Pre-Colonial History of Uganda: A Study of Ancient Communities and Cultural Heritage

1. PRE-COLONIAL HISTORY OF UGANDAPRESENTED BYMAJOR SAM EMOITCHIEF INSTRUCTOR SCHOOL OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY

2. Introduction What is history? We shall define history as a record of events of man’s struggle in satisfying his (basic) needs and the interactions resulting there from. History is a product of mans activities; the study of history shows us that man and nature are always involved in a struggle and this struggle takes us to production & social organization.

3. Introduction Cont…. What is pre-colonial history of Uganda? Pre-colonial history of Uganda examines the way the ancestors of the present day Uganda peoples used to live, their methods of self-sustenance and self-perpetuation visa-avis the environment in which they lived before the coming of colonial rule.

4. Introduction Cont. It examines the social patterns that arose as our ancestors struggled to earn a living, examines how they constantly improved their tools, the material values they created and also the spiritual & cultural values.

5. Introduction Cont…. • Pre-colonial history of Uganda is best understood as the history of the different communities that were later to be brought together under a single administration by the British. • Note that although it is presented independently as a single entity it is part and parcel of the general history of Africa.

6. Why study pre-colonial history of Uganda? • To trace our origins and beginning as a people i.e how did we come about to be where we are. • Reconstruct the nature and patterns of social development of pre- colonial societies. • To educate ourselves on the diverse methods of struggle pre-colonial Ugandans used.

7. Cont…… • To appreciate the unique social diversity of the people of Uganda beyond stereo types/Basheshe, Anyanya and Banyarwanda…this will be by emphasizing our shared past despite our diversity based on ethnic categories/ the language one speaks. • To assess the nature of contacts, relationships, and interactions among the pre-colonial societies

8. Cont.. • To show the diversity of cultural heritage rich in ideas to chose from in the process of tackling our social-economic and political problems. • To understand the extent of Europe’s contribution to the under-development of Africa and Africa’s contribution to Europe’s present development.

9. Sources of history • Oral traditions • Written Records • Legends, Myths • Archaeological findings, looking at stone tools, artifacts • Radio carbon dating ie looking at ancient bones

10. Whoare the pre colonial Ugandan people? Before colonial rule many Ugandan communities roamed the area now called Uganda sharing common experiences and influencing one another in various ways. There were widespread stone age hunting and gathering populations who were part and parcel of the evolution of Hominids ( human-like creatures with ability to move upright on 2 legs and enlarged brains). The closiest relatives of these early peoples in Uganda are the present day BATWA and PYGMIES.

11. Cont.. • New immigrants from other areas later replaced these earlier inhabitants- the new comers were being driven away from their original homelands because of the various factors of migration. These new comers mixed with the people they found and intermarried and this interaction gave rise to the people now living in Uganda.

12. Cont.. Note worthy is that these new immigrants can be conveniently divided into four broad groups on the basis of migration and Languages as follows. • Bantu • Luo • Nilo- Hamites (Atekerin) • The Sudanic People

13. The bantu These were the earliest and the largest community who are said to have come from central Africa and spread rapidly into the Eastern and Southern part of the present day Uganda. They include Baganda, Bakiga, Batoro, Bagisu, Banyoro, Nkore etc. Note that although they have great many similarities, each group has its peculiar cultures and other social arrangements.

14. The luo • These are part of the river lake Nilotes who are said to have originated from Bah el Gazel region in Southern Sudan. A big group moved southwards along the Nile and settled around Pubungu (Present day Pakwach). One section crossed to west Nile into the areas then inhabited by the Sudanic speaking people (Okebo, Lendu, Metu). • Another small group known as the Babito moved further to as far as Bunyoro and beyond. This founded the Bito ruling dynasty.

15. The luoCont… • Luo speakers in North Bunyoro known as the Paluo migrated into Kaberamaido area for some time before moving to Bukedea and later tororo (known as Japhadhola and Jaluo) on to western Kenya. Bukedea and Kumi became a confluence for Bantu , Nilohamites and the Luo thus giving rise to a diversity of ethnic groups such as the Kenyi, Gwere , Nyole , Samia , Iteso and the jopadhola • By 1650-1680 Luo speakers had occupied many parts of Northern and Southeast Uganda

16. The Nilohamites / the Atekerin These comprise the Karimajong, Iteso and are related to the Masai and Turkana all of whom trace their origins from south Ethiopia. As they proceeded on their movements the Atekerin fused with the Luo at major contact points and this gave birth to new peoples notably the Langi and Kumam.

17. The Sudanic These came from southern Sudan. They are said to have been the first inhabitants of most of Northern Uganda but were driven away at different times at different places by new comers. They include the Lugbara, Lendu, Metu, Madi etc.

18. Reasons for migrations • Famine • Diseases • Wars • Natural Calamites • Search for fertile soils/ fresh grazing lands. • Religious, political economic and social persecution. • Search for economic opportunities, etc

19. Governance in pre-colonial Uganda Different societies in pre-colonial Uganda had reached different levels of social organization on the advent of colonialism. Here it is important to note that whereas some societies were still at quite simple levels of organization with elders as leaders and clan councils playing an important role, some other societies had advanced/ elaborate systems of administration/ government.(led by paramount chiefs or war lords)

20. Population linkages & kinship relations • Pre-colonial African communities came to be closely related to one another through a network of migration patterns, interactions and relationships. They found common identity in language, culture and kinship relations through common ancestry. • This means that the people of Africa have more in common. The following relationships/ interactions are particularly noted:

21. Cont…. • The oldest kingdom in pre-colonial times was Bunyoro-Kitara through which virtually all the southern states came to relate. Her ruling dynasties i.e. the Tembuzi, the Cwezi the Babito made extensive use of marriage alliances with local clans and outlying areas to cement relationships • In Bunyoro you would find Batooro, Bahiima, Basongora, Batuku, Bakonzo, Bamba, Alur, Bachope, Baruli, Basoga,..etc.

22. Cont…… • Babito dynasties were setup in Ankole, Tooro, Buganda, parts of Busoga, Rwanda, Burundi. Some of the Bantu speaking kingdoms had Luo-speaking kings at certain times eg Buganda and Bunyoro. • Banyoro and Batooro were linked to the Luo through the Babito dynasty e.g names like olimi, Oyo, Winyi, Achakithat are found among the Batooro and Banyoro are Luo words. Luo equivalent names are: Olum, Oyo, Owiny and Acak. Banyoro pet names are called Empako the Acholi word for praise (pako) the pet names themselves have luo origin .

23. Cont.. • The main entrance at Kabaka’s palace (LUBIRI) is called WANKAKI, same word as WANGKAC which in Luo means entrance. • In Buganda one would find Baganda, Banyoro, Banasese, Bavuma, Banabuddu, Batooro, Banyankole. • Some cultural traits such as dances, circumcision cut across tribes. The Acholi and Banyoro dancers have something in common: feathers on their heads and jingling anklets.

24. Cont.. • All Bagandakings are buried while facing Bunyoro • Cultural celebrations can not commence until the Acholi delegation has arrived. etc.

25. Illustration EMPAKO LUO MEANING Amooti I greet you Abwooli I deceive you Atwooki A cherished person Araali Savior Akiikione who is jealously protected Adyeeri Your friend

26. Cont…. Even some Nyoro and Toro names and words have luo origins e.g Toro wordLuo Ku konyera - kony- also meaning help Oyo - meaning rat or one born on the road side Rukidi - Riikidi meaning long lasting like a rock Examples cutting accross ethnicities include; epale, amusiri/amana, oworugosi, kukunda, enduru, ejiko, akiipi, saubhoona,mboro,nyara. etc

27. Regional production and exchange • Note that over time man’s productivity in Pre-colonial Uganda increased, resulting in the realization of a surplus product. This laid a foundation for trade and exchange. • The trade was always a function of production. • Production was based on ecology, which led to specialization.

28. Cont.. • Exchange was limited because communities were self -sufficient. • Each community was involved in some form of production • Langi had goats, grains, handcrafts, millet, simsim. • Basoga were great carpenters; they had canoes on L. Victoria • Iteso had grains, goats

29. Cont….. • In the Northward direction trade involved mainly the Alur, Lendu, Okebu, Madi, Lugbara exchanging agriculture, livestock and other products like salt, hoes, and dried fish from Bunyoro. • Through trekking long distances, these goods spread to Lango, Acholi and Iteso. Iteso acquired iron hoes by bartering with Langi who obtained them from Bunyoro. They exchanged hides, skins, goats, Ivory, Beads, and cooking utensils from Bunyoro. • The traders had the capacity for autonomous goal setting and decision- making in the trade. There was no exploitative foreign influence.

30. Cont… • Karamajong had intense love for cows. Langi and Karamajong also produced spears. • Panyimur and bugungu (Wanseko) were main collecting centers on L. mwitanzige (Albert). • Banyankole were known for Ghee and red spears called ‘Emitari’. • Societies living near each other had more contacts than those living apart.

31. Cont.. • Trade involved many communities who carried commodities back and forth traveling long distances. Market centers had also developed e.g. in Bunyoro where people met to exchange goods. • Mainly trade in essential commodities beyond reach in certain communities but available in others.

32. Cont.. • Range of goods were limited consisting mainly of food stuffs, domestic implements……….It was largely barter trade. • Because of trade, there was mutual understanding and peace, as no community would battle those who brought essential commodities to them or who traversed through their land

33. Cont.. Salt was a principal commodity around which trade involved. Because salt was in Bunyoro, Bunyoro became the principal link between the Nilotic north and southern Bantu. In the south, Katwe and kasenyi salt mines provided for Ankole, Kigezi, Rwanda,Burundi, Karagwe and outlaying areas 

34. Cont.. At Adaglango, on river Nile (near Karuma) the Langi used to cross coming to Bunyoro and Buganda for potato leaves and salt. Communities traded in their own goods i.e. goods produced by themselves. The economies of different communities were integrated with one another.

35. Conclusion • It is there fore very clear that African people were developing their own indigenous institutions the same way western civilizations did theirs. • The coming of colonial rule at the time when societies were still building and strengthening their social economic organizations greatly interfered with African social economic and political development

36. Cont.. • While pre-colonial Africans were building healthy inter- ethnic linkages, the colonial policy of divide and rule largely explains the current sectarian tendencies in our society resulting into exclusionism and conflicts. This is as a result of lack of correct understanding of our history. • to the contrary, those that know this history correctly can foster national unity, peace and social economic transformation of our society

37. END

38. Colonial intrusion • Colonialism is the practice by which a powerful country controls another country or other countries. • To colonize is to take control of an area or country that is not your own, especially using force, and send people from your country to live there. • A colony is a country or an area that is governed by people from another more powerful country.

39. Cont… • Colonialism is a superstructure of imperialism. It is a stage were capital spreads and establishes itself in foreign territories and uses those territories as markets for their products and source of raw materials for their industries • It is the highest stage of capitalism

40. Reasons for colonialism (Developments Leading to Colonialism) • The Industrial Revolution (1822 abolition of slave trade in Britain after 1807 legislation against it) • The American War of Independence • Nationalism in Europe • Marxism – Karl Marx 1818 – 1884 • Search for raw Materials (as a result of US independence) • Employment • Cheap labour etc.

41. Colonial fore – Runners in Uganda • Early explorers • Missionaries CMS 1877, White Fathers 1879, Verona Fathers 1910 • IBEACO • Administrators • Baganda Agents

42. The beginning of foreign intrusion • The first foreigner to come to Uganda was Ahmed Bin Ibrahim an Arab trader from the E African Coast. He arrived in Buganda in 1844. From 1862 the Egyptians became interested in the Nile Valley and therefore wanted to put it under their control, hence the need to colonize Buganda. • In 1864, the ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismael sent Sir Samuel Baker to try and colonize Buganda for Egypt. His expedition was however defeated by the OmukamaKabalega of Bunyoro at the battle of BaligotaIsansa in 1864.

43. The explorers The 1st Explorers to come to Uganda were Capt Speke and Capt Grant in 1862 during the reign of KabakaMutesa I. When they arrived at his palace, they were astonished by the high level of organization and protocol in what was then known as the Dark Continent. Speke and Grant had to wait for three weeks and three days before they were able to meet Mutesa I. Their initial aims were frustrated by the strong army and which was then being commanded by the King. It is estimated that Buganda had an army of about 100.000 men.

44. British Colonizers - Initiators of Colonial Suppression Henry Stanley, Dr. David Livingstone, Sir Samuel Baker & Capt Fredrick Lugard

45. Missionaries • The 1st missionary group arrived in 1877 (CMS) under Lt Shergold Smith followed by Rev Fr Lt C.T Wilson in 1879. These missionaries played a great role in fostering Colonialism’s in Uganda. E.g. they recruited for the colonial army from their converts and funded the IBEACO in 1893 when it was in financial problems.

46. IBEAC 1888 –1893/1894 • Soon after the death of KabakaMutesa I in 1884 and the subsequent Berlin Conference (1884/85) Uganda was declared a British Protectorate. Company rule in Uganda began in 1888 under Capt William Macknon in London and CaptLugard Fredrick in Uganda. • The missionary activity had succeeded in dividing the people and had also led to a number of discontents among the local populace leading to the first civil war in 1889 in which KabakaMwanga was supported by the Christians to expel the Moslems

47. Cont….. • Soon thereafter, the Catholics and the Protestants disagreed amongst themselves. The disagreement came because of two main factors. • The Protestants were afraid of losing the positions they had won because of the part they had played in restoring Mwanga to the throne after the expulsion of Moslems. Besides Lugard was worried because the Catholics were out numbering the Protestant by 2/3 hence there was a need to check on their influence in the palace.

48. Cont…. • Capt William who had been left behind by Lugard to control the situation in Buganda proved extremely tactless in handling the affairs of Buganda; as he was far away in England. • This is why when CaptLugard came back from Western Uganda in 1890 he found a tense situation. The countryside was at war with Catholics gaining an upper hand. To make matters worse for Lugard on his return to Kampala he found that the IBEACO had been ordered by their main masters at the Hqs to withdraw from Uganda

49. Cont… • Lugard had also just heard that, immediately he left Western Uganda Kabalega attacked Tooro and had drivenKasagama out of power. The withdrawal was inevitable because of the expenses the company was incurring in its tactics to impose colonial rule in Uganda. The expenses were both financial and human. • Lugardwas certainly disappointed by his withdraw order, he never the less withdrew as far as Dagoreti (in Kenya) from where he decided to come back to Kampala (after financial assurance of another one year from the CMS of England) this was as a result of military gains by the Catholics

50. Cont…. • His decision to return was because he concluded that company withdrawal from Buganda would leave the Protestants and the missionaries in a bad situation besides rendering his treaties in the west useless thus paving way for the Catholics and the Moslems in Buganda to take over Mengo. • As soon as Lugard returned to Kampala in 1892, a situation developed which favored his decision to return.