Both the real-life warlord Joseph Kony and the fictional protagonist of War Brothers, Jacob, come from the same ethnic group in Uganda: The Acholi people, a part of the larger Luo ethnic group who primarily reside in the northern region of the country. The history of the Acholi dates back to migrations from modern-day South Sudan to Uganda between the 15th and 17th centuries. In the late 17th century, the Acholi began to establish chiefdoms led by Rwodi, or rulers, composed of various villages, each belonging to different clans. By the middle of the 1800s, eastern Acholiland was home to approximately 60 small chiefdoms.

During the regime of dictator Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979, the Acholi suffered severe persecution due to their previous political support for the opposition. After Amin’s reign, the Acholi faced further challenges with the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army, who systemically targeted the Acholi people for violence and kidnappings. The Acholi people are also known for their rich cultural heritage and strong family values. Music and dance are integral to their communal celebrations. In addition, the Acholi are committed to a traditional practice of justice called Mato Oput, which emphasizes reconciliation and forgiveness over harshness and punishment.