New Budhagali will not eat for 8 days

The number of people visiting Budhagali island is increasing by the day as people rush to catch a glimpse of a man believed to be the successor of Dhaada Nabamba Budhagali, the fallen oracle of Bujagali falls.

 

The man was first seen on Thursday last week by fishermen on River Nile who alerted the Baswezi, believed to be the custodians of the Busoga culture.

Apparently, the person to succeed Nabamba Budhagali must be sighted at this island which until recently has been largely unknown to the public.

 
But to be confirmed to the position, he will have to undergo a number of tests; among them spending eight days on the island without feeding or unswearing nature's call.

Since his sighting, the eight days will elapse on Saturday, November 23, 2019, and he has so far impressed the traditionalists.

 
If he goes past this, he will than be subjected to a series of Kiswezi rituals before being unveiled to the public as the 40^th Budhagali and inevitably head of the over 350 traditional spirits (misambwa).

Drumming and dancing taking place as they show their happiness to the said new Budhagali who will be installed on Saturday after eight days without eating, drinking, urinating or defecting. Photos by Charles Okalebo

Meanwhile, there is excitement in the village over the anticipated unveiling of the new cultural leader, as traditionalists sing and dance to cultural songs.

 
Business is booming for those ferrying locals and other tourists to the lonely island to see the man likely to take the mantle of the Budhagali leadership.

 The Abaswezi getting orders from the Budhagali premier, Waiswa Muyiiri (rising wide his hands) before they set off to the island

 The island where the said new Budhagali is hiding since Thursday

The Abaswezi performing their rituals at Bujagai as away to welcome the said new Budhagali who was found at the Budhagali island in River Nile on Thursday 

The place is about 7km from the heart of Jinja town along the Jinja Budondo road.