Lira City, Uganda – At an age where many have long retired from active parenting, 101-year-old Margret Acen from Okile Village, Atangwata Parish (Igor Sub-County), remains a fountain of wisdom, urging fathers to take up their role in disciplining children for a better future.
Acen, originally from the Atek Okweribuu clan but married into the Okii Ojukol family, emphasized that strict discipline was key in shaping responsible adults during her time.
“In our days, fathers would cane children when they did wrong, and that kept them disciplined,” she said. “Nowadays, some parents neglect this duty, raising children who lack respect and struggle in marriage.”
She also stressed that mothers should teach children home management skills, regardless of their education. “Even if a child studies, they must know how to manage a home. But today, many parents fail in this, raising children who cannot sustain their marriages,” she lamented. 
When asked about the secret to her long life, Acen attributed it to righteous living. “I never engaged in stealing or killing. Living a clean life has kept me alive this long,” she shared.
During a recent visit from her grandson, Alex Atim, who lives in the United States, Acen reminisced about the past, sharing rich cultural histories. Atim expressed gratitude for her longevity, saying, “It’s a blessing to still have her with us. She holds so much history and teaches us invaluable traditions.”
Acen recounted tales of Bua Otyeno, the Ikocé dance,traditional marriage customs, and dietary practices of the past—stories that bridge generations.
As she celebrated her 101st year, her message remained clear: Bring back discipline, uphold traditions, and parents must take responsibility for their children’s moral upbringing.
Margret Acen’s century-long life is not just a milestone but a living archive of cultural wisdom—a reminder that discipline and tradition remain vital for a prosperous future.
