Introduction

Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga is a Cultural institution which unites the People living within the counties of Butembe, Bukooli, Budiope, Buzaaya, Bukono, Busiki, Kigulu, Bugweri, Luuka, Bugabula, Kagoma and Bulamogi. Bantus inhabit the Busoga territory. It is situated east of the River Nile, north of Lake Victoria, south of Lake Kyoga and bordering River Mpologoma to the East, located in the Republic of Uganda, East Africa. The majority of the people live as farmers under circumstances akin to the neighbouring tribe of the Kingdom of Buganda.

Although Busoga territory had no central authority at the advent of the British rule, she had developed small principalities, each with its own hereditary ruler, she later consolidated her central authority, acquired a Kinglike ruler, the Isebantu Kyabazinga wa Busoga and likened the matters of government to a kingdom. The post of Isebantu Kyabazinga wa Busoga, like those of all other traditional, cultural and hereditary rulers was abolished in 1966 by Government but later restored by the 1995 Uganda Constitution which provides that the institutions of traditional leaders or cultural leaders may exist in any area of Uganda in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies.

Historical Background

The earliest inhabitants of Busoga belonged to the same Bantu group Comprising the Banyoro and the Baganda. Like other Bantu groups their origins can be traced back to the Katanga region of Central Africa. The earliest settlers in Busoga are said to have occupied the lakeshore areas far back in the 14th century. The inhabitants were organized under principalities or smaller chiefdoms. By the turn of the 19th century, there were 11 virtually independent principalities including:
Bugabula headed by Gabula
Bugweri headed by Menha
Bukono headed by Nkono
Bulamogi headed by Zibondo
Bukooli headed by Wakooli
Bunhole headed by Nanhumba
Busiki headed by Kisiki
Butembe headed by Ntembe
Bunha healed by Luba
Kigulu headed by Ngobi
Luuka headed by Tabingwa

In 1896 a British agent in the name of Berkeley, was granted authority from England to add the Kingdoms of Toro, Ankole, Bunyoro and Busoga to the newly acquired Protectorate, which originally consisted Buganda only. In 1906 the British Protectorate accomplished an administrative amalgamation of the multifarious kingdoms of pre-colonial Busoga into a single integrated structure. In the African society, be it based on Kingship or chieftainship or elders of the family, recognition of authority is inherent in their midst.

The British colonialists realized that the traditional rulers and chiefs enjoyed ready obedience from their people. Which were fully exploited to create a smooth working machinery which formed the foundation for the local governments and legislative councils.