Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
“Africa already attracted me for a long time. About a year ago, I saw a documentary about the East-African countries. I was fascinated about what was shown. By talking about that documentary with a friend, I was introduced to Theo Vos (Founder, Kara-Tunga). Theo was living in Groningen but originally from Karamoja, Uganda. We met with each other at the JANBOELO studio in Winschoten and spoke about Uganda, with Karamoja in particular. I was immediately intrigued about the wonderful pictures and stories he shared! As a gift, Theo gave me a Nakatukok. A Nakatukok is some sort of blanket which the Karamajong use as a garment, blanket, baby carrier etc. This inspired me to see how we could make something like that for the European market.
Time passed and I still walked around with the idea from the Nakatukok. In the passing time, I met some people in Amsterdam from the DesignHub in Kampala Uganda. They were working on a project to collaborate with Dutch and Ugandan companies. This was the moment that everything came together. After much talking about the possibilities I took the plunge: I go to Uganda!
I have kept contact with Theo as well all that time and he wanted to show me Karamoja as I arrived. He would give me insight in the Karamojong and their habits. So the moment I arrived in Entebbe, Theo picked me up at the airport. Together with my brother and Julius, one of the guides from Theo’s company, Kara-Tunga, we started our journey to Karamoja.”
Myself and 30+ friends were keen to explore destination Karamoja. We went for a hike up Mount Moroto, the mountain to likely areas for sight seeing. Owner Theo and other Guides like Brian, Peter, Paul and others delivered a fantastic experience. The hike was not too difficult but we covered different altitudes and habitats and …
I’ve been traveling in Uganda before, but I’ve never seen this side of the country. I was amazed. It’s the poorest region of Uganda, but culturally and historically definitely one of the richest. A lot of people live according to old traditions, and they all have a great sense of their past. Karamojong people are …
Bicycle Tour through Karamoja – I was in Moroto for work and decided to stay with Kara Tunga Guest House for the weekend. The rooms are clean with comfortable beds and hot showers.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
Dutch Fashion Designer travels Karamoja for Inspiration
Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
“Africa already attracted me for a long time. About a year ago, I saw a documentary about the East-African countries. I was fascinated about what was shown. By talking about that documentary with a friend, I was introduced to Theo Vos (Founder, Kara-Tunga). Theo was living in Groningen but originally from Karamoja, Uganda. We met with each other at the JANBOELO studio in Winschoten and spoke about Uganda, with Karamoja in particular. I was immediately intrigued about the wonderful pictures and stories he shared! As a gift, Theo gave me a Nakatukok. A Nakatukok is some sort of blanket which the Karamajong use as a garment, blanket, baby carrier etc. This inspired me to see how we could make something like that for the European market.
Time passed and I still walked around with the idea from the Nakatukok. In the passing time, I met some people in Amsterdam from the DesignHub in Kampala Uganda. They were working on a project to collaborate with Dutch and Ugandan companies. This was the moment that everything came together. After much talking about the possibilities I took the plunge: I go to Uganda!
I have kept contact with Theo as well all that time and he wanted to show me Karamoja as I arrived. He would give me insight in the Karamojong and their habits. So the moment I arrived in Entebbe, Theo picked me up at the airport. Together with my brother and Julius, one of the guides from Theo’s company, Kara-Tunga, we started our journey to Karamoja.”
Read the full story on the website of Jan Boelo: www.janboelo.com/uganda/
Related Posts
Karamoja is a destination in Uganda worth visiting
Myself and 30+ friends were keen to explore destination Karamoja. We went for a hike up Mount Moroto, the mountain to likely areas for sight seeing. Owner Theo and other Guides like Brian, Peter, Paul and others delivered a fantastic experience. The hike was not too difficult but we covered different altitudes and habitats and …
Karamoja Safari was The highlight of my Uganda trip
I’ve been traveling in Uganda before, but I’ve never seen this side of the country. I was amazed. It’s the poorest region of Uganda, but culturally and historically definitely one of the richest. A lot of people live according to old traditions, and they all have a great sense of their past. Karamojong people are …
Bicycle Tour through Karamoja, the most beautiful part of Uganda
Bicycle Tour through Karamoja – I was in Moroto for work and decided to stay with Kara Tunga Guest House for the weekend. The rooms are clean with comfortable beds and hot showers.
Hiking Mount Moroto, Just takes your breath away
Hiking Mount Moroto – There are some places in the far-flung corners of the world that just take your breath away.