Acta Events turns to Reggae Music to heal trauma in Acholi

By Owen Odong

In an effort to heal trauma in the Acholi sub-region, Acta Events has turned to reggae music as a therapeutic tool. This initiative aims to promote peace, unity, and recovery in a region deeply affected by conflict in northern Uganda.

Music has been shown to have a profound impact on the human psyche, with trauma and music therapy closely linked. Music serves as a non-threatening medium for expressing emotions and fostering healing.

During a press conference at the Northern Uganda Media Club, Innocent Ocira, CEO of Acta Events, emphasized the healing potential of reggae music. “Reggae music has the power to uplift and comfort individuals, helping them forget their problems,” he explained.

Ocira urged local musicians to adapt their styles to promote peace and unity, now that the region is experiencing stability. He also called on the government to empower affected communities in northern Uganda, ensuring financial stability as a means of combating trauma.

An upcoming reggae night at the Tak Centre was announced, aiming to bring together reggae musicians to promote harmony. The event will also feature a poetry night, showcasing powerful messages and fostering emotional healing.

Bruno Atyang, the principal psychiatrist at Gulu Mental Unit, underscored the need for effective trauma-coping strategies in a region frequently plagued by conflict, violence, and natural disasters. He highlighted cultural approaches such as sports, games, and proper parenting as crucial for community recovery.

Atyang also noted that music activates various areas of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and motor control, which can promote healing and improve mood. Regular exposure to music, he explained, can encourage neuroplastic changes in the brain, aiding recovery from trauma or illness.

Peter Banya, the deputy resident city commissioner for Pece Laroo Division, expressed concern for individuals who left camps during the war and never returned to their homes, missing out on government support.

“We cannot fold our hands and watch our people suffer from trauma when we have the means to support them,” Banya stated, emphasizing the need for the Acholi community to unite in addressing the root causes of trauma and ensuring that those affected by the post-war period receive healing and support.

Sharon Apiyo, a resident of Gulu City, welcomed the initiative and urged musicians to create music that fosters peace and contributes to the region’s healing process. She also appealed to cultural leaders, religious leaders, and the community to work together in supporting individuals experiencing trauma, preventing mental breakdowns.

According to recent statistics, Gulu district has recorded 3,484 cases of mental illness in the past nine months.

The World Health Organization reports that rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are over three times higher among individuals exposed to violent conflict or war. In Uganda, at least 7.4% of the population is affected by common mental disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.