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Friday, 3 January 2014
114 YEARS OF BUSOGA KINGDOM
By
Mr. Robert Kanusu
Mr. Robert Kanusu is an information
Architect and long time serving freelance Journalist. He is currently working
with Uganda Home Pages Ltd as Marketing Co-ordinator as well. He is also
developing his political career from Jinja, his home district.
Mobile: 256-772-383111
Mr. John Kyakulaga
Mr. John Kyakulaga is a private
Consultant and Director of TFM Development Organization.
TFM Development org
P.O Box 36746
Kampala
Tel: 256-312298604
Mobile: 256-772444735
This historical handbook
is offered as attribute to the fallen King of Busoga His Royal
Highness Henry Wako Muloki and to all his predecessors especially Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula and the entire people
of Busoga who have worked very hard through the 114 years to build the glory
of Busoga.
Special thanks go to comrade John
Kyakulaga for his dedicated focus while editing this literature at a very
crucial moment.
This is our first attempt to document
the history of Busoga and we promise to produce another book very soon.
For God and my country.
Sign…..
Author
All photos from Busoga were taken by
Robert Kanusu.
QUICK FACTS
ON
BUSOGA KINGDOM
v
Busoga
Kingdom is located in eastern Uganda
v It has a population of 2,595,426 (1991 population
census)
v Basoga belong to the Bantu grouping
v Ruling family is Baise-Ngobi who originated from
Bunyoro
v White colonialists forged the unity of Busoga
into a single administrative unit in 1904
v First overall leader of the federation was
William Grant, the then district governor
v Semei Kakungulu (Muganda) succeeded Grant in
1906-1913
v Semei Kakungulu attempted to create a
monarchy in Busoga and built a palace at Kirinya prison’s site 1913
v Ezekeri Wako Zibondo is the first Musoga to
become President and later Kyabazinga
v 1939 the title Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga
was invented
v Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula,
Kyabazinga of Busoga, and first Vice president of Uganda is regarded as the
‘father’ of Modern Busoga
v 1966 republic of Uganda constitution
reinstates Kingdoms
v February 11, 1996, HRH Henry Wako Muloki is
rein stated Kyabazinga
v Five Princes regarded as the offspring of the
Mukama the grand ancestor of Busoga are eligible candidates to the throne.
v
Busoga Lukiko
is the legislative assembly of Busoga and is headed by a Katikiro (Prime
Minister).
Introduction
Busoga
Kingdom located in the Eastern part of Uganda is a cultural institution
recognized by the 1995, supreme constitution of the Republic of Uganda. It is
among the traditional restored monarchies in Uganda that includes; Buganda,
Bunyoro, and Toro Kingdoms.
Busoga
Kingdom comprises of five districts, Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Bugiri and Mayuge.
It has a total population of 2,595,426 people. The Kingdom seats in the African
tropical region bordering with Lake Victoria shoreline in the South, River Nile
in the West, Lake Kyoga in the North and River Mpologoma in East, located in
the Republic of Uganda, East Africa.
HISTORY OF BUSOGA KINGDOM
The present
inhabitants of this area are known as Basoga and other history is largely a
matter of speculation. However, there are a few facts that emerge from the
historical shadows of the past related to the neighboring tribes, the Baganda
located in the West, South and Banyoro in North West direction from Busoga.
Origin of Busoga:
One of the
universally agreed facts is that the earliest inhabitants of Busoga belong to
Bantu speaking flock that had long inhabited the country lying to the North and
West of Lake Nalubale popularly known today as Lake Victoria.
There are several
versions explaining the early migration into Busoga. One version claims that
the early settlers, between River Mpologoma and Naigobwa, (see map) which are
located in the present day Bugiri district and those smaller clans of the
Southwest extremities came from Kenya via Mount Elgon.
This school
of thought claims tat the earliest
ancestors were Kintu and company who came from Mountain Elgon in the
East that shares borders with Kenya and founded
some families in Busoga before passing on to Buganda where they established the present Buganda dynasty (Buganda Kingdom)
EMERGENCE OF ABAISE-NGOBI
About the
turn of the 16th century, an important event took place, which was
to give the Basoga their peculiar construction. This was the advent of the
Baisengobi clan; the light skinned people whose traditional tells their origin
from Bunyoro. Although the “Baisengobi” emerged around 16th century,
after the former flock, their
emergence played a big role in further formation and development of Busoga
as we shall see when
looking at the evolution of Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga (Busoga Cultural
Institution)
Like other Bantu
groups elsewhere in Africa, schools of thought trace their origin back to the
Katanga region of central Africa.
They claim
to have penetrated Busoga through the Northern direction of Busoga at Iyingo
landing site on Lake Kyoga and moved East wards where they made a U-turn under
the leadership of prince Mukama ‘Namutukula’
Prince
Mukama Namutukula from the royal family “Babiito” of Bunyoro is said to have
left Bunyoro around the 16th
century and as part of Bunyoro’s
expansionist policy trekked East words
across Lake Kyoga with his wife
Nawudo, a handful of servants, arms
and a dog and landed at Iyingo
landing site located at the Northern point of Busoga in the present day Kamuli
district.
Prince
Mukama loved hunting and his adventures exposed him to the beauties of new
country. For some time he operated black smith industry; manufacturing hoes,
iron utensils and spears.
BUSOGA ANTHEM
Chorus: Tulibankkabi inho yenga twesimwe inho Olwa
inlay iffe ono Busoga Kibubmba yeyatuwa Olwe’ekiabo ekyo
ekikolowo tweyimbenga Busoga atebenkerenga ense nense.
1.
Abantu mwena
mwena mu Busoga mwidhe twisanhienga Tukulemberwe Isebantu nga n’omutwe gwaife Tufune omwoyo omwamufu
tugonzaganhienga Enhinha ya Uganda etebenkere
Chorus:
Tulibankabi
2.
Ensozi ne
Bibira nkani nemivule Nobukombe bwa Busoga obutagyawo Mwidhe twekembe tube oti
nseete Tulwanise anga endwaire obwavu nobutamanha
Chorus:
Tulibankabi
3.
Yenga twesimye ni inhaiffee Busoga Ne itaala
lya Uganda era ensulo ya Uganda Bwoidha mu Uganda notatukaku mu Idhindha Enkuni ya Uganda oba
ogisubibwa.
Chorus:
Tulibankabi inho………………………………………………………………………………………………….
BUSOGA CULTURAL HERITAGE
Uganda is a country
of many contrasts. The forbidding mountains act as a foil to softer meadows and
board savannah while the dry uplands contrast with the swamplands of the lakeshores.
The
contrasts between the various spectacular people and places of Uganda refelect
the diversity in culture, traditions and lifestyle.
Similarly Busoga’s
cultural heritage contrasts in many forms that give a fabulous blend of life to
the inhabitants of the area.
Busoga has
been created by the union f many people
including the ruminants of the indigenous stock
whose remains are hardly
traced and the latest immigrants especially those from Bunyoro Kingdom, the Baise-Ngobi who
became the dominant group.
The ancient
group with their own traditional lands and customs preserved
a way of life inherited
from their ancestors confederated (1904-William Grant
become the first President ) to form the current cherished Busoga Kingdom.
The Basoga
proudly cherished the memory of their history and keep alive the traditional of
the ancestors.
The title of
the head of Busoga was invented in 1939 to suitably bring home the major value
attached to land.
‘Isabantu
Kyabazinga.’ Isebantu meaning ‘Overall man’,
‘Kyabazinga ‘who
presides over the land surrounded by water or whose boundaries are marked by
streams.
Busoga is in
a form of a small island. It is surrounded by water bodies and streams that
include river Nile on the western frontier, Lake Victoria (in the south and
west) and Lake Kyoga at the northern tip
While the
Naigobwa and Mpologoma cut across the eastern frontier, additional several
streams and swampland define more of Busoga’s rich cultural heritage.
This method
of making also enshrined in the traditional Busoga land tenure system further
defined the boundaries of villages and parishes.
In this way
land becomes a lifeline and cherished value to the inhabitants of this
beautiful nation, Busoga.
The diverse
traditions of Busoga are colorful events that remind us of the past events and
celebrated seasons of the year. Music, Dance and Drama are typical of life in
Busoga. The Soga traditional family preserved their customs and values in well articulated and
composed music that normally blended and dramatized a whole life.
Music is a
major medium of communication in the society and its absence at any given point
in life sent great message of concern.
Music was
thematically composed to reflect prevailing situations they lived. In such a
way, every piece of music had a specific event in history.
Basoga
communicated serious messages to their superiors through music, mobilized
themselves through music and celebrated victories through music. The Basoga
discovered from the ancestors the secret of negotiation and compromise to
confrontation. Music, dance and Drama enabled them to convey messages less offended
the opponents yet created a deeper attention.
This secret
language of humour is inherent conduit of expression with profound positive
consequences that has up-to-date labeled the Basoga the most hospitable, lively
and peacemaking people of the East.
Marriage and
child birth is a right of everybody in the society. Marriage ceremonies and
birth events especially twins formed a great moment in life of the community.
For the
community knew the continuity of life in the new generation. It was also
believed that by keeping a steady labor
supply and would be put to better use.
During these
celebrations great feasting exchange of gifts, sacrificing to the spirits and
offering s to the ancestors while music punctuate the atmosphere.
While
barrenness was at as a curse and often ceremonies and several rituals were performed
to defuse the situation.
The
traditional dance; ‘Tamenyhaibuga’ is played on special occasions mostly during
victories and enthroning of a new leader.
Let us say a
bounty season’s harvest in a year called for an epic climax fused with bear
partying and feasting.
Elders used
this occasion to appreciate the subjects for the hard work and appeased the
ancestors for the blessing.
Music is
central in life of Busoga and where it failed the community resorted to the
family god Lubaale/mukama, regarded the family god and ancestral ‘grandfather’
for rescue.
It is a custom
fro every traditional family in Busoga to own a ‘holy shrine’ often constructed
in the backyard to cater for the e spiritual affairs affecting the family.
It is only
modernity and civilization that are eroding these highly cherished norms and
customs.
However, at
a certain point in life a Musoga is caught hands down with the traditional
life.
There are practices
that are so inherent that even with modern religion or westernization can’t set
apart.
Come to respecting
the dead.
Cleaning the
dead bodies is a must so that the deceased joins the ancestors in respect, mantaining
the burial ground of people sharing similar values, origins and customs.
Even when a
Musoga past away at the North pole, or simply drowned in he ocean, there is an
inherent force urging for the return of his body.
For the case
of drowning, even when the body disappears at one time, there is a ceremony to return
his spirit back home.
Naming of
children strictly after the lineage (ancestors) is observed. Or just mark the
sir names of Basoga. They belong to specific families and mixing names is a
taboo. This cuts across almost all cultures in Uganda.
In Busoga
the above customs are preserved through legends and folklore. Elders love
recounting the many fables that reflect the life of ancestors, works and events
and reflecting their impacts of the society
The mysterious
legendary oracle Nabamba Budhagali is one of the most popular on the land.
The illustrious
form of Busoga’s heritage is summarized in the endowed language spoken here.
A clear
manifestation of unity in diversity is exhibited in Busoga than elsewhere in
Uganda. Yet, it is among the people who centrally concur that they are one.
Basoga speak
different dialects with each section defending its own jealously. It is common to
find a Musoga from Bugabula very innocent of the vocabulary spoken In Busiki,
Bulamogi or Butembe.
This
diversity in language reflects the rich heritage, customs and traditions in
practice.
For example
Lulamogi dialect is spoken in the land known as Bulamogi which is the
present day Kaliro district, Lusiki spoken
in Busiki which is located in the present Namutumba district, while Lutenga is spoken in Butembe
that cover most of Jinja district,
part of Iganga and Mayuga districts. The
Bagabula speak Lugabula.
These
dialects are distinguished in the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation of
words, speed and intonation.
Also while
the Bagabula use heavy accents letter ‘h’ coming out to empathize the impact,
Balamogi and Basiki are light speakers who omit letter ‘h’
To
exhaust the heritage of Busoga one needs ample time,
resources and enough tools of
search to be on the safe side as
there is plenty to contrast as its contrasting hilarious sceneries breezes and
starting history.
To
compliment on Busoga’s heritage a visit to the ancestral cultural sites that
circumscribe as tourist sites at the time and seeking a deeper insight of the
Obwa Kyabaznga Bwa Busoga is a must. The mother caves of Iyingo and Kagulu
rocks, the Budhagali ancestral
shrine and home of the chief
Oracle, Busoga’s royal tombs at Budhumbura and the Mpumwire coronation grounds.
BUSOGA EMBLEM
Busoga
emblem is the royal regalia of Busoga. It summarizes the whole life Busoga and gives
the most cherished values of the Busoga. The Emblem consists of the royal coat
of arms and tri-coloured flag. The royal coat of arms is composed of many items
and symbols that consist the following:
The Cob (Empongo):
It
represents the rich wildlife of Busoga. Tourism is a major activity that has
just been identified for Busoga as a major source of income. The empongo is a also
the totem of the Balangira (Royal family)
Two drums (Engoma):
The drum
like to many other societies in Africa, is an instrument used in communication.
It is also a symbol of culture. The drum among many roles was used to summon
the society for specific calls both emergency and community mobilization.
Two spears (Amafumo):
Spears are
traditional weapons. They are a symbol of power and on the emblem they used to
connate the leader’s role of defending the people.
The shield (Engabo):
The shield
is used to represent the state’s role to protect property and life of the
people.
River Nile (Kiira):
Water is
source of life. The Nile represents the natural resource and gifts of nature.
Motto:
“Busoga okwisania na Maani”
The motto is
written in Lusoga language. Translated in English to mean Unity is Strength. It
connotes the togetherness of the Basoga flock at all times: both during crisis
and times of happiness.
Pillars (in the shield):
These pillars
represent the 11 principalities that are the foundation of Busoga Kingdom.
These are the families of: Gabula, Zibondo, Ngobi, Menha, Luba, Wakooli,
Ntembe, Tabigwa, Kisiki, Nkono, and Nanyhumba.
The five
long pillars in the middle represent the five Babiito family from the
Kyabazinga is elected. They include; The Gabula, Ngobi, Tabigwa, Zibondo and
Wakooli.
The knot:
(In the
centre of the shield) represents the Isebantu Kyabazinga as the fulcrum of
authority and chief binding factor of Busoga.
Colours:
Busoga flag
is represented by three colours, which connote the following
Blue:
Water is a source
of life. Blue represents the water bodies, river Nile, Lake Victoria, River
Mpologoma in the West and Lake Kyoga that surround the region as the unbeatable
natural endowments that define the economic activity of the region.
Yellow:
Represents
the tropical climate and fine weather experienced in the region throughout the
year.
Brown:
Represents
the fertile brown alluvial soils found in this Victoria Crescent Zone. The
fertile soils determined the high agricultural production of Busoga and land as
the most valued commodity in society.
The soils
favoured the growing of cash crops especially cotton. Also agriculture defined Jinja
industrial growth between 1960s and early 1973. It also favoured the growth of
food crops for the growing of food crops for the growing population in the
region. To date, Busoga is a food basked of Uganda.
EVOLUTION OF OBWA KYABAZINGA BWA BUSOGA
1894-2008
Back ground
|
For
several disintegrative forces, Busoga’s socio-economic stratum was doomed and
the resultant factors reduced Basoga’s development then.
Some of
the prominent factors that jointly reduced Buganda kingdom that used Busoga
as its backyard and subjugated its people as a reserve force to war and
economic exploitation.
Buganda
took stage with reducing influence of Bunyoro kingdom that dominated this
part of the country for generations as its hunting field. While the last nail
in the coffin was to come with the advent of camouflaged power, hungry and
economic exploitation white colonialists with their claimed western
civilization trend.
It
is from this background therefore, that the significance of uniting Busoga
from the numerous chiefdoms into one autonomous administrative block was
hatched.
This
is what came to be known later as Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga or Busoga
Kingdom.
|
Stage in the evolution
The
evolution of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga can be divided into two stages, the
pre-colonial and the colonial.
The
pre-colonial period that came with the emergence of “Abaisengobi clan”, Basoga
of Bunyoro Origin and Emergence of the early explorers, John Hannington Speke
and James Grant who opened the door to the British influence in Uganda.
Pre-colonial Period
Busoga early
settlers organized themselves administratively in Masaza (principalities or
chiefdoms). Each with a head who presided over social cases, allocated resources
especially land and dispensed justice.
The other lower administrative units include the miruka (parishes), mitala
(villages) and Bisoko (sub villages).
Prince
Mukama who led the invasion of Busoga by the Baise ngobi clan and declared
himself the ruler of Busoga had five sons. When, after along time, decided to
go back to Bunyoro for a visit, he delegated his sons as lieutenants to oversee
the respective places or county in Busoga. In this, way, Nkono received Bukono,
Zibondo was given Bulamogi, Ngobi received Kigulu, Tabingwa received Luuka while
the youngest son Kitimbo received Bugabula.
The sons
expected their father Prince Mukama to return to offer overall leadership of
the kingdom that never came to pass. However, the five sons of Prince Mukama
regarded themselves as the legitimate rulers of Busoga by virtue of their family
origin (Babiito)
Each son
therefore remained chief of his county. They continued to preside over their
respective dominations; employing governing methods and cultural rituals like
those from Bunyoro Kitara.
Yet it was a
taboo to install a heir to a living person. The state of delegated
administration delayed the unification of Busoga. So some critics say that even
without the British assistance, it would have united itself although at a later
stage than it did with a helping hand of the British.
This
state of affairs in Busoga ‘s
political and cultural arrangement continued till the late 19th century when with the advent of the colonialists persuaded the rulers of Busoga
into some form of federation. This federation resulted into
a regional Busoga council called Busoga Lukiiko.
Later Busoga
Lukiiko endorsed the five sons the
royal family of Busoga, and from which the Isebantu Kyabazinga is elected.
Colonial period
By the time
the British explorers, JOHN Speke and James Grant arrived at Jinja in 1862 to
see the Source of River Nile, Busoga region was not under one centralized
government.
In the
African society, be it based on kingship, Chieftainship or elders of the
family, recognition off authority is inherent in their midst.
There were
several chiefdoms but the biggest were eleven. The large family of five,
(Babiito from Bunyoro comprising of Bugabula, Bulamogi, Kigulu, Luuka and
Bukooli) and Busiki, Butembe, Bugweri, Bunya, Bunyole and Bukono.
The British
colonialists realized that the traditional rulers and chiefs enjoyed ready
obedience from their people.
The colonial
administrators exploited this opportunity through the “Indirect Rule Policy” to
create smooth working machinery that formed the foundation for the local
governments and legislative councils.
Henry Martin Stanley
In 1875, Henry
M. Stanley reached Uganda to re-confirm the source of the Nile. Speke and Grants had described Busoga as the
“a food basket of Uganda ………… peace loving
people”.
They also
remanded all European NOT to enter Uganda from the East via Mombasa and then
Busoga in Luba’s jurisdiction located in Bunyha in the present day Mayuge
district.
Stanley on
the request of Buganda’s King, Kabaka Mutesa I, wrote a telegram 1875, of
Buganda inviting missionaries to come to Uganda.
Arrival of Bishop Hannington and his Tragic
execution:
On receipt
of this request buttressed by Speke and Grant’s generous, persuading
description of Busoga, Bishop J.J. Hannington became the first respondent who
arrived in Busoga via the East through Mombasa.
On arrival
in Busoga, he landed at Bukaleba in Chief Luba’s dominion.
Unfortunately,
BishoP J.J. Hannington was to meet his death a few days thereafter.
According to
the cultural Ganda beliefs, it was believed that whoever would usurp the power
of Buganda’s Monarchy would come from the East.
Therefore,
it was a taboo and treasonable fro anyone specially a stranger to try and enter
the kingdom from the East. This was a grave crime that Bishop Hannington
committed by attempting to pass through Busoga to go to Buganda. The Kabaka’s
other fear was that the whites may equip the backyard, the Basoga with
automatic riffles to fight him.
That meant
he would have no safe route to rest just in case he faced a rough terrain from
the western frontier. He expected the whites to use the same route as the former,
the Arabs and the explorers. The superstition coupled with the changed times
caused a lot of uncertainty leading to the tragic execution of the man of God.
Although
Bishop Hannington had made up his mind that he was to stay at Bukaleba, he had
to go Buganda to report to his arrival to the Kabaka of Buganda.
It has to be
noted that around this period, most of Busoga was under the influence of
Buganda.
In this
arrangement, chief Luba could not afford to keep a stranger or offer a safe
passage into the domains o f his superior without his knowledge. Yet he knew
the nature of repercussion should things backfire. Before Bishop Hannington
could make his way to the Kabaka’a Palace in Buganda Luba’s forewarning reached
Kabaka.
On receiving
the news, Mutesa demanded the execution of the visitor. On orders of Kabaka
Mutesa, Bishop Hannington was killed in October 1885, at Kyando in Bukaleba in
present day Buna County in Mayuge District.
Busoga the darling destination for whites:
Although the
first missionary in Uganda met his tragic death in Busoga, the interest of
Europeans in Busoga was ever dented. They loved Busoga so much that they
attempted to establish their first mission at Bukaleba in Bunya as their
headquarters.
Several
factors passionately influenced the white’s love for Busoga.
Fear of the already
established and highly organized administration of Buganda Kingdom, made the early
missionaries hesitant to close in Buganda and preferred keeping a distance.
They needed
a place where they could carry on their work uninterrupted from the uncertainties
from Buganda’s administrative machinery.
A beautiful Country:
Busoga was
in all cases the best place; it affored a soft landing Europeans. It had a abundant
fertile soil which guaranteed steady food supply, water and hospitable
community; the welcoming people.
But their
dream of transforming Luba’s country into a British mission came to halt with
the emergence of sleeping sickness and leprosy.
Although
their dream was short-lived by these two catastrophes the white men dreamt of forming
a greater Busoga Kingdom.
They had
discovered the abundant potential and
were determined to exploit it to the full realization of their other motives in
Uganda.
Busoga lost
the immediate benefits of colonialism from Bukaleba to Busoga square and to
Entebbe in Buganda.
But they never
gave up on Busoga and soon signs transforming the principalities into one
kingdom with one supreme head emerged.
The early Europeans
united the people imparting in them good governance principles and mobilized
them for meaningful economic activities, hence eminency for a centralized
government.
British role in the evolution of Obwa
Kayabazinga Bwa Busoga
With an
already set foundation for government in place propelled by the traditional
chiefs, the British colonialists found a soft landing in the unification Busoga
under one centralized leadership.
Before the
coming of the British to Uganda, there was no uniting leadership in Busoga,
individual principalities as already said worked autonomously and this could
not serve the colonial masters a quick realization of their exploitation and
civilization policies.
Subsequently,
in 1894, Uganda became a British Protectorate and William Grant, the first
District governor was sent to Bukaleba; Chief Luba’s Palace to organize Busoga
into a centralized government.
In the same
year Grant established the Busoga Lukiiko (legislative council) at Bukalebaa to
help him administer the first form of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga.
Prince
Kisira, the Zibondo of Bulamogi was elected chairman of the first Busoga
council by hereditary chiefs.
He presided
over the council until his death in 1898. This was a set back to the new
development yet two other catastrophes influenced the future development trend
of the infant unitary government.
The Nubian Mutiny in Busoga
A year
before the death of Prince Kisira, Nubians stationed at Bukaleba had mutinied
and killed their colonial boss, Major Thurston. They had been brought from Sudan
as prisoners of war and they were unfairly treated and subjected to hard
labour.
Disgusted of
the mistreatment they rioted and caused a stampede that ended with a victory in
their favour. Some of the off springs
were a Uganda renowned war lord, Maria Mungu.
This
rebellion caused heavy loss of lives and other resources that could have been
used to quicken development in the area.
This mutiny,
in 1898, was followed by the outbreak of sleeping sickness caused by tsetse
flies. The once heavy population of 200,000 settled thereby 19th
Century was reduced in number while the ruminants were evacuated for safety of
their lives. These factors combined together eventually led to the collapse of
the first Busoga Chief’s Council.
Semei Kakungulu 1906-1913
In 1905, the
second district governor of Uganda, Collin Bell appointed a Muganda ex-soldier
and British cadre, Semei Kakungulu ‘President’ of Busoga Lukiiko.
Kakungulu
also known as the ‘African Colonialists’ for his ambitions to become a king in areas where they had not existed,
took up his post at Bugembe in190, which
had become the new Busoga headquarters.
He managed
to rule for eight years before he fell out with the British for his
over-growing ambitions to be declared King of Busoga in lieu of his support to
the British.
“The
British, were not willing to grant a Kingship, as their policy to places which had not had them before.”
………as a matter of general policy, I am
not in favour of creating
a king or Kaabaka where they have not
existed before…….” Governor
Corydon wrote.
Kakungulu
was dismissed in1913 for disobeying the British Crown.
The Rotational Kyabazinga ship:
|
After, the
colonial administration invented a new system where traditional chiefs were
elected in turns for duration of 3 months to chair Busoga Council and judge
cases according to the native law.
The
revolution continued until it became digusting to both the Chiefs and
subjects.
They opted
for a permanent overall leader as a “President”. His over-growing ambitions
to be declared king of Busoga in lieu of his support to the British.
“The British
were not willing to grant a Kingship, as their policy to places which had not
had them before”. “…………………..As a matter
of general policy, I am in favour of creating a king or kabakas where
they have not existed before………” Governor Corydon wrote.
Kakungulu
was dismissed in 1913 for disobeying the British Crown.
|
THE 11 HEREDITARY SAZA CHIEFS OF BUSOGA
No. Saza Name or Current chief District of Location
1.
The Gabula
of Bugabula B.B.W. Wilson Nadiope Kamuli
2. The Zibondo of Bulamogi G.W.
Napeera Kaliro
3. The Ngobi of Kigulu Patrick
Izimba Gologolo Iganga
4. The Tabingwa of Luuka W. Tabingwa
Nabwana Iganga
5. The Nkono
of Bukono C.J. Mutwaba Nkono Iganga
6. The Wakooli of Bukooli David Kibubuka
Wakooli Bugiri
7. The Ntembe of Butembe Badiru Waguma
Ntembe Jinja
8. The Menha of Bugweri Kakaire Fred
Menyha Iganga
9. The Kisiki of Busiki Kawanguzi
Yekosofati Iganga
10. The Luba
of Bunya Juma
Munulo Mayuge
11.
The
Nyanhumba of Bunyhole Ntale John
Nanyumba Mayuge
Prince Yosia Nadiope
Meanwhile
the white colonial rulers were grooming Yosia Nadiope, the Gabula of Bugabula
to become the first permanent resident ruler of Busoga federation.
Nadiope had
been one of the first Musoga student to study at Kings College Budo in 1906.
However,
another catastrophe struck in 1913, when Nadiope died of Malaria. The following
year 1914, Ezekeriel Wako, Zibondo of Bulamogi was completing his studies at
Kings College Budo.
With the support
of the British, his background as a Prince, Zibondo of Bulamogi and with a good
education background working behind him he was a suitable candidate for the
post.
In 1919, the
hereditary saza chiefs resolved in the Lukiiko to elect Ezekeriel Tenywa Wako
President, Gideon Obondha a contending candidate for the post was not familiar
with British system while Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula was an
infant. His regent Mutekanga was a Mukoopi who could not run for the post.
On February
1920, the British colonial government appointed Ezekeriel Tenywa the first
permanent resident chief at Bugembe.
He was given
a salary of 550 pounds, permitted to collect taxes in Butembe County in lieu of
the lost role in his traditional Chiefdom.
In 1925, he
became a member of Uganda Kings council consisting of the Kabaka of Buganda,
the Omukama of Bunyoro, Omukama of Tooro and Omugabe of Ankole.
In 1939, he
became the first “Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga”. The new name was a symbol of
unity.
In 1957, the
title Inhebantu was invented. This act epitomized the gradual unification of
Busoga and evolution of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga as a kind of Kingship.
Ezekeriel Tenywa Wako served as Isebantu Kyabazinga between 1939 to 1949, when
he retired due to old age.
In 1949,
Busoga Lukiiko resolved that the
Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga shall be elected from the five Princes’ lineages
of Baise Ngobi (Ababiito) hereditary rulers; The five sons of Omukama of
Bunyoro who migrated to Busoga from Bunyoro.
Basing on
this resolution, Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula the Gabula of
Bugabula was elected Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga in 1949.
He succeeded
his father’s quick sense of judgment and love for the people. He rescued the kingdom of insecurity ,
eliminating bad elements in society in
the famous operation named “Emizindula,”
war against thefty, ended the British Policy on the fight against small pox (Kawumpuli) during which time
residents were ordered to
carry rat tails to Busoga square
for counting as evidence that they had really
killed the disease’s agents (rats).
He saw the
act as ridiculous and dehumanizing and joined his subjects to denounce the
policy, which caused him serious hatred with the British government.
He was
exiled in Bunyoro where he was called back to lead the Basoga into Second World
War. His war skills and mobilization ability earned him Queen Elizabeth’s admiration
and love. Her Majesty honored him with title Sir among other words of befitting
description.
He also
played a big role in Uganda’s independence struggle and before the end of his
career; he served as the first Vice President of Uganda and chairman of Uganda Peoples’
Congress (UPC) , a party that led Uganda
to independence.
During his tenure
of office doubling as the Vice President, Kyabazinga and UPC chairman, he managed to push for several
development projects in Busoga that
include construction of schools like
Balangila High School later called Busoga College Mwiri of which he was founder, mobilized for
the construction of
infrastructures like roads, hospitals, government centres like county and sub-county
headquarters and most of all mobilizing
the Basoga to productive farming of both food and crops. He served for two terms before His
royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki,, OBE came
into office.
But Nadiope
bounced back as Kyabazinga during the 1960 Lukiiko elections, a position he
held until 1966 when the government abolished monarchies in Uganda. He died in
1975 during Idi Amin’s regime. He rests in the magnificent tomb at Budumbura, which
he constructed with instincts from the Egyptian Pharaohs’ architecture.
ATRIBUTE TO H.R.H KYABAZINGA HENRY WAKO
MULOKI 1921-2008
In 1956,
H.R.H.O.E.H ENRY Wako Muloki son of Ezekeriel Tenywa Wako was elected Isebantu
Kyabazinga of Busoga for two terms of three years each.
But in 1995,
the government restored monarchies in Uganda with promulgation of the new
constitution of the Republic of Uganda; Article 246 (1) . on February 11, 1995,
H.R.H.Henry Wako Muloki was reinstated
Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga.
FACTS ABOUT KYABAZINGA HENRY WAKO MULOKI 1921-2008
Born in 1921
in Bulamogi, now Kamuli District to the late Ezekeriel Tenywa Wako and Eunice
Kakibande
Began formal
education in 1927 and later went to Kings College Budo for junior school
Graduated
from Makerere College in1942 with B.A Agriculture
Joined
public service in 1947, as an agriculture officer for Butembe and Kigulu sub
counties.
In 1951 he
did a course in soil science from England and on his return, he was appointed
head of Serere Farm Institute and later became agriculture officer, Jinja in
1954.
Married
Alice in January 21, 1956
At the age
of 34, he ascended to the throne of Busoga in 1955. He was Kyabazinga until
1964, when Nadiope was elected.
After he
lost the Kyabazinga, he joined the East African Airways as Director.
He became
the first African to head Soroti Flying School in 1974, serving for three years
before he retired in 1977.
In 1990,
Muloki was appointed chairman of the Uganda Airlines and later director of
Uganda Marketing Board.
On 19th
Febraury1996, he was reinstated as Kyabazinga of Busoga.
The
Inhebantu of Busoga, Alice Muloki died on 26th November 2005
Died on 1st
September 2008 at Mulago hospital.
TOURISM IN BUSOGA
ATTRACTIONS AND HISTORICAL SITES
Busoga is
Uganda’s richest tourist region endowed with several natural tourist
attractions and cultural sites.
The
kingdom’s tourist attractions date back in 1862, when early European explorers,
John Hannington Speke and James Grant arrived in Jinja in the search for the source of River Nile.
Since then,
tourists from across the world stream to Jinja to look at the spot where the
great Nile starts its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea through the Sahara
Desert.
This among
others that includes the numerous rapids
along the Nile, Virgin nature across
the region, the culture of the people
and the great Lake Victoria no
doubt gives Busoga Kingdom its distinct
place in tourism sector.
Jinja the Heart of Uganda’s tourism
Jinja Town,
Busoga’s capital is located at the confluence of Lake Victoria and River Nile.
Jinja is the second largest town in Uganda having been the industrial heart of
Uganda between 1960’s and 1980’s. The district has 392,000 people and an area
of 767.7 kms. It gained its fortune from cotton growing.
Today, the town
is yet defining its identity having lost the industrial status. It is currently
on the tourist hot spots in Uganda.
1. Source of
the Nile.
The
source of the Nile, the second longest river in the world, marked by the
discovery of one of them first European explorers, John Speke, is an
internationally unique attraction.
The
tranquility and splendors of both the lake and river like great memories viats,
spot fishing canoes and camping.
2.
Bujagali Falls
These
are located along river Nile and ten kilometers down stream from the source.
This is an internationally recognized
campsite site rently
exploited on a small scale, have
an enormous potential for both excursions and international tourism. The falls also offer
opportunity for bird watching.
3.
Itanda Falls.
Itanda
falls are also found on the Nile 18 kilometres North of Jinja Town. The falls
offer opportunity for bird watching, camping and picnic outings.
4.
Kyabirwa falls.
Located
8 kilometers from Jinja. The falls offer a good scenery and landscape for campsites
that is not yet fully exploited. Potential exists for bird watching ethno
botany.
5.
Lake Victoria Beach
The
Lake Victoria beaches have been partially exploited for location of tourism
development especially hotels. These beaches include the sites of sailing club,
Tilapia club, and Masese. Besides the scenery, the lake can be exploited for
water sports, which would attract the domestic, foreign residents and foreign
non-resident residents. Potential also exist for sport fishing and canoeing.
Others are Bwandha, Lwanika etc, river Nile Mbulamuti, Namasagali, Bukungu,
Iyingo.
6.
Islands in Lake Victoria.
These
are many beautiful islands on Lake Victoria with full potential for tourism.
Some lake rocks and caves like Golofa islands, Kandege, Hama among others are
good for excursions.
Golofa
is partly exploited but needs more work to done to promote its tourism to
international and domestic tourists. It is also rich with fishing and camping besides the
splendid sceneries in Jinja apart from Samuka Island located 15 minutes boat
ride, the rest have not been exploited for tourism purposes despite their
potential. Kingfisher Hotel is in operation and can be reached via Njeru
Kingfisher offers opportunities fro bird watching, scenery viewing, canoeing,
spot fishing and boat rides on addition to swimming.
7.
Industries.
The
numerous industries found in Jinja attract excursion, especially school tours.
They include; Nytil, Picfare Textiles, Nile Breweries, Kakira Sugar Factory, Steel Rolling Mills, Jinja Grain Milling , Fish factories,
tea processing, British American Tobacco
factory (BAT) and the defunct
Kilembe copper-smelting agricultural
crops that held Jinja’s economic
potential. In total there were 47 giant industries in Jinja that today lie in
the industrial graveyards: only best utilized for excursion especially for
schools.
The
hydro-electricity plants at Jinja Owen Falls Dam &Kiira Dam are also
attractions especially for the school tours and other domestic excursion
groups.
Sports
facilities especially the outstanding Jinja Golf Pitch, Bugembe Stadium, Bung jumping
on the Nile and Kayaking offer opportunities for international and national
tournaments, whose participants are mainly over night visitors. Jinja clubs
also offers indoor games like table tennis, Omweso, badminton, swimming,
basketball pitch, volleyball and darts.
8.
Community Market Visits.
Jinja
main market and several other markets operating on various day across Busoga
are a potential attraction particularly to foreign visitors. They include
Igwaya, Kidera in Kamuli and Kawete in Iganga.
9.
Antiquities and historical sites.
A number of
historical site exist in Busoga Kingdom. They include Bujagali ancestral site
for Soga ancestral spirits at Bujagali Falls, the royal palace at Igenge above Bugembe
headquarters. Mpumudde hill
where Bunyoro’s Omukama Kabalega
died on his return from the
British exile on the
Seychelles island: also a
historical place of Busoga ‘s II
hereditary chiefs and the British colonial government
in away that they met there to
pass a resolution of forming a
united Busoga with a one supreme head, a Kyabazinga.
Others are:
Kagulu Hill.
The first settlement
area for Basoga of Bunyoro origin led by Prince Mukama.
Lyingo rock
A legendary
imported Lyingo and Nawandyo these legendary are believed to fetishes imported
from Banyoro to protect the various “counties” (principalities) ruled by Prince
Mukama’s five sons from foreign aggression. They are potentials for rock
climbing, cave excursions and bird watching.
Budhumbula Shrine / Palace
Budhumbula
shrine/palace is located 2kms from Kamuli along the Kamuli-Jinja main road.
The site
comprises of a shrine and residence for the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga. Sir
William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope, who died in 1976. The shrine covered by
beautiful marbles consist of graves for various members of the royal family,
his father and mother, Yosia Nadiope and Nasikombi respectively. The other
graves fund with in the shrine is of his son a former Uganda Government Minister.,
Prince and Professor Wilson Nadiope who died in 1991 and his mother yuliya Babirye
Nadiope who died in 2004.
The palace’s
residence is a legacy of the British Colonial government, having been donated
by the protectorate government in 1914.
Bagonza Martyrs’ Shrine.
The Bagonza
Martyrs’ Shrine of Gonzaga Gonza located at Namugongo, 4kms along Kaliro-Kamuli
Road, was built in memory of one of the twenty two (22) catholic martyrs;
Gonzaga Gonza was executed from this location, his birth place in 1886, on the
orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda.
The shrine
has some tourist potential of further development and included into the
national religious pilgrimage circuit.
Wako Zibondo’s Palace
Zibondo’s
palace is located within a kilometer instance to the East of the Kaliro Town. The
palace comprises of a residence with an impressive architectural design. Built
in 1930, the palace was home to Ezekerial Tenywa Wako Zibondo IX. Kyabazinga Isebantu
wa Busoga 1919 to 1949. Zibondo is the father of the current Kyabazinga Henry
Wako Muloki.
Busuge Historical Site.
The site is
located about 15 kilometers North of Kaliro Town, in Saaka Parish, Namwiwa
sub-county. The site is believed to have been
the settlement of the first Lamogi (chief) from the Babiito rulers of
the Bito dynasty of Bunyoro. At the
sitge are two graces, located 100 meters apart. It is said to be of the first
Lamogi (chief) and his entourage from Bunyoro.
Nabuyanja Cultural Site
Enkunhi
yabaise menha location is Nakivumbi – Busesa Bugweri.
Bunalwenyi –
Enknuli yabaise munha.
Obala
enkuuli ya abaise mwase location Bupala Idhudi. Leader of rock spirits. The
Bugweri cultural site is a meeting place for cultural/spiritual leaders of the
Baise menha clan, one of the largest clans of Busoga besides those of Nyoro
origin
Bishop Hannington Memorial site.
This is an
important national attraction where one of the early missionaries was murdered
on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda. Although currently exploited, the attraction
has large potential to capture international recognition when further
developed. The site features prominently on the religious pilgrimage tourist
circuit.
Bukaleba Palace.
Chief Luba’s
palace in BNunya known for accommodating James Grant and John Speke. Later H.M.
Stanley and Bishop J.J. Hannington. It was the first British Million in Uganda but
abandoned due to the outbreak of sleeping sickness around 1998.
Today it is
a forest reserve conducive for forest walks, primate viewing and bird watching.
It also offers opportunities for game watching as it is a declared game
sanctuary on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Crafts
Craft shops,
workshops and community groups are common through Busoga. Making of mats,
baskets, souvenirs from papyrus and naturals are common activities.
Pottery and
black smith, backcloth manufacturing and sculpture are also practiced in ports
like Kamuli, Iganga and Jinja.
The souvenir
industry has a large potential link Jinja Town. If programmes for sustainable
use of the raw materials are developed.
Hotel and catering.
The hotel
and catering sector is fairly well developed/ existing accommodation
established range from back packer to upper class tourists.
There are executive
hotels in Jinja including Jinja Nile Resort. Triangle hotel annex, Sunset
Hotel, Crested crane Hotel and several guest houses. Camping sites are also
developed at Bujagali Falls and on the
islands. Marana Highway and Busembatia highway hotels in Iganga.
However,
there is a need for on job training of service providers, particularly in the
catering sector, in order to ensure standard service.
It is also
necessary to invite more investors in the sector to cope with the
ever-increasing visitors number while avoiding counter productive high accommodation
rates.
BUSOGA KINGDOM TO BECOME A HOME FOR PRAGON
BOAT RACES IN AFRICA.
Busoga’s
illustrious potential has yet again attracted it one of the World’s fastest
growing, frenzy eye catching and Asian traditional water sport.
The dragon
boat racing with origins from Hong Kong is a 2,500 years old game. It is 36
years since it entered the Olympic list and is a sport that has embraced the
Chinese culture and trading to the international sports scene. Busoga
Kingdom becomes the number
one destination for this
World Jinja sailing
club is the approved spot for the dragon racing African continent. The executive President of the
international organizing body (IDBF), Mike Haslam commissioned the Dragon boat
races in Jinja in July, 2008.
For more
information just contact the marketing Director, Mr. Robert Kanusu. Email: kanusu200@yahoo.com Website; www.idbf.org
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