About Ekyooto
Understanding the Ekyooto tradition and its role in decolonising social work
EKYOOTO: DECOLONISING SOCIAL WORK-UGANDA
EKYOOTO is a Runyankole/Luganda word for a fireplace which, in African oral storytelling, is a place/space where stories are told, knowledge and wisdom shared, thus shaping individuals and communities.
The Ekyooto Tradition
In traditional African communities, the ekyooto (fireplace) served as a central gathering place where elders, community members, and youth would come together to share stories, experiences, and wisdom. This oral tradition has been a cornerstone of knowledge transmission and community building for generations.
The ekyooto represents more than just a physical space—it embodies the values of collective learning, mutual respect, and the recognition that everyone's story matters in shaping the community's understanding of the world.
Decolonising Social Work
Modern social work practice in Uganda and across Africa has often been shaped by Western models that may not fully resonate with local cultural contexts, values, and knowledge systems. Decolonising social work means:
- Recognizing and valuing indigenous knowledge systems
- Centering community voices and experiences
- Challenging power structures that marginalize local perspectives
- Creating culturally relevant and responsive practices
- Building on traditional community support mechanisms
Our Mission
EKYOOTO serves as a digital fireplace where practitioners, community members, researchers, and activists can come together to:
- Share stories and experiences related to decolonising social work
- Learn from each other's practices and insights
- Build a network of people committed to decolonisation
- Keep the conversation and action going
- Shape the future of social work practice in Uganda and beyond
Join the Conversation
We invite you to join our network and contribute your voice to this important conversation. Whether you're a practitioner, community member, researcher, or simply someone interested in decolonising social work, your perspective matters.