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The Uganda Martyrs incident that resulted in the deaths of 45 christian converts in 1886 is widely known to christians worldwide.
Unbeknownst to many, there is another martyrdom incident that occurred 10 or so years prior. In fact, there are 2 events that interestingly happened around the same time.  
These obscure episodes in Buganda and African history ironically feed into each other and are what I present today.
This was a really fascinating story for me to learn about.
Just to be clear, I do not claim that Kabaka Muteesa 1, who is responsible for the killings, to be a death diety. Rather, I am simply making a comparison between the power over life and death that Muteesa had,  to that of the grim reaper.

Corrections

Min 15:50:10 - Meant to say King's Uncle
Min 33:32:13 - Meant to say some Basoga not Baganda.

Youtube Video Link

https://youtu.be/-zhiX9O54wY


Enjoy!!

ABK Kasozi, “The Spread of Islam in Uganda 1844 -1945” PHD Thesis presented at University of California, Santa Cruz 1974.

Ahmed Katumba and F.B Welbourn, “Muslims Martyrs of Buganda” Uganda Journal 28 1964 (151 - 163) https://original-ufdc.uflib.ufl.edu/UF00080855/00073/39x

Arye Oded, “Islam in uganda: Islamization through a centralized state in pre-colonial Africa” Israel Universities Press, Jerusalem 1974.

C.F. Holmes, “Zanzibar Influence at the Southern End of Lake Victoria: The Lake Route”

African Historical Studies, Vol. 4, No. 3 (1971), pp. 477-503. 

Ham Mukasa, “Backward Never Forward Ever”, Translation of the book “Simuda Nyuma” by Francis J.N. Batte, Hamu Mukasa Foundation 2012.

Laurence Schiller, “The Royal Women of Buganda” The International Journal of African Historical Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1990), pp. 455-473 

Venny M.Nakazibwe, “ Bark-cloth Of The Baganda People Of Southern Uganda: A Record Of Continuity And Change From The Late Eighteenth Century To The Early Twenty First Century, (Middlesex University, 2005) (Pg, 130 - 133)

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/download/0aaa6bfe6c4498a8090e2481452682d5ba1878d69146fcccf4404e2267a73572/45355158/Nakazibwe-phd.pdf

https://quran.com/al-fatihah

H.M Stanley book https://archive.org/stream/stanleysdespatch00stan/stanleysdespatch00stan_djvu.txt

https://www.deseret.com/2016/10/1/20597261/the-opening-of-the-quran/

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/series/east-africa-indian-ocean-basin-world-economy-1760-1880/3-caravans-and-impact-long-distance-trade

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/namugongo-how-a-haunted-village-became-world-famous-1518256

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Busiki and Busambira are among the many small nations that came under the umbrella of the current Busoga kingdom.
Unlike most of the well known busoga states ruled by the AbaiseNgobi clan, these 2 are headed by the lesser known AbaiseIgaga clan.
Follow me as I talk about their pre-colonial history starting with their founder the meat giver Nemwe all the way to the end of the 1900s when they were incorporated into the Busoga Kingdom and largely the nation of Uganda.
If you prefer to watch, check out the youtube channel link below.

https://youtube.com/@thosewhocamebeforeus9326?si=C87e33Dsnsi1NJMO

Words to note.
Kisiki/Kisiginyi: Leader of the Busiki State

Kisambira: Leader of the Busambira State

Kabaka: Leader of the Buganda state.

Naminha: Leader of the AbaiseNaminha Clan

Igulu: Leader of the AbaiseIgulu Clan

Please see sources below.

SOURCES

David William Cohen, “Emergence and Crisis: The States of Northern Busoga in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries” , in D. DENOON, ed., History of Uganda, vol. II (Nairobi: East African Publishing House).

David William Cohen, “The Historical Tradition of Busoga; Mukama and Kintu” ( London: Clarendon Press, 1972)

Minah Nabirye and Gilles-Maurice De Schryver, “Enkaana” , Fieldwork Texts Compiled by David William Cohen on the history of the Basoga people, (Kampala, Menha Publishers, 2022) Text 64, 68, 71, 76, 77, 78, 79

Federick Peter Batala-Nayenga, “An Economic History of the Lacustrine States of Busoga, Uganda: 1750-1939” ( University of Michigan, 1976)

William FitzSimons, “Warfare, Competition, and the Durability of Political  Smallness in Nineteenth Century” Journal of African History ( Cambridge University Press, 2018)

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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Happy Mother's day to all mothers in the world. Queen - Mothers were vital to the power structures of the intralacustrine region. They were often the rallying points around which clans gathered to defend their candidate of choice.   Here is a list of 5 pre-colonial Queen-Mothers of Uganda. Enjoy!!

Sources

Buganda

Laurence Schiller, “The Royal Women of Buganda” The International Journal of African Historical Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1990), pp. 455-473 

JM Gray, “Mutesa of Buganda” 

Rhiannon Stephens, “A History of Motherhood, Food Procurement and Politics in East-Central Uganda to the Nineteenth Century” ( Evanston, Illinois 2007)

https://arch.library.northwestern.edu/downloads/x633f108q

 Kabaka Muteesa’s letter to Queen Victoria ;

 https://ekitibwakyabuganda.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/mutesas-letter-to-queen-victoria/#:~:text=Oh!,He%20is%20God%20of%20God.

Ham Mukasa, “Ebifa Ku Mulembe gwa Kabaka Mutesa” The Uganda Journal, Vol 1 No 2, April 1934. English Version translated by A.H.C. Full name isn’t displayed. Title in English is “Some Notes on the Reign of Kabaka Mutesa”.

https://original-ufdc.uflib.ufl.edu/UF00080855/00056/52j

Bunyoro

Ade Adefuye, “Kabalega and the Palwo: A Conflict of Aspirations”, (Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria Vol VIII NO 1 December, 1975)

J.W. Nyakatura, Anatomy of an African Kingdom (New York: Nok Publishers, 1973) 

Edward I. Steinhart, Conflict and Collaboration, The Kingdoms of Western Uganda 1890-1907(New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1977) https://www.amazon.ca/Conflict-Collaboration-Kingdoms-Western-1890-1907/dp/0691615594/ref=sr_1_1?crid=U1JCNQI4FX7J&keywords=The+Kingdoms+of+Western+Uganda+1890-1907&qid=1694981666&s=books&sprefix=the+kingdoms+of+western+uganda+1890-1907%2Cstripbooks%2C151&sr=1-1

Ruth Fischer, Twilight Tales of the Black Baganda( London: Marshall Brothers, 1938)

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30717853317&searchurl=kn%3DTwilight%2BTales%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlack%2BBaganda%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-image1

https://kabalegafoundation.org/facts-about-omukama-kabalega.html

https://www.bunyorokitarausa.org/amasaaza-ga-bunyoro/

Busoga

David William Cohen, “Womunafu’s Bunafu” ( New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1977)

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31182157137&searchurl=ds%3D20%26kn%3Dwomunafu%2527s%2Bbunafu%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1

Rhiannon Stephens, “A History of Mo

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Today, I cover the pre-colonial history of the Bulamogi and Bukono states of the AbaiseNgobi clan up to 1900. The AbaiseNgobi are the royal clan of Busoga that ruled various states that eventually came to be known collectively as Busoga.
Bukooli was one of the many states that came to make up the modern traditional kingdom of Busoga in Uganda, East Africa.

Words to Note.
Zibondo - Title for King of Bulamogi Kingdom
Kabaka -  Title for King of Buganda Kingdom
Nkono    - Title for King of Bukono Kingdom
Tabingwa - Title for King of Luuka Kingdom

SOURCES

David William Cohen, “Emergence and Crisis: The States of Northern Busoga in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries” , in D. DENOON, ed., History of Uganda, vol. II (Nairobi: East African Publishing House). 

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)

Lloyd Fallers, “Bantu Bureacracy” ( The University of Chicago Press, 1965)

Minah Nabirye and Gilles-Maurice De Schryver, “Enkaana” , Fieldwork Texts Compiled by David William Cohen on the history of the Basoga people, (Kampala, Menha Publishers, 2022)

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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Today, I cover the pre-colonial history of the Bukooli state of the AbaiseWakooli clan up to 1900.
Bukooli was one of the many states that came to make up the modern traditional kingdom of Busoga in Uganda, East Africa.
I start with the origin of their founder Okali who travelled with and was brothers with Kakaire of the Abaisemenha clan from Episode 3.

Bukooli grew into a state that attempted to dominate their neighbours.
Their connection to the much larger kingdom of Buganda enhanced their military and economic opportunities granting them access to guns and goods from the Zanzibar coast.

This is their pre-colonial history.

Correction at 21:06 Banda state in southeast Bukooli was ruled by the AbaiseKibiga not the AbaiseKiruyi. I got it wrong.. Twice. 🤦🏿(pg 467, Enkaana) I will forever hang my head in shame.

Few things to note.
Wakooli - Ttile for King of Bukooli Kingdom
Kabaka -  Title for King of Buganda Kingdom
Ngobi.    - Title for King of Buzimba-Kigulu Kingdom

Please see sources below for further reading.
Ashe, Robert, “ Chronicles of Uganda” (London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1894)

David William Cohen, “The Historical Tradition of Busoga; Mukama and Kintu” ( London: Clarendon Press, 1972)

David William Cohen, “Emergence and Crisis: The States of Northern Busoga in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries” , in D. DENOON, ed., History of Uganda, vol. II (Nairobi: East African Publishing House). 

Early Treaties in Uganda, https://original-ufdc.uflib.ufl.edu/UF00080855/00061/520

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” , Fieldwork Texts Compiled by David William Cohen on the history of the Basoga people, (Kampala, Menha Publishers, 2022)

Ogenga Otunnu, “Crisis of legitimacy and Political Violence”, (Cham, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018)

William FitzSimons, “Warfare, Competition, and the Durability of Political  Smallness in Nineteenth Century” Journal of African History ( Cambridge University Press, 2018)

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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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.
Follow me on instagram @twcbupod
Youtube, Tiktok and twitter @ThoseWhoCameBeforeUs
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

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This is a morbid cautionary tale from Busoga in Uganda. It was told by Christopher Baseuse from the AbaiseKiranda clan. It was recorded by historian David Cohen at Baseuse's home on 7 October 1966.

Follow me on
Instagram at twcbupod
Tiktok at ThoseWhoCameBeforeUs
Twitter at ThoseWhoCameBeforeUs
Watch the Youtube version at the link below.
https://youtu.be/TKlc2SDHiRw

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The AbaiseNgobi are the clan from which the Kyabazinga(king) of Busoga will be picked.
They are the royals of the kingdom. There were many states which were under their leadership.
Today I discuss the pre-colonial history of the AbaiseNgobi of Kigulu chiefdom.
FYI, I happen to be a prince from there. ;)

Follow me on
Instagram: TWCBUpod
Tiktok: Those Who Came Before Us
Youtube: Those Who Came Before Us

References

David William Cohen, “The Historical Tradition of Busoga; Mukama and Kintu” ( London: Clarendon Press, 1972)

David William Cohen, “The Political Transformation of Northern Busoga:Cahiers d'Études Africaines, Vol. 22, Cahier 87/88, Systèmes étatiques africains (1982),pp. 465-488

David William Cohen, “Emergence and Crisis: The States of Northern Busoga in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries” , in D. DENOON, ed., History of Uganda, vol. II (Nairobi: East African Publishing House). 

Federick Peter Batala-Nayenga, “An Economic History of the Lacustrine States of Busoga, Uganda: 1750-1939” ( University of Michigan, 1976)

Renee Tantala, “The Consolidation of AbaiseNgobi Rule in Southern Kigulu” ( Madison: University of Wisconsin, B. A. thesis), IV-77 P. mimeo, 1973)

Y.K. Lubogo ESQ, “History of Busoga”(Kisubi,Uganda: Marianum Press Ltd, 2020)(Translated and reprint from original written in Luganda)

Music Used

Omukazi Omugamba Lubala, Sound of Africa Series.

Obuwala Bwe Nawandende, ‘’  ‘’

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This story is based on the folklore called "The famine" which was collected by Mrs George Baskerville. I think the name change is more fitting. lol.
The name of the book it was published in is called "The Flame Tree and other folklore."
Like and Subcribe.
Check out my instagram page @twcbupod and Youtube channel for the video version.
https://youtu.be/S64Z0Dfmj3I
I am working on the next historical podcast and video on busoga. It's coming. In the meantime, I'll be posting folklore.
Stay tuned. :)

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The Busoga kingdom is located in Eastern Uganda. It's one of the 5 monarchies of Uganda.
Today I talk about the pre-colonial beginnings of Busoga.
Kintu and Mukama  are two men mentioned as being the fathers of the people who founded the many states that comprised this kingdom. Enjoy. :)
There is a youtube version of today's episode if you would like to check that out. There are slight variations in presentation between the two but the information is the same.
 Please follow link below. Subscribe and follow.
https://youtu.be/2MGe3WVXKh8

References

David William Cohen, “The Historical Tradition of Busoga; Mukama and Kintu” ( London: Clarendon Press, 1972)

Y.K. Lubogo ESQ, “History of Busoga”(Kisubi,Uganda: Marianum Press Ltd, 2020)(Translated and reprinted from original written in Luganda)

B.A Ogot, "The Great Lakes Region" , "UNESCO General History of Africa IV, Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century" (Heinemann Educational Books, 1981)

The Eclipse Of Biharwe 1520 AD, Biharwe Hill Mbarara (https://www.travel256.com/safari-news/2017/11/the-eclipse-of-biharwe-1520-ad-biharwe-hill-mbarara/) (Nov/2/2017)

Music Used
Infados" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ominous" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Musirankondo by Kuruseni and Soga Men (Busoga)
Odhiambo Odet by  Ogalo Mirasi (Western Kenya)
Ntajemerwa by The Ntajemerwa Royal Drummers (Bunyoro)
Recorded by Hugh Tracey in the 1950s.

Nva Jinja  by Laty Wizy ft Busoga Stars. Nva Jinja means "I am from Jinja"