The history of Bamasaba tells quite a different story!
Jun 27, 2005
SIR — I wish to respond to the propositions by some Bamasaba who are trying to revive the institution of Buyinga.
SIR — I wish to respond to the propositions by some Bamasaba who are trying to revive the institution of Buyinga.
This would not be a bad idea if the institution was part and parcel in the history of Bugisu.
In 2003 the Umuyinga Mzee Mungoma died and nothing special was done to mark the event. not every Mugisu knew about his death or attended the funeral.What is known about Bugisu’s political history is that the society consisted of many sub-independent clans called Bikuuka.
each clan had a council of elders called Shikuuka.
To be a member of the clan, one should be a circumcised man of integrity, married and settled with children. Each clan held its own affairs semi-independently under the headship of Umukasia or Umuraara.
Among the major roles these councils played were resolution of social conflict, inheritance affairs, matters pertaining to marriage, land and initiation. In fact, little has been revealed about the army.
This suggests the Bagisu were not warriors. The most uniting activity is Imbalu which is being devoured by Western education and religion.
Arthur Woswama
Makerere University
This would not be a bad idea if the institution was part and parcel in the history of Bugisu.
In 2003 the Umuyinga Mzee Mungoma died and nothing special was done to mark the event. not every Mugisu knew about his death or attended the funeral.What is known about Bugisu’s political history is that the society consisted of many sub-independent clans called Bikuuka.
each clan had a council of elders called Shikuuka.
To be a member of the clan, one should be a circumcised man of integrity, married and settled with children. Each clan held its own affairs semi-independently under the headship of Umukasia or Umuraara.
Among the major roles these councils played were resolution of social conflict, inheritance affairs, matters pertaining to marriage, land and initiation. In fact, little has been revealed about the army.
This suggests the Bagisu were not warriors. The most uniting activity is Imbalu which is being devoured by Western education and religion.
Arthur Woswama
Makerere University