CHAPTER 1
THE TRIBE OF BUSOGA
Busoga has been a complete tribe for many generations now with firmly established boundaries. Certain boundaries were altered and parts of Busoga were joined to other districts in Uganda by the British Government. These boundaries were altered and parts of Busoga were cut away without the consent of the people of Busoga. The Government would merely inform the people that such and such parts of the country had been joined to other districts. For example, certain islands in lake Victoria which had formed part of Busoga were transferred to Buganda Kingdom in 1900 – 1906. Three Samia counties were taken from Busoga and joined to Budama district in 1918 and no account was given for them. The three counties were: — Ofala’s Ssaza, Igaga’s and Ngango’s counties. Certain Bunyali counties which were within the jurisdiction of previously Wakoli’s, were also transferred to Budama district. The following parts were also transferred from Busoga to Bugwere in 1896 - 1900:. Budama, Buseta, Palisa, Gogonyo, etc. Previously, they belonged to Zibondo’s kingdom. These alterations reduced the boundaries of Busoga to the big rivers and lakes which surround the country, with exception of part of Bukoli at Bulugui.
The people of Busoga belong to that stock of people who came into Uganda from Abyssinia about 600 years ago. The Basoga secured this part of the world for themselves for ever. They speak a Bantu language which is related to the languages spoken by the people of Buganda, Bugwere, Budama, Bugishu, Ankole, Ruanda, Toro, and Bunyoro. Lusoga is very much like Luganda, which is steadily displacing the former. Luganda is used in homes, especially by women and children.