Kyabazinga Nadiope hails US professor on promoting Busoga history

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JINJA - Kyabazinga (Busoga king) William Gabula Nadiope IV has hailed researchers and scholars, especially Washington DC-based Prof. David William Cohen, for promoting the history of Busoga Kingdom in the world.

The King made the commendations during a visit by a delegation of researchers and scholars at his Igenge Royal Palace in Bugembe, Jinja city, on Friday, October 4, 2025, emphasising the Kingdom's commitment to archiving its rich history and fostering cultural preservation.

The scholars, who were led by former Makerere University Business School vice-chancellor Prof. Juma Waiswa Balunywa, included Prof. Cohen, a born of Washington DC, Prof. Richard Lubogo, Dr Isaac Christopher Lubogo and Dr William Musamba from Makerere University.

The event highlighted a significant cultural exchange, marking the return of a veteran historian and celebrating the efforts of both local and international academics dedicated to Busoga Studies.

A central focus of the royal engagement was the presence Cohen, a specialist in Busoga's history who first conducted his PhD research in the region over 50 years ago, in the late 1960s.

The Kyabazinga said Cohen's return was a testament to the hospitality he experienced in Busoga, a sentiment the King believes is crucial for strengthening international relationships.

The King specifically thanked Cohen for his decades-long dedication to studying African history, particularly concentrating on Busoga's pre-colonial history.

"When we see professors like you doing this kind of work, we're really delighted and happy."

He underscored the Kingdom's active mission to archive information for future generations.

Commitment to community and youth

Reflecting on his own academic journey, including a master's degree at Coventry University in England and an internship with the International Criminal Court, The Hague, Netherlands, the Kyabazinga encouraged the young leaders present.

He praised those who are engaged in community-based activities and cultural preservation efforts, acknowledging their commitment to giving back to the community.

The King expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the scholars and young leaders on future projects and urged researchers and scholars to join him in men and boys empowerment through his Abasadha n’empango (Men are the Pillars) programme implemented by Kyabazinga Initiatives in tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and school dropouts. 

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (left) receiving a book about History of Busoga from Professor David William Cohen (right) while at his Igenge royal palace in Bugembe, Jinja City on Friday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

"We shall be very grateful to work hand-in-hand with you," he said, emphasising the kingdom's willingness to strengthen relationships and support community development under the guidance of the professors.

The royal event served as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between Busoga's past, present and future, cementing the importance of academic rigour in preserving and sharing a vital African cultural heritage.

Cohen, who taught history and Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University, Northwest University (Chicago) and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, reflected on the depth of Busoga's past.

He noted that the pre-1900 history of Busoga is very rich, and that historical knowledge is actively used by the people in their daily lives, including in naming children, burial rites, and marriage ceremonies.

"History is something that doesn't go away; it grows," he said.

Cohen later presented his book titled: The Weight of Lufu, containing essays on Busoga before 1900. 

Musamba, a lecturer in Makerere University's department of history, archaeology and heritage studies, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to introduce highlighted Cohen's foundational contributions to the understanding of pre-colonial Busoga history, noting that his work serves as the starting point for emerging scholars in the field.

“Cohen earned his PhD in 1969 from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London and conducted all his PhD research/field work in Busoga from 1966-67,” Musamba said.

Lubogo presented the King with a 100-year-old book titled: History of Busoga, penned by his grandfather Y.K. Lubogo, a historical figure who served as the first black mayor in East and Central Africa, particularly in Jinja.

The presentation underscored the ongoing legacy of Busoga's historical narrative.

Present at the event were kingdom officials, including finance minister Ivan Kiirya, constitutional affairs minister Alex Luganda, and permanent secretary Godfrey Sajabi Samanya. Also present were students from the Netherlands who are doing their internship at The Leadership Academy in Iganga district.