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)
Follow podcast instagram page at @twcbupod.
Those Who Came Before Us
The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: The Babiito and decline in Bunyoro
After the collapse of the Bachwezi empire, the Babiito took over as Bunyoro’s 3rd dynasty in the 16th Century. The precise year this happened is hard to pin down. However, the Babiito began their kingship differently from their predecessors. While the Bachwezi and Batembuzi were both healers and politicians, the Babiito stayed away from the ritual side of things.
Their rule extended into the 19th century when the kingdom was experiencing long term decline due to various circumstances. Bunyoro was no longer the number 1 regional power. That spot went to their neighbour and age old rivals… Buganda.
Sources
Yolamu Ndoleriire Nsamba, Mystique In Sovereigns’ Headgear (Wandsbeck: Reach Publishers, 2016), p174, 186, 192, 193,
David Schoenbrun, A Mask of Calm: Emotion and Founding the Kingdom of Bunyoro in the 16th Century, Comparative Studies in Society and History (Northwestern University, 2013) p 634,
G.N. Uzoigwe, Revolution and Revolt in Bunyoro- Kitara (Kampala, Longman Uganda, 1970) p 9
Shane Doyle, Crisis & Decline in Bunyoro; Population & Environment in Western Uganda 1860 - 1955, (Kampala: Fountain Publishers, 2006) p14, 43
Ruth Fischer, Twilight Tales of the Black Baganda( London: Marshall Brothers, 1938), p120, 159
J.W. Nyakatura, Anatomy of an African Kingdom (New York: Nok Publishers, 1973) p 41, 57, 84 -95
G.N. Uzoigwe, Succession and Civil War in Bunyoro - Kitara, The International Journal of African Historical Studies ( Boston University African Studies Center, 1973) p66
John Beattie, Bunyoro; An African Kingdom (New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston Inc, 1960) p 18-20
Music Transition
Energizing Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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