry any man she loves, despite the criticism they still practice their tradition.
They are also known for their communal lifestyle where nothing is kept from anyone. They practice a system of sharing and no single person rules over them. Instead they have a group of elders who are vested with the authority to guide them
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