Ali, Muca (A)

[ACOLI, Clan: Pugwinyi, Patiko]

Muca Ali was the son of Gimoro, a man well-known to Sir Samuel Baker.[1] Was baptized at Keyo by the Rev. A. L. Kitching on November 26, 1906, and was one of the first three converts in Acoli.[2] He had been converted as a result of the preaching of Yohana Murusura, a Munyoro evangelist. He already had two wives and before his baptism he sent away his second wife who had borne his only child, Andereya Aluku, and for this his clan was very angry with him, and he took refuge at the mission.[3] When the mission was temporarily abandoned in 1908 he kept the handful of Acoli Christians together.[4] There was further conflict with his clan when he refused to build an abila (spirit shrine) in his homestead, and instead began to build a church. For this he was badly beaten up.[5] In 1909 when teacher were sent from Bunyoro he welcomed them and introduced them to Acoli life. In 1911 and 1912 he taught in Lango.[6] In 1913 when the mission was reestablished near Gulu he moved his home to the new site and lived near the church.[7] In 1921 and 1923 he taught in Kitgum.[8] With Sira Dongo he preached and visited churches throughout Lango and Acoli.[9] He died suddenly in February 1929 just before he was to have been ordained deacon.[10]

Louise Pirouet**

Notes(short form; see List of Sources for complete citations):

1. Okech, 1964.

2. Gulu Baptism Register.

3. Olal, 1964.

4. Komakee, 1964.

5. Aluku, 1964.

6. Olal, 1964.

7. Aluku, 1964

8. Olal, 1964.

9. Aluku, 1964.

10. Komakee, 1964.

This biography, written by Louise Pirouet, was included in “Appendix A: Biographical Notes,” on page 370 of “The Expansion of the Church of Uganda (N.A.C.) from Buganda into Northern and Western Uganda between 1891 and 1914, with Special Reference to the work of African Teachers and Evangelists” (PhD Thesis: University of East Africa, 1968). Pirouet published this thesis as Black Evangelists (London: Rex Collings, 1978). However, Black Evangelists does not reproduce the detailed biographies, complete with references to sources, found in Appendix A of the thesis. Print copies are available at Africana Section, Makerere University Library (U 02 P57); The Centre for Christianity Worldwide, Cambridge; and a microfilm copy at the School of Oriental Studies, London. [information from Angus Crichton]