Oral history with Ferdinand

Interview was conducted during the Covid pandemic and for this reason was undertaken in an outdoor space. This has led to a lot of background noise on the final recording, at times vehicles starting and driving past almost drown out the conversation.

00:55 Introduction; Ferdinand confirms name, and date of birth in Uganda.

04:41 Ferdinand left Uganda as a refugee and sought asylum in neighbouring Sudan (now South Sudan), got a scholarship study

in Italy and later another scholarship to study at Leeds University in the UK.

12:36 Ferdinand narrates his first trip to the UK from Italy and describes his first impression of the UK.

21:05 Ferdinand explains adjustment to living in Europe generally and, in particular, settling down in the UK.

22:17 Ferdinand narrates how his education ambitions unfolded, specifically, the levels he scaled, qualifications obtained and

professional interests.

24:40 Ferdinand reiterates that he has an affinity with Uganda and maintains close relationship with family members in Uganda.

25:24 Describes his role in the family prior to coming in Europe. Explains the changing role after settling in the UK.

29:10 Ferdinand is in regular contacts with relatives in Uganda and communicates with them regularly, thanks to advances in

modern communication methods.

31:30 Even though he settled in the UK, Ferdinand has passion for Uganda. At some point he returned and taught briefly in

Uganda, before returning to the UK. He frequently visits the country.

32:17 Maintains relationship with fellow Ugandans generally. In particular he maintains close relations with community members

from the West Nile region of Uganda. He is an official of the West Nile community association of the UK.

34:17 Perception of and the importance of cultural heritage.

37:11 Ferdinand hails from the ‘Madi’ tribes that inhabit the Uganda/South Sudan borders. Describes types of musical

instruments, songs and dances.

47:20 Describes ornaments, adornment and dressing.

48:55 Discusses the challenges youths face in preserving cultural heritage. The role youth clubs play etc.

54:05 Emphasizes the importance of communication. Youth clubs, The medium of communication in his migrant family and

minimizing communications barrier.

1:02:26 Explains the importance of story telling in the preservation of cultural heritage.

1:04:00 Discusses the rites of passage, the welcoming of the newly born, naming ceremonies.

1:08:57 Supporting children’s development into adulthood, nurturing the girl child, nurturing the boy child.

1:15:02 Choosing partners and the right time for marriage for boys and girls.

1:19:57 Process of setting up a family.

1:21:01 Bring the bride and the groom together into the community. The marriage ceremonies.

1:26:25 Comforting the terminally ill, gathering of close relatives to receive his/her will.

1:30:00 Discusses death, the acceptance and coming to terms with losing loved ones, burial and rituals for the dead.

1:33:22 Celebrating life of the departed, funeral ceremonies, perspectives of life after death.

1:38:48 Any additional information.

1:41:02 Interview ends.