A Story of Unity, Leadership, and Legacy
Before Buganda: Clans, Wisdom, and the Abataka
Long before Buganda became a kingdom, the land was a mosaic of independent clans. Each clan was led by its own elder—known as an Omutaka—who guided their people through wisdom, tradition, and strength. Leadership wasn’t centralized; instead, it often shifted to the most capable war leader during times of conflict. Names like Sseguku, Buwumpya, Bukokoma, Bukulu, Bandi, Beene, Ggulu, Kyebagaba, Muyizzi, Bukuku, Bukadde-Magezi, Nakirembeka, Tonda, Maganda, Mukama, and Bemba Musota echo through oral history as powerful figures of this era. Among them, Bemba stands out as the dominant force when a new leader—Kintu—arrived.
Kintu’s Arrival: A Turning Point in History
According to oral tradition, Buganda’s story truly begins in the late 14th century. Kintu, a visionary leader, journeyed from the east—possibly near Mount Elgon—accompanied by a coalition of thirteen clans. At the time, the land had five foundational clans: Ffumbe, Lugave, Ngeye, Nnyonyi Nnyange, and Njaza. Kintu’s arrival, backed by numbers and strategic alliances, shifted the balance of power.
One of his key allies, Mukiibi of the Lugave clan, led the military campaign that ultimately defeated Bemba Musota at Naggalabi in Buddo. In a symbolic act of victory, Kintu slept in Bemba’s house—called “Buganda.” That name, once tied to a dwelling, became the name of the entire realm. To this day, coronation ceremonies at Naggalabi honor that pivotal moment.
From Muwawa to Buganda: Weaving a New Identity
Before Kintu’s settlement, the land was known as Muwawa, and its people were called Abalasangeye. Kintu, seeking unity, encouraged the people to bind together “like a bundle”—tuyina okukwatiranga awamu ng’Omuganda. This call for togetherness birthed the identity Abaganda (the people) and Omuganda (the individual). The house once belonging to Bemba became the national symbol, and Kintu was recognized as Ssaabataka, the head of all clan leaders.
The Nnono Gathering: Buganda’s Founding Constitution
After Bemba’s defeat, Kintu and the clan elders gathered on Nnono Hill in Magonga, Busujju. This historic meeting—unwritten but deeply remembered—laid the foundation for Buganda’s governance. It defined the roles of the Kabaka (king), the responsibilities of clans, and the social norms that still shape Buganda today.
The word Nnono, meaning “norms,” comes from this hill. The Lukiiko (Buganda’s parliament) traces its roots to this very council.
Who Was There? The Founding Delegates
Here are some of the key figures who attended and shaped Buganda’s future:
| Name | Clan | Role or Note |
| Kato Kintu | — | Became Kabaka |
| Bukulu | Ssese | Chaired the meeting |
| Mukiibi Ndugwa | Lugave | Military leader |
| Kisolo | Ngonge | First Katikkiro (Prime Minister) |
| Kyaddondo | Nvuma | Appointed Ssaabaddu |
| Mwanje | Ngo | — |
| Balasi | — | — |
| Kagobe | Ffumbe | — |
| Kayimbyokutega | Mpeewo | From Kyaggwe |
| Kiwutta Kyasooka | Mbogo | — |
| Nnyininsiko | Njovu | — |
| Bakazirwendo Ssemmandwa | Ngeye | — |
| Kakooto Mbaziira | Nnyonyi | From Bulimo, Kyaggwe |
| Nsereko Namwama | Kkobe | — |
| Kyeya Mutesaasira | Ngo | — |
| Nsumba | Mbogo | — |
| Kisenge | Nnyonyi | From Mirembe, Kyaggwe |
| Kyeyune | Nnyonyi | From Mirembe, Kyaggwe |
| Mubiru | Mmamba | From Bumogera |
| Mutasingwa | Mbwa | — |
| Kayimbyobutezi | Njaza | — |
Marriage and Unity
To strengthen the bonds between clans, intermarriage was encouraged. Kintu’s followers married into indigenous communities, creating a shared identity. Royals—Abalangira—were forbidden from marrying within their own clan, ensuring diversity and unity across the kingdom.
Reconciling the “Original Five” with Kintu’s Thirteen
While Kintu arrived with thirteen clans, the land already had five established ones. The Nnono gathering reflected this blend—a coalition of both newcomers and indigenous leaders. Clans like Lugave, Ngonge, Nvuma, Ngo, Ffumbe, Mpeewo, Mbogo, Njovu, Ngeye, Nnyonyi, Kkobe, Mmamba, Mbwa, and Njaza were all represented, showing how Buganda’s foundation was built on inclusion and cooperation.
Geography and Rivalries
Buganda’s early territory included Busiro, Busujju, Kyaddondo, and Mawokota, with parts of Ssingo and Bulemeezi. It was surrounded by rival kingdoms, especially Bunyoro, and territorial conflicts were common.
Expansion: 17th to 19th Century
Buganda grew through strategic leadership and military campaigns:
- 17th century: Kabaka Kateregga annexed Singo, Gomba, Butambala, and Kyaggwe from Bunyoro.
- 18th century: Kabaka Jjunju expanded into Buddu and Kooki.
- 19th century: Kabaka Mawanda took Bugerere, Bulemeezi, and Kyaggwe. Later, Kabaka Muteesa I—with British support—secured Buyaga, Bugangaizi, and Bululi.
At its height, Buganda had twenty counties. Today, it has eighteen, having lost Buyaga and Bugangaizi. The Ssese Islands, revered as “Islands of the gods,” remained semi-autonomous until after 1900.
Statecraft and Strength
Buganda’s success wasn’t just about conquest. It had a strong central monarchy, efficient administration, and a disciplined military. These qualities made it the preferred partner of the British colonial government.
The Buganda Agreement of 1900
This landmark agreement recognized Buganda as a constitutional monarchy. It granted autonomy in local governance but introduced new administrative and land-tenure systems that reshaped society.
Alternative Tradition: Kimera’s Legacy
Another tradition—especially among Banyoro—credits Kato Kimera, twin brother of Isingoma Rukidi Mpuuga (founder of Bunyoro’s Bito dynasty), as Buganda’s founder. Kimera is said to have arrived during Kitara’s decline, bringing clans from Bunyoro. Later migrations from Busoga, Ssese, and other Bantu regions enriched Buganda’s cultural tapestry.
Legacy and Living Identity
Today, Buganda is home to over fifty clans. The Kabaka remains a powerful symbol of unity and continuity, even through colonial and post-independence upheavals. Buganda’s institutions, customs, and cultural life continue to shape Uganda’s national identity.
Key Places to Remember
- Naggalabi (Buddo): Site of Kintu’s victory over Bemba; still used for coronations.
- Nnono Hill (Magonga, Busujju): Where Buganda’s founding norms and governance were established.
Leave a Comment