Background / Introduction.

Interlacustrine – area / region between and around the great Lakes of East Africa in this context to areas occupied by the Bachwezi and Babilo Empires in Uganda.

BY1000 A.D

Bantu Speaking groups – had been settled here long enough and evolved their own political and social systems.

They (Bantu) were now dominated by others who were not Bantu in origin.

ORAL TRADITION SOURCES

Suggests / point out that these were the ABATEMBUZI, THE BACHWEZI AND BABITO

ABATEMBUZI

• Were purely mythical and in all probability never existed at all.
• Regarded as gods, the founders and originators of later Kingdoms

ABACHWEZI

• Very much certain with them, although their origins are shrouded in mystery.
• They certainly existed.

BABITO 

Took over from Bachwezi,

They (Babito) are a Luo- group of Nilotic origin, who in turn were to be the founders of many of the later Kingdoms in this area.

EARLY INTERLACUSTRINE RULERS THE ABATEMBUZI

Source of information;

• Myths and legends told from one generation to another by people of Western Uganda.
• With limitation to accurate information for events/ personalities.
• Ancestral accounts how / whom.

Our societies were founded; which is done in form of stories, poems songs and pictures. Such as imaginary – though it may have some truth

Eventually they become part of the culture and identify for a given society.

BACK GROUND TO BUNYORO KITARA.

The traditions of Banyoro, Batoro, Banyankole explain the legendary Bunyoro- Kitara.

They are all in total agreement that Bunyoro- Kitala was founded by the Abatembuzi, who they belief to be gods.

• Who divided Kitara into separate states, one of which known a TSAZA.
• He married Nyamata the daughter of NYAMINYONGA – god of the underworld.
• Nyamata gave birth to a son Isimbwa

Isaza was the last of the Abatembuzi gods and like his forerunners; disappeared.

N.B. these mythns – point to a common indicator that man in this period was both a cultivator and pastoralist in Kitara at that time

BAKUKU

The gatekeeper of Isaza proclaimed himself “Omukama instead of ISIMBWA.

The chiefs refused to recognize his leadership and instead divided the Kingdom – among themselves.

PROPHECY

Bukuku had been told by the prophets that if his daughter NYINAMWIRU gave birth to a son, the young man would one day kill Bukuku

So Bukuku imprisoned his daughter and mutilated her by cutting out an eye, an ear, and a breast.

INSIMBWA

Managed to find his way to her and made love to her

She gave birth to a son, Karubumbi who in due course grew up and speared his grandfather to death.

RECONQUEST

He then reconquered that former Kitara lands in Nkore, Buganda, Bulega Busoga, Toro, Madi and Bukedi in effect the whole of modern Buganda.

CHANGE OF HIS NAME BIRTH OF CHWEZI

After a successful reconquest of outlying former Kitara lands mentioned above KARUBUMBI changed his name to NDAHURA, the first of the CHWEZI KINGS.

THE BACHWEZI

A great deal of uncertainity about thierorigins.

Several sources of their origins.

• Caucasoid
• Egyptians
• Cushitic immigrants from the direction of Ethiopia. This is more likely a set fits in with other possible Cushitic movements.

THE FAMILY TREE SHOWING DESCEDANT OR ORIGIN OF CHWEZI FROM BATEMBUZI RULERS

INTO EAST AFRICA

TRADITIONAL HISTORIES

• Came as strangers
• Were pastoralists with great herds of long horned cattle
• Like the Abatembuzi they are supposed to have possessed supernatural powers / qualities
• Imposed themselves upon the local Bantu as a ruling aristocracy.

NEW RULERS OF BUNYORO- KITARA (THE BACHWEZI)

Introduced a number of administrative changes.

• Centralized monarchy hierarchy of officials both in royal palace and provinces all appointed by the Mukama.
• Maintained a standing army.
• Constructed large earth works for defensive purposes, such as – BIGCO in BWERA DISTRICT.

Excavation at the site has revealed a system of ditches over 101/2 kms in extent / size.

• Sufficient to protect large herds of cattle
• Evidence of royal endosure (Orirembo) – very much similar to those in karagwe, Rwanda- Ankole

BIGGO

It lies on tributary of River Katonga so partly it was to defend the Southern part of the Empire.

Other Earthworks are nearby and in Mubende District as well as Bunyoro.

They are likely to have been built between AD 1350 and 1500, which is the period for Bachwezi culture.

POWER CENTRE

The Bachwezi power was centred on areas of western Buganda, Eastern Toro and Southern Bunyoro, between the Kafu and Katonga Rivers.

OTHER INNOVATIONS/ CHANGES BROUGHT BY THE BACHWEZI

• Regalia of kingship
• Royal crown
• Drawns, spears, arrows, stools etc.
• Built reed palaces, where they kept large number of women and slaves.
• They introduced new techniques of making of bark- cloth, iron working,
• The cultivation of coffee
• Playing of the board game “Omweso”

BACHWEZI BAKAMA

There are only 2 (two) Bachwesi- Bakama mentioned in reliable sources;

1. Ndahura
2. His son wamara

Ndahura abdicated / stepped down in favour of his son and went to the west, with his wife NYINAMWIRU.

IN THE WEST

• They are credited with creation of the hot springs and crater lakes of Toro.
• They left permanent footmarks on rock surfaces which can still be seen.

CAPITAL

• Wamala built his capital in BWERA on the southern bank of river Katonga and lived there with his three relatives.

THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE BACHWEZI

• The Bachwezi especially Mugyeni are said to have been found of their cattle.
• He has a special low BIHOGO which he loved dearly.

 DEMISE OF BACHWEZI EMPIRE

After Wamara’s death the Bachwezi Empire broke up, several reasons are advanced, including

• Small pox and cattle disease, which undermined their power and prosperity.
• Civil wars in outlying provinces.
• Resistance among the subordination Bantu cultivators.
• Finally LWO/ LUO invasionfrom the North.

SOME TRADITIONAL SOURCES

• Claim the Bachwezi left the country voluntarily.
• They never died but simply moved on further and further south.
• A religious cult, based on the Bachwezi continued to flourish after their departure.

THE BABITO

Like the Bachwezi before them; the Babito tried to enhance their claim to rule in Bunyoro- Kitara not only by conquest but by proving their connection with the former ruling dynasty and through them the Abatembuzi gods.

This was a common practice in many new dynasties in other parts of the world + Africa.

The Babito were part of the Luo Migration of River- Lake Nilotes. The extent of Bita dynasty establishment. In Uganda and notably Buganda is subjected to question/ doubt.

UNCHALLENGED EVIDENCE

The Babito took over in Bunyoro in the 14^th century and their rule lasted for 6 centuries.

ORAL SOURCES/ TRADITION

Suggests that they came in peacefully and used a family connection through marriage.

A number of related dynasties were also set up in other parts of the interlacustrine area —- especially in Busoga (Bukoli, Bugweri, Bulamogi and Bugabula) and Bukoba (Kiziba)

KIMERA – THE FOUNDER OF BUGANDA 

It is claimed that Kimera, the founder of Buganda dynasty, belonged to the Bachwezi period; before the Babito influx.

It was not long before these dynasties and sub-dynasties broke away from the old empire of Bunyoro- Kitara to form new states.

SUPERIOR BACHWEZI CULTURE

The Babito found the Bachwezi culture superior to their own in a number of ways.

• Rukidi himself had to be trained in the rituasl of Kingship and affairs of state as the first of the Bito kings.
• Rukidi copied the styles of the Bachwezi in building palaces.
• Took over some of the royal drums notably “kajumba” and “Nyaleba”.

NEW VALUES INTRODUCED BY BABITO

The babito introduced certain cultural elements themselves for instance “Empako” or pet names such as “Amoti” and “Okali’ – which is used only in referring to the Omukama.

• New items of regalia included
• The throne (Nyamyawo)
• The royal drums known as “Tibamulinde’ and “Nyakangubi”
• Spears, a shield, a horn, sandals, arake, the royal fire and the bag of millet.
• They initiated the system of granting land to clans, the origin of the ‘Bataka” system, by which each clan became land owners of a specific areas of the country.
• The practice of royal burial, involving separate burial sites for the jaw bones and bodies of Abakama, led to the development of these places as shrines.

Many of these shrines can still be located to this day.

POSITION OF THE BANTU

• The earlier inhabitants of the region [bantu] they are totally in the background it is believed the bantu submitted to the Bachwezi and Babito rule.
• With their society and economy based on cultivation, the Bantu probably complimented the pastoral culture of their new masters (overlords).
• Their role in this process of assimilation may well have been much more than passive acceptance of new ideas and techniques.

DIAGRAM TO ILLUSTRATE RELATIONSHIP OF BABITO TO BACHWESI AND ABATEMBUZI

Sample questions

1. Write a story about the creation of man on earth such as was imagined in the traditions of Bunyoro – Kitara.
2. What are the Bachwezi chiefly remembered for?
3. Was the kingdom of Bunyoro – Klitara amyth?
4. What is known of the origins of the Abatembuzi and bachwezi?
5. How do myths and legends contribute to our understanding of the past in Africa?

ACTIVITIES

Having read about the bachwezi and Abatembuzi legends of their gods find out what you can about traditional ideas of god (s) in your own area.

Write an imaginary account of the birth of an African kingdom in East Africa about, 1,000 years ago; illustrate it with maps and drawings.

Source of reference

E.S Atieno Odhiambo, T.I Ouso, J.F.M. Williams, (1977) History of East Africa, Longman Group Ltd, Malaysia

HEINEMANN&D.T.NIANE,(1984), GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA.IV Africa from the twelfth to the sixteenth century, UNESCO secretariat report, PARIS.

THE GREAT LAKE KINGDOMS

BUNYORO:

• Key Bunyoro traditions- are found / recorded in (i) Bukyanibwira by princeKarubanga (ii)AbakamabaBunyoro-Kitata by John Nyakatura.
• Covenry our royal-histories from one generation to another generation.
• Bachwezi Empire was inherited by the first of Babito rulers; ISINGOMA MPUGA RUKIDI.
• Cover the fortunes of dynasty through 26 successive Abakama, from 14^thC -20^TH

Great notable warriors:

Though the Babito lacked any great cultural heritage and adopted much of the Bachwezi system;

• Including rituals and customs of Kingships.
• Kept Bunyoro all powerful, raiding East and South without hindrance but not able to restore the Kingdom to its former strength and size under Bachwezi rule.

Breaking away:

In the course of time some of the outlying provinces broke away, including the important grain producing and iron manufacturing province of Buddu.

ADMINISTRATION:

• Bunyoro was a loose federation of “Provinces or Saaza” under a chief appointed by the Omukama and responsible directly to him.
• Due to huge size of the Kingdom, Saaza chiefs were often Sami-Independent / autonomous especially those on the borders. For example Koki, Buddu and Toro, indeed broke-away.

Many of these Chiefs came from the royal dynasty, the Babito from which the Omukama was chosen.

Frequent disputes arose among the provinces as to who should succeed.

JAW BONE:

• The struggle to succeed dead omukama took the form to acquire the jaw bone of the dead omukama, as whoever buries it acquired the legitimate right to succeed.

REBELLIONS:

Usually broke out and in the long reign of KyebambeNyamutukura III, 4 sons of his turned against him.

For instance;

• One of them; KaboyoOmuhanwa, broke away and set up the Kingdom of Toro for himself.

The fact that the Saza Chiefs could raise their own provincial armies or “Obwesengeze” did not make matters any easier for the Omukama.

A powerful ruler could unite and defend the Kingdom most effectively.

OMUKAMA KABALEGA:

He created a standing army of 20,000 men, the “AbaruSura”

• Divided into 10 divisions, each under a commander.
• The commanders were posted to outlying to guard against invasion and to act as a check on the powers of provinces in these parts.
• One division was at the capital; Masindi, under Kabalega’s greatest general, RWABUDONGO.
• In the South, another division was led by another famous general Kikukunle.
• On top of keeping law and order, the amry was used to raid Toro and Busongora in 1876.

Military victories (i) EGYPTIAN FORCE

• Kabalega defeated Sir. Samuel Baker’s Egyptian force at the battle called BaligotaIsansa in 1872

Sir Samuel Baker was extending Egyptian Protectorate on Northern Uganda as a fort soldrier of Khedive Ismail.

                           (ii) BRITISH FORCE

• Kabalega and his army launched a 7year guerilla war against the British.

Nb. At this time Bunyoro, had lost its supremacy and Buganda kingdom was emerging as a special / powerful kingdom the South.

Reasons for decline of Bunyoro:

• Not easy to hold together due to being too widely scattered and open to attacks from many directions.

Economy:

Bunyoro’s kingdom depended on pastroralism and agriculture. The subjects of the Babito, who are Bairu- were not paid enough attention. This led to the decline of their interests and welfare.

Loss of strategic areas / studies:

Bunyoro kingdom loss strategic areas / countries, of;-

-Koki and Kyaggwe very important for their Iron.

-North Bulemezi and North Singo for grazing, and even Buddu.

• This strengthened Bunyoro’s rivals and the overall strengthening of her neighbours especially Buganda, greatly contributed to her downfall.

External forces:

• The decline of Bunyoro, went on further with the intervention of outside forces such as Arab traders and European imperialists in the19^th

TORO:

BABITO PRINCE:

The Babito Prince; Kaboyo set up the kingdom of Toro in the 19^th C.

Reason for the name Toro:

1. Tooro was the name of a hill in Rwenzori-ranges and the people living around it; originally known as Banyakazinga, came to be called the Batooro.
2. The other traditional source says Chwezi King Ndahura found the people so friendly on the visit to the area. He called the place Tooro meaning

COMPOSITION:

Tooro was made up Burahya county, around the present-day town of Fort Portal. Kaboyo also extended his control in Bunyangabu, Busongora, Bwamba and probably Kibale.

Kaboyo as the father’s favourite son had become impatient for power and responsibility.

The father had named Kaboyo, OKWIRIthe official head of the Babito Clan.

But until this title went the rule that he could not succeed as Mukama of Bunyoro.

Opportunity:

When an opportunity opened up, he broke away and was welcomed by Toro people, who willingly supported him.

Reasons for Batooro support:

• Distance from the royal capital meant that hardly over saw the Omukama
• Disliked the fact that princesses were sent as chiefs to rule over them.
• Tooro felt that they were not adequately protected against their enemies.

ASSISTANCE:

• Kaboyo was helped by Basongora men who had bow and arrow.
• He was now in position to resist the army sent to him by his father, though it is said that the father had given instructions to the army not to pursue his son or even to harm / kill him.

1^st of the New Line:

• Kaboyo became the first of the new line of Omukama in Toro.
• Adopted the same form of government as was used in Bunyoro.
• Relied on the Basongora bowmen to safeguard his independence.

Death:

• He died in the 1850s and a civil war erupted for 20 years until NYAIKA I emerged as a victor by killing his own brother.

 Cattle thefty:

• Nyaika invested in theffy of Kabalenga’s cattle in Mwenge that was to lead to the invasion of Toro in 1876.

Death:

• Nyaika died of heart attack, though other sources from his people claimed that he had been bewitched by Kabalega.

More Confusion:

• A phase of confusion, thereafter followed as Kabalega’s forces attempted to retain power.

British more decisive:

Eventually the British forces came and restored Toro’s independence by overt roughing Kabalenga and installing KASAGAMA as their PUPPET.

He signed the Toro Agreement with the British in 1901.

BUGANDA:

• There is plenty of information for the history of Buganda; the Key explanation;

CLAN SYSTEM:

Each clan kept its own oral traditions at the same time court historians ensured that key information about the royal families should not be forgotten.

On top of preserving the royal Jaw bone the umbilical cords of former Kabakas itguardianship of the royal tombs all ensure that the past remained more live.

Succession:

The methods of inheritance and succession in Buganda society made it easier for people to recall their predecessors.

This was possible because the population was more stable than in neighbouring  pastoral communities.

These conditions made it more  easy and more likely that the Baganda would preserve their history and a good deal of it has been recorded.

For example:

These sources have helped us to learn a great deal about Buganda’s origin and rise to power.

Bantu clans:

• The Baganda can be traced from the Bantu clans, which were already in this area as far back as A.D.1000 other clans moved later.
• Some claiming to have come with Kintu; the founder, from the direction of Mount Elgon.

While others say they came with Kato Kimera; who according to Bunyoro-Kitara tradition was a brother of the OmukamaIsingomaMpungaRukidi.

DISPUTE:

Some Buganda historians dispute this and believe that he came from the earlier Bachwezi dynasty.

In either case, he may well have moved into Buganda from the North as a result of the LwoBabito Invasion ofBunyoro –Kitara.

EXPANSION OF BUGANDA:

• Buganda grew from a smell nucleus in Kyadondo which expanded to include Busiro and Busujju, during the 14^th– 15^th century, while it was still a minor state.

AUTHORITY OF KABAKA:

• It was limited by the power of clan heads or Bataka. When Kabaka Mutebi tried to bring them under his control in the mid-17^th century, there was a mutiny.
• Kabaka’s role at first was that of an arbitrator rather than ruler.
• Disputes over the succession to the Kabakaship were frequent and further strengthened the independence of the clans.

External threats deliver Unity:

• Due to external threats caused by constant raids attacks, notably from Bunyoro; the clans began to see the need for closer links and more unity if they were to survive.
• Kabaka and his court gradually became the centre of political as well as military authority.

18^th Century Buganda’s expansion:

During the 18^th century, Bunyoro’s misfortunes started to the advantages of Buganda.

• Buganda captured the rich proof of Buddu during KabakaJunju’sreign. Then Bwera was captured as well; followed;
• By Buwekula early party of the 19^th
• Further decline of Bunyoro’s power enabled Buganda to move into the bordering lands such as;

Ssingo

Buruli

Bagerere

Bulemezi

Buganda’s Naturals advantages and strategic:

SIZE

It was small and compact with the shores of Lake Victoria as itsSouthern boundary- hard to attack it from the Lake.

CLIMATE AND SOILS:

Well watered and endowed with fertility soil, giving ideal conditions for intensioncultivation especially bananas.

• Food was in plenty and bananas

1. Staple diet throughout the year.

• POPULATION INCREASE:

Such enabling environment contributed to rapid growth of Buganda’s population which populations may have reached 500,000 by early part of the 19^th century.

GOVERNMENT:

The highly organized and centralized system of government, centred round the Kabaka, contributed heavily to Buganda’s rise to power.

Internal Weaknesses:

Her chief rivals experienced a lot of internal weakness which enabled Buganda to have a breathing Space.

External factors:

The coming in of new external players to Arabs and Europeans enabledBuganda to top in and exploit such as a relationship to maximum.

ROLE OF KABAKA’S

• The highly centralized and efficient structure of government, can be primarily attributed to the tradition of the Monarchy as established by the Kabaka’s.
• Many of the Kabaka’s were very great leaders, who gave a sense of continuity and prestige that kept alive the loyalty and patriotism of their subjects.

SEMI-DIVINE BEING:

• Around the Kabaka himself, evolved all the rituals and ceremonies of royalty so that he was regarded as a semi-division being.
• Whose every word must be obeyed and every wish supplied / respected.

Symbols of royalty:

During the reign of Alulondo, the system of Coronation throne or “Namulondo” was first used.

Other symbols of royalty for example the drums, spears and stools were also be found.

HIERARCHY OF OFFICIALS:

• There was a set of officials each with a particular title and functions duly appointed by the Kabaka.
• Some had ceremonial duties at court, while others were responsible for state departments.

For example:

• The Katikiro – was the Chief Minister
• The Omulamuzi – was Chief Justice.
• The Omuranika – was the treasurer

Inter clan marriage by Kabaka:

A skillful practice of marrying a wife from each of the principal clans, enabled Kabaka to extend links of loyalty, this

IMPLICATION:

By the end of the century- 7 out of 10 county chiefs owed their position directly to the Kabaka, only 3 remained hereditary.

Centralisation continued:

• In 19^thC the process of centralization was continued under Kabakasura and Mutesa I.
• Kabaka’s were in absolute power / authority.

Challenge / Disadvantage of Highly Centralized Structure):

• Its success depended on the personality and character of the Kabaka.
• Under a wise, far sighted / visionary ruler all would be well. But in an event of a weak, hesitant king could bring to the kingdom Chaos anddisorders.

ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY:

The growth of religious faiths in the 2^nd half of 19^th century was to create some tension especially during the reign of KabakaMutesa and Mwanga.

It was not easy to convert to any of the religion and keep loyaltyKabakaMutesa and Mwanga.

IN THE FOREIGN EYES:

• The first European and Arab visitors to Buganda in the 19^th century present an impression of a prosperous and Flourishing society.

Stanley described it as a “garden of Edei full of well-tended gardens and plantation network of roads, peaceful and well organized people going about their businesses.

NEW IDEAS:

Despite the fact, the Buganda were proud of their own achievements and culture; at the same time, they were quick to try out new ideas and techniques.

This was to be of great importance to Buganda with the coming of Arab-traders and European Missionaries, travelers and Administrators.

Special skills:

Notable Buganda skills included;

Manufacture of bark cloth,

The construction of elaborate reed palaces and fences,

Iron-working

Building of canoes using a special method of sewing wooden planks together-with a strong fibre.

These canoes, some of big size were used both in peaceful times and war times.

This enabled Buganda to control the Northern Shoes of L. Victoria as well as the neighbouring Island

NKORE

Following the disappearance of the Bachwezi, a power vacuum was created in the area of Eastern Ankole.

BAHINDA CLAN

Into this power vacuum moved the Bahinda clan under their leader RUHINDA who established the Kingdom of Nkore these people were BAHIMA who had moved from the South-West into Western Uganda by about AD 1350.

A new dynasty, with RUHINDA as its first ruler, or Omugabe, began to settle in ISINGIRO, the nucleus of the Kingdom. 

CLAIM

The Bahinda claimed to be descended from the BACHWEZI whom they, like others, regarded as gods,

NARRATION

It was said that OMUCHWEZI WAMALA had married NJUNAKI, a slave girl, at Mbarara, the NKORE CAPITAL, and that RUHINDA was her son.

COMPOSITION OF NKORE KINGDOM

The Kingdom of Nkore consisted of two quite District groups, the ruling Bahima who were pastoralists and the agricultural BAIRU.

THREATS FROM BUNYORO

The open plains of Nkore, with their herds of cattle, were a tempting target for the rulers of Bunyoro who frequently invaded and raided the state. 

INVASION

At the beginning of the 18^th Century OMUKAMA CWAMALI invaded Nkore, proceeded to raid Rwanda, where he was killed.

RETREATING ARMY

His retreating army was destroyed/ routed by the Banyankole under their OMUGABE, NTARE IV.

For this grand victory Omugabe Ntare IV earned the tittle KIITABANYORO OR KILLER OF THE BANYORO

NKORE’S RISE TO POWER

• It was during the reign of Ntare IV that Nkore’s rise to power began.
• Extended his northern border as far as River Katonga.
• The counties of Sheema and Rwampara were inherited from Mpororo, a neighboring state.
• In mid-18^th Century OMUGABE RWEBISHENGYE seized the pasture lands of KABULA from BUNYORO.
• Perhaps the greatest Omugabe was MUTAMBUKA who conquered IGARA and Buhweju in 19^th

He proceeded to raid into TORO BUSONGORA and KARAGWA NTARE V ACCESSION 1875 By the time of Ntare V’s accession in 1875, Nkore was at the height of its power.

DISTERGRATION.

In matter of years, the Kingdom appeared to be on the verge of disintegration.

CAUSES

A series of epidemics of rinderpest, Jiggers, tetanus, smallpox afflicted both the people and their cattle.

Drought/ famine made matters worse.

In the mix of this, the ruler of Rwanda, Mwami Rwabugiri, launched attacks

BRITISH INTERVENTION

It was only the intervention of the British in 1890’s that prevented Nkore from total collapse.

Nkore society like Haya states to the south, rested on two Distinct communities I the pastoralist Bahima and agricultural Bairu

Who complimented each other, Bahima suppling the meat, Milk, Hides and produce of a cattle owning community; For Example:

Cultivators- ensured the steady food supply, which helped to sustain population growth and development fighters- the Bahima provided the fighting forces to protect and extend their common interest.

 ROLE OF CATTLE

To Bahima cattle were everything their whole life being catered round them.

Not only were cattle valuable in themselves and prestige to their owners.

They were an invaluable means of rewarding faithful followers

This tended to give the Bahima the position of a ruling class into which the Bairu could rarely ascend.

OMUGABE

The Omugabe ruled over them all, appointing his own chief” (Bakungu) organize and lead the military units or Emitwe in each region.

He could not take his authority for granted, needed to prove his follower that he had the necessary qualities of leadership.

He was the final arbiter in all legal disputes, so he needed to show mental as well as physical ability.

ROYAL DRUM

The greatest symbol of Nkore nationhood and unity was the royal drum known as BAGYENDANWA.

It’s believed to have come from OMUCHWEZI WAMARA, and was treated with greatest awe/ respect by both the King and commoners.

SPECIAL FIRE

In the same place, kept a special fire, which was never allowed to go out until the reigning OMUGABE died.

THE  HAYA STATES (BAHAYA)

Origin/ Background;  the Haya states  Share a common link with the Nkore in their Bahinda rulers. Even before the coming of Ruhinda to karagwe, the Basita had united the area under their rule.

NONO DISPLACED

It was the last of these NONO who was  displaced by Ruhinda. There was a lot of inlux of migrants rom north made up of BANTU groups from Nkore North made up of Bantu groups from ANKOLE Toro,and Bunyoro who brought with them cattle and new crops. They established a society based on pastoralism and Agriculture, very much similar with Nkore society.

OCCUPATION OF KARAGWE

The Bahinda occupied karagwe between 14^th century – 15^th century.  After disposing the NONO, Ruhinda proceeded to build his capital at Bwehange. He established 7 new BAHINDA SUB-DYNESTIE under his sons who are : UKEREWE, NASA, BUSIBA,IHANGIRO,KYAMUTWARA, GISAKA BUZINZA

Together with the Bantu clans’ immigrants from the north, they put up a flourishing and well-populated community exactly like ANKOLE.

THE DEATH OF RUHINDA.

When Ruhinda died his empire broke up into independent states each retaining its BAHINDA RULERS, who are known /had brought with them CHWEZI cult of divine royalty, occupied by symbols of spears and drums. 

These symbols gave legitimacy to their rule/ leadership and could not be easily challenged.

ACCEPTABILITY

The Bahinda were accepted as ruler because of their fair minded judgments in local disputes and outstanding military leadership.

Loyalty and unity; it was encouraged through practice and in some ways similar to Buganda, boys of some age bracket would be gathered together at residence o local chief, where they would be trained to respect  their elders, learn about their hierarchy of the state and acquire military experience and best performer would be sent to the Mukama’s  court.

TWO CLASSES.

The setup of Bahima pastoralists and Bairu cultivators was kept, with too much prestige and status given to the ownership of cattle, the Bahima remained the dominant group.

The two classes were essential to each other and to the state.

The Bairu introduced new crops like plantains /bananas and coffee. Coffee commended something of a status symbol. Coffee barriers were used on certain ceremonial occasion to establish blood –brotherhood between individuals or groups (omukago).

Coffee was exported in the northern kingdom of Buganda, ANKORE,Bunyoro in the 19^th century, in return for cattle and barkcloth.

19^th century –opportunities

By 19^th century contacts were being made with the coastal trade ,leading to the introduction of a whole new range o goods.

Karagwe evolved as a key staging post along the trade route from coast into Buganda.

The new commercial activities started with the Nyamwezi and Usumbwa traders even before the arabs appeared on the seen

RWANDA AND BURUNDI

THE FORMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF RWANDA AND BURUNDI.

BACKGROUND ;NEGELECT Its is surprisingly that the area covered by the present states of Rwanda and Burundi, formerly RUNDI has often been left out of the books concerning the peoples and history of  east Africa.

Not only is it part of the physical region comprising the east African highlands and rift valley, but its people have had more to do with their neighbors to north and East  than those to the west.

COLONIAL PAST

It is probably the fact that for the last 40 years of colonial period  RWANDA –RUNDI  was administered by Belgian –congo which  account for the mission or neglect.

LOCATION.

The two states ,RWANDA AND RUNDI occupy some of the most spectacular country in east Africa. from North to south by western arm of the Great rift valley ranging from volcanic mountains to steep valleys and lakes. The Early Germany travelers referred to this country as “SWITZERLAND OF AFRICA”.

CLIMATE

With its even rainfall and fertile soil it has been able to sustain a greater Densely population than many of the Drier regions of east Africa.

COMPOSITION OF ITS PEOPLE.

Its people are grouped into three , BATWA,BAHUTU, BATUTSI.

The BATWA are pygmy origin, short in stature and limited in their range of skills and development. they are the oldest inhabitants of the area yet smallest in numbers, who were easily subdivided by the later immigrants. They were regarded with a mixture of ear and contempt by the HUTU and TUTSI. they referred to them as “the ancient people ”unable to adapt and there condemned to stagnate.

BAHUTU

By far they are the largest group who as the BANTU AGRICULTURALISTS  moved into the area during the general Bantu movement in the first millennium AD.

SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE;

It appear likely that the hutu along with other BANTU communities in the interlacustraine  region established their own political and social systems likely to be based on typical unit of BANTU society, which is the clan. Further more they had a decentralized system of government and was limited to a great store of traditions and legend that accumulated around those societies with Monarchies.

Never the less they survived and progressed /flourished .this was  heavily facilitated by favourable climate and soils.

COMING OF NON-BANTU FORCES;

The coming of non Bantu forces from the north –east was to have a greatest effect on the area. Hutu of Rwanda-n Burundi experienced the same fate as the bantu of Uganda.

BATUSTI

A lot is not known about the origin of the Tusti. Some theories say they were part of the pastoral HIMA group that moved into Uganda before the coming of the LUO ,possibly from the North-East.

They are no longer referred as being NILO-HAMITIC stock instead it is being suggested that they may have been o SUDANIC OR CUSHITIC origin. This is still uncertain.

VALUES.

They brought with them the practices of chieftainship and cattle –owning that were to transform Uganda society.

DOMINANCE

Although only a minority, they were able to establish a dominance over the Bantu agriculturalists,that was both political and social, which led to the formation of the great CHWEZI empire of kitara(see chapter 4).

This dominance was achieved with little violence or resistance , because of the prestige and status that accompanied the HIMA TRADITION of semi-divine monarchy.

TRADITIONAL HISTORY.

The evidence gathered from traditional history which is supported by more recent archaeological research, on earthwork s in western Uganda ,karagwe and Rwanda, it seems clear  that the TUSTI shared in the inheritance o Great “CHWEZI” dynasty. Hence the origin of the kingdom off Rwanda can be traced back to a period prior to the 16^th century along with other principalities in the region .all these principalities claim their descent /origin from the BACHWEZI.

FOUNDERS OF RWANDA

The founders of Rwanda were the NYIGINYA of BUGANZA, whose rise to power is associated or triggered by a series of attacks made by the BABITO OF BUNYORO during the 16^th century. In meeting this external threats of attack, Nyiginya united and led the neighbours, giving an opportunity of extending their authority over a much wider area,-the kingdom of Rwanda. the initiative /drive and leadership shown by NYIGINYA is attached to their pride and assurance in themselves.

They claim to be descendants of IMANA, the supreme being and ancestral figure in BACHWEZI MYTHOLOGY, who had with his followers “ left the sky with their cattle and after walking for longtime  arrived at MUBARI.

1. The MUBARI is a name of a ford on the river kagera between karagwe and Rwanda.

WHY NYIGINYA LEADERSHIP  WERE ACCEPTED?

The hutu and batwa accepted NYIGINYA  due to number o reasons;

The hutu/batwa had nothing to compare or compete with the political and military institutions of the TUTSI.

The importance attached to cattle by both pastoralist and agriculturalists.

The great herds of long-horned cattle that the TUSTI brought with them added further to their status and power.

This applied as much in RUNDI as in RWANDA , through a particular form of RUNDI’s rise and growth is less certain.

ORIGIN OF RUNDI

Traditional of CHWEZI rulers and their successorsdo not include direct references to RUNDI, which may indicate a later and more indirect origin.

Other traditions suggests that RUNDI, may have been founded by a HINDA DYNESTY, possibly from karagwe.

MWAMI

Once established the rulers of RUNDI assumed the title of mwami like their counter parts in RWANDA,and established a similar from of political and social society.

COMMON FEATURES.

Both states RUNDI and RWANDA developed centralized monarchies based upon their ruling TUTSI dynasties. Made use of their links with the god-like chwezi  kings in building up power and prestige of TUSTI monarchs.  Many of the sacred symbols of royality  the drums , spears, shelds, and beaded crowns surmounted by tall copper cones and underhung with masks made from the skins of colobus monkey, were either inherited from CHWEZI forebears or copied from them .

The mwami was surrounded with all ceremonial and ritual considered necessary for such a figure, the focus of all national loyality, devotion and duty.

ORIREMBO

From the chwezi they had inherited the system of ORIREMBO or Royal enclosures with their elaborate reed palace and large members o palace women and slaves.

CAPITAL

The centre or capital of Rwanda came to be at NYANZA while for RUNDI it was at KITEGA

Rom these centres/capitals they governed their kingdom through a hierarchy of officials,reaching out into the provinces and districts

As the civil administration evolved /developed also a military organizations was established that enabled the MWAMI to call upon the service s o those of military age. This inturn was linked with the system of land holding that enslaved land set aside for cultivation in order to support the army.

Ownership of cattle was strictly controlled in the interests of the TUTSI overlords. In the end the whole pattern of political ,social, and economic society within the kingdoms produced a rigid class diviossion ,with the land and cattle owning TUTSI aristocracy,minority on the one hand and HUTU and BATWA peasants and serfs ,the majority on the other .

RACISM

In a sense it was a racial as well as social division, sharply distinguishing between all powerful TUSTI and subordinate HUTU and BATWA in a way more lasting and permanent than in any of other kingdoms of    Interlacustraine region. this was to have a far reaching consequences in the 21^th century genocides of 1959&1994 in case of Rwanda.

OTHER BFACTORS THAT HELPED DEVELOPMENT OF RWANDA AND RUNDI

Apart from Tusti rulers and their families ,climate ,soils and vegetation was a source of attraction to the areas ,that played an important role in sustaining population growth and prosperity. Highn population figures brought in picture new and more intensive controls and techniques in developing of activities on land.

The pastoralists and cultivators complimented each other and challenges of rinder pest ,soil erosion were of mutual concerns.

During the 16^th century and 17^th century both kingdoms grew slowly but steadily   and took advantage of their isolated and mountainous position.

As they expanded ,their influence in the neighboring parts of east Africa increased, especially with the development of the Bantu o the northern Tanzania.

RWANDA OUTSTRIPED BUGANDA

During 19^th century Rwanda outstripped even Buganda in its socal structures and ceremonial and poetic heritage.

But lacked Buganda’s administrative  efficiency ,ability to react to the new external challenges ,that were beginning to be felt.

Writing about the situation in the interior of east Africa during the latter part of the 19^th century  professor Oliver writes,”Buganda and Rwanda remained the giants among the Interlacustraine kingdoms”( history of east Africa vol.1:O.U.P; PAGE 350)

CONTGRIBUTION OF MWAMI’S

Rwanda’s growth and consolidation continued well into the 19^th century.

MWAMI MUTARA-II

The neighbouring kingdom of KGISSAKA was conquered and absorbed in the  1940s

MWAMI KIGERI IV

He did nnot acquire much additional territory ,apart from the strategically important large from the strategically important large island on lake kivu.

He raised the kingdom to a new peak of military and political prestige through a series of campaigns against his neighbors .

To the south ,he failed to penetrate far into RUNDI ,but to the NORTH he got As far as  ANKORE And the shores of lake EDWARD.

REASON FOR THE SUCCESS;

Much of the success on the military front, was due to the acquisition of guns from Arabs traders . mwami’s military organization within the kingdom,

He arranged that men eligible for military service should not allserve at the same time, but at different periods thus ensuring a regular and even supply of soldiers and making possible continous military campaigns.

He was interested in ngetting more cattle than land and managed to increase the cattle stock.

RELATIONS OF RWANDA AND RUNDI

The relations of both kingdoms of Rwanda and Rundi never improved , the mwami of RUNDI was challenged by the trend towards separatism among leading members o the royal family this separatism among the leading members of family. This separatism undermined thw spirit towards unity and strengthen of kingdom,

TRADE

Both Rwanda and RUNDI were sufficiently strong to prevent unauthorized entry by arabs in search of ivory and slaves  Yet both Rwanda & Rundi rulers did not realize the opportunity these arabs offered to increase their wealth and power through trade. As thje result o that the main trade route from Tabora , which crossed through Karagwe and Bukoba to Buganda by-passed them. This can be attributed to the geographical isolation.

It is equally time to say that both Rwanda and RUNDI were not capable to respond  as baganda  did to the new  challenges  and opportunities  offered by  Arabs  and European intervations in the 19^th century.

Source of reference

 E.S Atieno Odhiambo, T.I Ouso, J.F.M. Williams, (1977) History of East Africa, Longman Group Ltd, Malaysia

A history of East Africa by E.S Atieno Odhianbo

T.I OUSO

J.FM WILLIAMS

The Western Bantu people, 1500- 1900 Nkore I pages 56-58

Background/ introduction

• The Migration and expansion of the Lwo- speaking has attracted great attention in the recent years.
• Lwo speaking people are classified as Nilotes for linguistic reasons.
• Though the subsequent history and movement of the Highland, plains and River- Lake Nilotes show wide differences and divergences.

River- Lake Nilotes Common Feature(S)

• Their pattern of migration south from the cradle land in the southern Sudan, along the Nile and it’s in tributaries and around the Lakes of Uganda.
• The survival and persistence of the Lwo languages which were often adopted and accepted by people of different ethnic origin.

NB: the term LWO is used here in a linguistic sence and should not be confirmed with the “LWO” those Lwo- speaking people who finally settled in Kenya and Tanzania.

Examples of River Lake Nilotes.

• Dinka
• Shiluk New South Sudan
• Bor
• Anuak

• Alur
• Acholi
• Jonam Uganda
• Jopaluo
• Padhola

• Lou         Kenya+ Tanzania

ORIGIN

• Their history is traced back to about AD 1000- mainly through oral tradition and linguistic research.
• At this time, they were living in the Equatorial and Bahr and Ghazal provinces of the Sudan.

KEY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

• They were pastoralists and fishermen living in isolated communities along the banks of the Nile.
• Their lived were hugely affected by the seasonal pattern of rains and drought.

REASONS FOR THEIR MIGRATIONS

• Over population
• Over stocking
• External pressures

COURSE OF THEIR MIGRATION

The Amka and Nuer were the first to move going north.

The ancestors of the LWO- speakers started to move south, towards the Juba Nimule area.

It was from this area that the Shilluk and Anuak returned North, while the rest continued South wards setting At Pubungu, near Pakwach.

IMPORTANT DIVISIONS THAT OCCURRED IN THEIR MIGRATIONS.

1. A group led by Nyipir moved west across the Nile, colonized the Lendu, Okebu and Madi groups, and founded small chiefdoms.

The followers of Nyipir came to be known as Alur.

1. A 2^nd group, led by Labongo, moved south crossing the Nile at Pawir and Invaded Bunyoro- Kitara.

They founded the BABITO DYNASTY together with other sub- dynasties elsewhere in Uganda.

Some of the Labongo’s group returned north and moved into Acholi, Lango and parts of Alur, Busoga and Phadhola.

1. A third group remained at Pubungu gradually moved into the country of the Acholi, Lango Padhala and so into Kenya.
2. A fourth group entered Acholi from the direction of LAFON HILL, having taken away from ANDAK.

They occupied ACHOLI, PADHOLA and NYANZA

CHARACTERISTICS OF LWO MIGRATION

• This region (North and East of Uganda) became a meeting point of languages and cultures during the 16^th century____ 19^th
• Very remarkable of the way in which they adjusted to new situation I adeptly to suit condition of environment or climate absorbing and incorporating alien traditional and cultures.

Recent research proves it was common to them all. “Their flexibility among new people” their ability to adopt and absorb (D,W, cohen: Zamani p 136)

For example the Babto in Bunyoro it was a two__way process, the Lwo speakers retaining many of the ideas and techniques they found, while at the same time passing on smelling of their own culture, notably their language.

CATTLE COMPLEX AND INSTITUTION OFF DIVINE KINGSHIP

• RETHSHIP OR RWOTSHIP (Chiefs or Kings) usually added prestige to Lwo- speaking groups and attracted others to them.

However, it was not the same rigid hierarchical structure of society compared to Bunyoro—Kitara Empire and Buganda Kingdom

• CATTLE COMPLEX Great attachment to possessing of cattle for economic, social and emotional reasons However it was not applicable to all Lwo—speaking groups, while conditions were unsuitable they did without cattle.

Between 15^th C—19^th C which is a period of movement and settlement, migration took the form of small groups travelling independent of each other. At times setting down together, then moving on, not moving in the same direction, but coming into contact or conflict with non- Lwo groups.

Very interesting that this time they retained their common traditions + identity although always prepared to cooperate with others.

• THE ALUR

The former inhabitants of this area such as Kubu, Lendu, Lugbara and Kakwa were of Sudanic stock. by mid fifteenth century Lwo- speaking groups- were being to disperse from Pubungu, two leaders; NYIPIR AND TIFOOL moved west with their people and establishes themselves over the area known as ALUR today.

The non Lwo of this area gradually gave up their language for that of the LWO

The two groups merged into one, though the LWO still retained their status as royal clans; each with its RWO while the non—LWO Alur remained the “common clans” or JUKAL earlies in the 18^th century and newgroup of LWO – speakers which had earlies moved into Bunyoro –Kitara came and settled in the Lowland area of Alur country.

DOMINANT CHEFDOM

By 19^th century the UKUM had become the dominant chiefdom among the highland ALUR

KOCRAGEM chiefdom was the most important among the lowland ALUR

THE ACHOLI

• The Lwo –speaking group which moved from Pubungu to the North- East, into the present day, Acholiland were known PATIKO
• They met ATEKER speaking Cultivator’s who had come from the East and North coming in from the West
• They would appear to have merged with each other, minus too much friction on the basis of small clans
• despite a great deal of movement, the coming and going of different Ethnic group, over many years, the Acholi were beginning to emerge as district people by the 17^th
• This was helped by their growing numbers and their ability to absorb and adopt, the Lwo – speaking element had come to dominate this area the formation of small centralized states. small centralized states
• Formed out of a group of clans linked by a common loyalty to a RWOT and his family.
• Many of these had their own ritual and regalia, while the RWOT appointed VILLAGE CHIEFS OR JAGO who were responsible for the raising of taxed and tributes. These and taxes and tributes went to support the RWOT and maintain the rewriting of the state.
• though independent of each other, the states (small) were so similar in structure and stale of government that one can trace the influence of LWO culture and Ideas here; just as much as in ALUR and other parts of Uganda

THE LANGI

INTRODUCTION:

The Langi were not part of the main stream of River- Lake Nilotic migration they represent in fact an interesting example of the fusion of two separate people and cultures leading to the formation of a new society

LOSS OF OWN LANGUAGE

When the Lwo- speaking migrants came into this area from the North they met, as in Acholi, Ateker- speaking cultivators

The LANGI—lost their own Language and started speaking LWO, though retaining their own charactoristic dialect.

AGE SYSTEM

They also gave up their cyclical age system the Langi Society that developed out of this was a real fusion of the two cultures.

BASIC UNIT

The basic unit of Langi- Society was the “clan, or ateker” as they called it.

The clan name was retained however scattered or separate they might become.

For example:

• An Atek group living among the Oki clan would describe themselves as “ALEK me OKI” meaning: Atek ling among the Oki Hence it is easy to identify clans in Lango.

CLAN LEADERS

Were often referred to as “RWOT or RWODI” (plural)

To be a more powerful Rwot, you had to combine it with a skill in military leadership

IMPORTANCE OF WAR

War was a crucial feature of Langi Society it was a source of wealth and prestige.

• From the North- West fighting against the Madi, the Langi could return with women, weapons cattle and goats.
• From the Kumam in the East, they could obtain captives
• The Langi acquired a great reputation as fighters.
• They fought for the Banyoro princes Kabigumire, Mupina and Kabalega.
• They brought back with them as their reward sweet potato vine, copper and iron bracelets.

GREAT SHOW OF STRENGTH

In 1872, they were strong enough to prevent an armed tone from Egypt and Managed to kill 250 invaders

WITONG

War called for special organization so that by the 19^th century an overall war leader, or “WITONG” meaning “the tip of a spear) had emerged, with a task to co-ordinate all military activity. Prominent WITONG

• Ogwal Abura of Bar
• Akedi of Moroto
• Agoro Awango of Bar

The death Agon Abwango of Bar Triggered a tense nearly to succeed which ended up in a fully …………………. up civil war.

The Langi also were great fighters in Kabalega’s Army Known as “Abausura”

RESISTING THE BRITISH

The British were strongly opposed by the Langi and it took the British hired/ me…………………… Semei Kakungulu a lot of time to overcome/ conquest them.

This is the fight Semei Kakungulu arrested Kabaka Mwaga and Omukama taballega.

THE PADAOLA

INTRODUCTION 

  The people known as Jopadhola, descended from two strands/ group that had ie. one from the third group that had remained at Pubungu for a time before continuing through Acholi and Lango to the East.

The other from that part of the second group (Labongo’s) some of whom had returned from Bunyoro Kitara and moved north and East.

COURSE/ MIGRATION

• Migrating/ moving as clans, both groups had passed through port Atura, East of the present Murchison falls bridge on the Kampala- Gulu Road.
• Reached Kaberamaido Peninsula, that they found uninhabited and settled for some time.
• Later pushed into East to Northern Teso, proceeding to Bugwere, through Mbale and Tororo to West Budama, Bukyoli and Budola.

DURATION

This last movement converted about 100 years from late 16^th century- late 17^th century.

FIGHTING OFF THE MASAI

• Traditions speak of their having to fight off cattle- raiding Masai from the East. This may have forced them to restrict their activities in Western part of the area, which involved cleaning a thick forest before settling down.

INFLUENCE OF ADHOLA

• The common bond that linked these people and others who later joined them was the relationship with Adhola, a leader of one of the early groups.

POPULATION INCREASE

• The population gradually increased as the society began to register development people of many different back grounds, some LWO-speaking, some Bantu, all came together in order to confront the challenges of the time like Masai- attacks and natural obstacles within their country.

DOMINATION

• It was most likely that the experience of previous hardships and dangers enabled the LWO- speaking group in this community to survive and to dominate.

THE LUO OF KENYA AND TANZANIA

• The movement of LWO- speaking people into Kenya and Tanzania- marks the furthest and final stage in migration of the River-Lake

NILOTES.

COMMON ANCESTOR

• The Luo of these areas claim descent from a common ancestor, RAMOGI, which is likely to be a myth that they are one people.

CLAN TRADITION

• These sources are very much district with 4 waves of Migration into Nyanza province of Kenya. the clan tradition categorization of LWO migration includes the following;
• Joka jok – the Jok group
• Joka Owiny – the Owiny group
• Joka Omolo – the Omolo group
• The Abasuba – Amixed group

THE JOK GROUP

• The group had no connectors which Pubungu in Pawir. They migrated directly from the Sudan into Northern Uganda. They settled around Lamogi in Acholi, south of Agoro Hills. Then moved Via Gulu, to Soroti and Mbale, finally into Nyanza.

Their most famous settlemt was at Ramogi Hill in Kadimo, Siaya District where Joka Jok arrived in the 16^th century.

THE JOKOWINY GROUP

• This group is linked to the Padhola in Uganda, and decided to move from there in Kenya.
• Their key settlement was at SIGOMA in ALEGO, with their famous leader.

OWINY SIGOMA

• He was a ruthless man and a hard fighter. his followers/ subjects were known on JOKARUOTH ie the people of the chief or King for they were great conquerors.
• date of arrival in Nyanza has been noted to be early 17^th century

THE JOKOMOLO GROUP

• They Migrated fr4om Pawir in North Bunyoro and travelled through North- Busoga, setting at Ibanda and Bukoli
• Moved East wards into Kenya and how represented by two groups
• The Jo-Gem
• The Jo- Ugenya
• Appeared in Nyanza about the start of the 17^th

THE ABASUBA GROUP

• It is too much mixed, many were refugees from Buganda and Busoga or migrants from the shares of L.…………………..
• Although non- LWO on arrival they become LWO- speaking in due course, they merged with Luo- of NYANZA and settled in the Southern part of the PROVINCE, on off- shore Islands.

INTER- CLAN WARFARE

• There was a great deal of inter- clan warfare- as they group ventrally settled around Lake shore.
• Similarly wars with Masai, Nadi and Abaluhya to the East and North.
• Abaluhya used to help consolidate the Luo and gave them a sense of unity that had hitherto no been conscious of.

CHALLENGES OF POPULATION INCREASE

• During the 18^th c- 19^th c population increase created more pressure on the society leading to breaking a part of clans and dispersing seeking fresh land importance to land led to forging new ties and loyalties
• Increasing the influence of certain prominent families at the expense of old clan system.
• Political and economic organization of the Luo- reformed expanded to a larger unit like tribe rather than clan.
• The now type of chieftainship developed in Northern, central and later southern Nyanza.
• The Luo continued to expand and extend their frontiers until the end of the 19^th
• When wars lessened / ceased and the process of settlement completed sop the links between Luo people were strengthened.
• Their sense of identity hardened.
• They were now conscious of being a “nation”

SAMPLE QUESTION

• How far is the time to speak of the Langi as a Lwo people?
• Describe the evolution of the Acholi as a people and state?
• Give an account of the way in which Migration among the LWO speaking people look place.
• What was the effect of the LWO speaking migrants upon the rest of the inhabitants of Uganda?
• Trace the movement of the Luo of Kenya from the original “cradle land” of the River- LAKE Nilotes to Nyanza.

 REFERENCE

 A History of East Africa by ES Atieno Odhrambo

T.I Ouso

J.F.M Coilliams

The River- Lake Nilotes

Pages 30-37 

• Formely the term “Nilo – Hamite” was used to describe the ancestors of the inhabitants of Northern Kenya and parts of Uganda.
• It was believed / thought that the hamites were a particular group coming from North-East Africa.

• They adopted many Cushitic practices such as the nitration ceremony of circumcision.
• The habit of not eating fish, yet it is a chief source of cheaper protains
• They absorbed many Cushitic words into their language.

• The Eastern cushites borrowed the idea- of age-sets,

• They spread over a wider area covering much of North, Western Kenya and Rift Valley.
• They gradually absorbed the Southern cushites and displacing them as the dominant culture, except where some cushites held out in a few remote and isolated pockets.

• The Nandi to the South acquired a distinct way of life, that owed much to the UasingishuMaasai

• Their decisions would then be conveyed to the rest of the group, including the Young Warriors.

• There was at this stage no central authority for the Nandi as a whole. During times of danger, a territorial Council would be formed of representatives from the various bororoisiek.

• The Nandi experienced a major threat from the Maasai to the North and there were Frequent clashes.
• By early 19^th Century, the Masai threat had started to decline, giving an opportunity for the Nandi to settle down and expand.

• War,
• Circumcision,
• Sacrifices and

• The coming of white people who would conquer the Nandi.
• A snake spitting fire and smoke which would run along the escarpment a direct reference to the coming of the railway.

• The strength of the Nandi grew during the 19^th century, with the unifying influence of the Orkoiyot playing an important part.
• They constantly harassed their neighbors to the North and West unrestrained.

• the Karamojong-Teso,
• the Maasai

• The plan Nilotes had a profound effect on the later settlement and development of the people of East Africa.
• As Key pastoralists, they preferred the open grasslands of the Rift Valley and the highlands for their cattle.
• The need for water and fresh pasture implied that they were frequently on the move.
• In the process like most pastoralists, their fierce and aggressive behavior evolved.

• Their movements are equated to a stone thrown into a pool, causing ripples that flow out right across its surface, yet in numbers, they remained relatively small.

1. The Iioikop
2. Wakwavi

• With their long spears, shields of hide, clubs and war paint and ostrich feather plumes, they presented a formidable spectacle.
• They were trained from Youth to show extreme courage in the face of danger, against Man or beast.

2. A part from defending themselves as Maasai, society; they reached out to other communities as allies. For example;

3. The Maasai controlled a number of important caravan routes, so that traders wishing to cross their teriform were forced to pay for the privilege / facility.

• Frequent intermarriages between the Maasai and Kikuyu helped to reduce tension between them.
• PurkoMaasai defeated the LaikipiaMaasai in a war between 1870 and 1815. The LaikipiaMaasai fled and hid among their Kikuyu relatives.

• As the Teso Moved into fertile land around Mt. Elgon and not far from the Lake, they gradually switched / adapted to Life and ways of agriculturalists.
• New crops were introduced by a group known as / Woropom.
• Banyoro and Basoga traders brought Iron Implements and this enabled them to develop more intensive cultivation.

• Place for settlement of the first Missionaries. Ngora was the original headquarters of the huge upper Nile Diocese that stretched from Majanji on the Shores of Lake Victoria right up to Juba in New South-Sudan.

1. RICHARD LEAKEY:

• Amariakinai Emonu _A
• Mariakinoi Nyakokia
• Eyeye Lokiru__
• Emorukapang!
• Ebasi Ngiye Nyekenge
• Ngaya-Emoruka Apakanga