The King Who Refused to Rule: The Forgotten Micro-Kingdom of Bugweri
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Discover the hidden history of Bugweri, a powerful pre-colonial micro-kingdom within the modern-day Busoga region of Uganda. In this episode of "Those Who Came Before Us," we trace the rise of the AbaiseMenha clan and their legendary founder, Kakaire.
In the 18th century, Kakaire arrived from the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, carrying the divine authority of the Mukama. We explore the dramatic political shift where the AbaiseMusuubo clan lost their sovereignty to this newcomer, leading to the birth of the "Menha" title and a new era of governance. From sacred lineages to the strategic "breaking" of old traditions, this is the definitive pre-colonial history of the AbaiseMenha of Bugweri. Learn how this micro-state maintained its identity and authority in the heart of East Africa long before the maps of the colonial era were drawn.
Youtube Video Link: https://youtu.be/y64-Qvz7wUY
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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 331Miss Kitimbo Lukiya Kitimbo, mwiseMenha, recorded at her home at Busesa, Bugweri. Text 330Kibedi Y.M. Zirabamuzale, mwiseMenha, recorded at his home at Bugembe, Butembe-Bunya, 21 September 1966. Text 333Y.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
