Those Who Came Before Us
Most of us are aware of how badly represented Africa is. The continent is too often reduced to a number of degrading stereotypes. But Africa has a rich and diverse history. A history that is usually ignored or poorly understood not just by the world but by (sometimes) its own people. A certain British historian once referred to its past as darkness.
Well, I hope to be among those who hold a lantern to this so-called darkness of a history. Take my hand, as I guide you down the pathways of Africa’s supposed night covered past. Allow me to show you her numerous and diverse people, their perspectives, religion, and their stories.
Hosted by David Ibanda( a devoted student of African history with a penchant for Corny jokes)
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Those Who Came Before Us
Busoga History: The AbaiseMenha of Bugweri
Bugweri is one of the chiefdoms that make up the current kingdom of Busoga.
It is ruled by the AbaiseMenha clan.
Imbued with the authority of Mukama from Bunyoro kingdom in the 18th century, their founder Kakaire established himself in the southern part of Bugweri where he took power from the AbaiseMusuubo clan. Their rulers are given the title of Menha.
This is their pre-colonial history.
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Sources
David William Cohen, “The Historical Tradition of Busoga; Mukama and Kintu” ( London: Clarendon Press, 1972)
Federick Peter Batala-Nayenga, “An Economic History of the Lacustrine States of Busoga, Uganda: 1750-1939” ( University of Michigan, 1976)
Minah Nabirye and Gilles-Maurice De Schryver, “Enkaana” (Kampala, Menha Publishers, 2022)
Below are the specific stories from Enkaana that were used.
- Benyamenyi Menha, mwiseMenha, recorded at his home at Namakunhu, Bugweri, 22 September 1966. Text 331
- Miss Kitimbo Lukiya Kitimbo, mwiseMenha, recorded at her home at Busesa, Bugweri. Text 330
- Kibedi Y.M. Zirabamuzale, mwiseMenha, recorded at his home at Bugembe, Butembe-Bunya, 21 September 1966. Text 333
Y.K. Lubogo ESQ, “History of Busoga”(Kisubi,Uganda: Marianum Press Ltd, 2020)(Translated and reprint from original written in Luganda)
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Music Used
Ntajermwa
Okwidhibana
Endhala Yomusana