Hon. Norbert Mao’s wife, Beatrice Mao, came under fire over her erroneous remarks that ‘Acholi people are lazy,’ triggering strong criticism from the Acholi community.
Beatrice recently shared a video on TikTok saying: “The only challenge I am finding in Acholi is — seriously, one of the challenges I am finding — I want to employ people, but people are lazy. That is the fact, and I do not deal with lazy people. I am really sorry.”
Her statement angered some Acholi, who defended the community and challenged her narrative.
A lady identified as Wanda Ork Jaimeikes boldly confronted Mao’s wife, saying, “Madam, for your information, the people of Acholi are very hardworking. We don’t want disrespect. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Acholi Deg Ming’? We don’t want to be disrespected.”
“The people working on your farm are fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons of someone. They are not animals. You shout at them, belittle them, and make them feel less human. You act like you are helping them by employing them, as though they are not providing a service.” - She reacted.
Wanda said Beatrice should have learnt from her husband, Chairman Mao, how to communicate with people, stating that she once heard her speaking to her employees very arrogantly — behavior which Acholi do not tolerate.
She added that Beatrice was welcomed to Acholi land and should not mistake that for permission to treat people anyhow. Wanda urged her to change how she speaks to people and treat them like human beings, noting that employees need the money they work for.
