CHAPTER 5
BUKONO (THE ACCOUNT OF UNYI OR NKONO)
The establishment of the Bukono principality was began by Unyi or Nkono. Unyi or Nkono was Mukama’s son. It is said that on his way from Mount Elgon, Mukama had with him his wife, five children, some men, two dogs, spears, cattle, goats and many other things. While in Busoga he had two more children, Iganda and Katimbo. Mukama’s original home on Mt. Elgon is not known. By the time Mukama came to Busoga, the country was a nameless domain of wild animals. As stated before, Mukama fell to hunting these animals. He lived temporarily among the hills of Kamigo at a place called Irera, not very far from where Jinja is. Later on he went to explore the country around River Mpologoma. He arrived at a place which he named Namakoko, in Bukono, and he built a home there. He had his son Unyi with him. Mukama asked Unyi whether he would like to have that part of the country for himself and Unyi accepted. Mukama then returned to Irera, leaving his son Unyi at Namakoko. Unyi established his mbuga in a place which he named Ungiro (Unyi’s) in the neigh-bourhood of a rock called Wagezya. Unyi lived in his new mbuga and had two children whom he named Wako and Kisozi respectively. Unyi was basically a cultivator but he was much troubled by buffaloes and elephants. Whenever he killed an elephant, people from Bukedi came and robbed the tusks, Unyi did not have enough people to fight the intruders so he just left them to please themselves. It is said that he died at the age of 72 and was buried at Ungiro. He was succeeded by his son Wako.
The following were Unyi’s brothers: —
1. Okali, who was given the part of Bukoli, his title Koli.
2. Ibanda, who was given the part of Kigulu, his title Ngobi.
3. Ngambani, who was given the part of Bulamogi, his title Zibondo.
4. Ngobi Mau of Buzaya, his title Muzaya.
5. Kitimbo, who was given Bugabula and entitled Gabula.
6. Nyiro, who was given Luuka and entitled Tabingwa.
Wako lived in his father’s mbuga but he was more of a hunter than a cultivator. It is said that when he was still a youth, he hunted everyday. In his days, more and more people migrated into his country from Bukedi. He was exhausted by daily hunting and died at a rather early age. His brother Kisozi succeeded him.
Kisozi was a good and just ruler, liked by all his people. He was reputed for wisdom and all is people obeyed him without exception. His death was lamented very much by his people who liked him so much although it can be safely assumed that he died of old age. By this time, cultivation was done by most of his people. He was succeeded by his son Wakauli.
Wakauli’s mother was Nyanwa, who was born in Busiki. Unfortunately, Wakauli was the very opposite of his father; he was a cruel and proud chief, delighting in shedding blood, and he accordingly killed many of his subjects. His people could not tolerate him so they made a conspiracy against him and murdered him. Somehow the secret of the murder was revealed to the deceased’s mother’s relatives in Busiki, who became furious. Their anger could not be appeased without retaliation so they collected a big army and made ready to attack the people of Bukono. On hearing of the imminent invasion, the people of Bukono also collected a big army in preparation for war. When the people of Busiki attacked the Bakono at Vukula, a bloody war commenced. The loss on both sides was shocking but the Basiki sustained a thorough defeat. The remnants of their army retreated with all possible speed leaving the Bakono victorious in their country. Ntumba, the brother of Wakauli, was immediately placed on the throne.
Time proved that Ntumba was just the right man for the chieftainship; he was endowed with some of the good qualities of his father, Kisozi.
He transferred his mbuga from Ungiro, where Unyi had established it, to Vukula, where the battle between the Basiki and Bakono had taken place. This was done in memory of the battle in which many of the people of Bukono lost their lives. He was fully aware of the fact that his position then was entirely due to those brave men who died for their country. Up to this day, Vukula is still regarded as the capital of Bukono, and only second in importance to Kigulu country. Bukono was the first gombolola to get a permanent house for offices in the whole of Busoga. It was built in 1933, when Mr. Zadoki K.B. Gumba was the gombolola chief.
Ntumba had a smooth period of chieftainship and he lived for many years. He married many women, some of whom he kept in his old mbuga of Ungiro. He was very much liked by his subjects who sincerely mourned him when he died. He was buried in his new mbuga of Vikula. Ntumba was succeeded by his son Najomi, who had much trouble because he tried to set himself against the worshipping of ghosts, which was being done especially by people from Bukedi. He tried to stop these people from entering his country by blocking all the routes across the River Mpologoma. In addition, he took away all the boats from that river and ordered some selected men to guard the river. He also passed a law forbidding his subjects from entering Bukedi, or from admitting anybody from Bukedi into his house. Whoever defied this law would be either hanged or robbed of all his property. He went further and blocked all the routes from Zibondo’s country, because he feared that the peop1e of Bukedi would enter his country from that direction.
Although Najomi took such precautions and steps to block all the roads into his country, he was a great traveller himself. He visited Zibondo’s capital and travelled as far as Kigulu at a place called Nkone. It is said that he travelled so much not only because he was interested in travelling as such, but also because he wanted to study the behaviour of the people of Bukedi who were living in these parts. It is also alleged that he went to Nkono purposely to fight the Bakedi people who had robbed his subjects’ property, including tusks (ivory). He only had one son, and daughters who are not known since it was not the custom of Basoga to count women. This is a similar habit to that of the Jews. He died and was buried at Izirangobi in Busiki.
Mudola succeeded his father Najomi, and he lived at Birangobi. Although he ruled for many years, his name is not associated with any memorable deeds, he was a quiet, passive ruler. After his death he was succeeded by his son Nkenga.
After Nkenga had succeeded his father, Mudola, he wanted to revive Najomi’s precautionary measures but was unsuccessful. By then the greater part of Busiki was within the jurisdiction of Nkono. This explains why Izirangobi, in Busiki, was Nkono’s mbuga. Nkenga died and was buried at Izirangobi, his son, Mutyaba, succeeding him. After his succession to the chieftainship, Mutyaba was faced with much difficulties; his Busiki subjects rebelled against him and they collected an army to fight him. The Basiki were victorious in the battle which ensued and they captured Nkono’s mbuga of Izirangobi. In addition to this mbuga, Nkono lost many mitala to the people of Busiki.
One night while Mutyaba was sleeping in his mbuga of Lwamba, he was attacked by some insidious Basiki, who set his house on fire. Fortunately for him, one of his wives was awake and when she saw the fire, she woke Mutyaba up, who rushed out of the house. However, some lives were lost in the house owing to its round nature, and Mutyaba’s back was badly burnt. He migrated to Ungiro where he died from the effects of the fire. The Basiki took over a large part of the country which had previously been under the rule of Nkono.
The latter’s country was reduced to Nawaibete. Mutyaba was succeeded by his son Kabusera, whose determination was to avenge his father’s losses and death. He accordingly collected a retaliatory army and himself led it against the Basiki. He defeated them soundly and restored his father’s two mbuga, including the mitala which had been taken by the Basiki. He consequently won much prestige for himself and for his country. After this victory, Kabusera’s country experienced much prosperity; the population increased and the people concentrated on cultivation. He died in the midst of loving people and was buried with much mourning. His son Muzetya succeeded him. Muzetya was a reputed smoker of opium, the result of which made his eyes a scarlet-red colour. Most of his leisure, or even the time when he would be discussing important affairs of his country would be spent in puffing the intoxicating opium. He smoked it so frequently that his mental stability was badly affected; he became restless and would go without food for 3 - 4 days. His subjects were soon fed-up with him since he exhibited many other defective faults, apart from smoking opium. The consequence was that he was driven off his throne and replaced by his brother Pande-Kemba.
On his succession to the chieftainship, Pande-Kemba was required to find an army to fight a well organised Busiki army, His subjects had much hope of his leadership in the battle, which was imminent. They trusted him and put all their confidence in him. Unfortunately, they were disappointed for Pande-Kemba was a very timid man and would not dare to join the fight. He could do nothing even if he were openly insulted. His timidity disappointed those who had hopefully elected him. Much of his country was taken by the people of Busiki and his subjects were more or less pleased when he died.
He was succeeded by his son, Mugalya I, who established his new mbuga on Kisenzi hill in 1862. This was when some Europeans had already arrived in Buganda. He ruled for only three months and was buried in his new mbuga when he died.
Kyebambe, later nicknamed Kitamwa (‘who never cut his hair’) was Kabusera’s youngest son. By the time his father died he was a small child. When he came into power the Europeans had established themselves in Busoga at Bukaleba. This was round 1872 – 86. He was a wise ruler and could settle any dispute justly and promptly. He was sociable and much loved by his people. The British Agent at Bukaleba, Mr. Grant invited all rulers to Bukaleba and requested them all to build their new mbugas. This was a pre-cautionary measure against rebels as well as a step towards a united Busoga. Previously, every chief in Busoga, however small his area would be, was a small king, there was no central government or authority above him. Kitamwa did not welcome the idea of having another power above him so he refused the invitation and decided against paying any taxes to the Europeans. His son Kabusera endeavoured to show him that it was advisable for him to go to Bukaleba since all the other chiefs, such as Kisiki, Ngobi, Wakoli and Zibondo had all gone there. But Kitamwa merely comforted his son by telling him that he would fight the Europeans if they dared attack him. He reminded his son that there were many guns and brave men in Bukono who would easily resist any attack by the Europeans. Kyemwa was truly a brave man and had secured a number of guns. Besides his gun, hewould arm himself with a spear and shield, two daggers strung on either aide of his waist, and his axe which under normal conditions, would be used in making wooden things. He was a very outstanding craftsman and could make gourds, canoes, bowls, walking-sticks, drums and many other useful things. His favourites were only those who could prove themselves brave. One day he told his son Kabusera that should the Europeans be tempted to attack him, he would go out to meet them in the valley of the Nawaibete. He had bought many guns from Buganda which he distributed among his brave men. By this time many chiefs in Busoga owned some guns.
He appointed Namalebe to the post of a general in the Army. It is said that this Namalebe had experience in organizing an army. After his appointment he began the task of drilling and disciplining a large number of brave men for Kitamwa’s army. Kitamwa was very pleased with his general’s efforts but the fomer had no idea of the war tactics of the Europeans. Namalebe was only making use of his military experience which he gained through contact with the Nubians or Indians. At the time when he had been appointed by Kitamwa, he was equivalent to a captain but his able management of the army raised him to the rank of a general.
Kitamwa had ministers such as Musota and many others, who flattered him so much that he believed that his position was quite secure. He could not imagine the possibility of any other power over-throwing him.
Because of his well-armed trained army, he felt that his country was invincible.
Soon Mr. Grant had knowledge of Kitamwa’s military preparations and determination to fight the Europeans. He was informed that Kitamwa would not willingly place himself under the power of Mr Grant. The latter did not waste any more time. After receipt of this information he pondered a little and then prepared his army to fight Kitamwa. He marched through Bugweri. His army was armed with many guns and amunition, besides a cannon or maxim-gun. Mr. Grant was accompanied by Miro-Ngobi, Tabingwa, Zibondo, Kisiki and two of Luba’s Sons, Munulo and Mutyabule. The invaders were undoubtedly afraid of Kitamwa, for each of the Saza chiefs among them brought his army with him. There were four counties altogether and three of these bombarded Kitamwa’s kingdom. You can now imagine in true perspective the odds against which Kitanwa’s small army was going to fight.
The invading army arrived in Busiki in February 1897. Mr. Grant took his army to Nawaibete valley, where Kitamwa once had said that the battle would take place. Kitamwa and his army had been forewarned about the invasion by an army from Bukaleba and they could not resist the temptation to run for their lives. Mr. Grant marched on Kitamwa’s mbuga of Nabitula but found nobody there. He then ordered his army to begin a thorough search for Kitamwa, together with all his ministers. But Kitamwa’s son Kabusera yielded himself to Mr. Grant and proved himself innocent of any rebellious attitude to the Government. Mr. Grant accepted Kabusera’s pleas and sent him to find his father and arrest him. Kabusera could not find his father, who had crossed into Bulamogi, where he was hiding. Mr. Grant then thought that perhaps Kitamwa had sought refuge in the middle of the lake. He, therefore, ordered his soldiers to begin firing on the islands in the lake Ntakwe. They used the big gun, which was fired from Kisenzi hill. They even opened fire on the islands in the lake between Bugwere and Busoga district. These lakes do not exist now but at that time they were big lakes dotted with some inhabitable islands.
The shots from the big gun did not do any havoc; they were only meant to frighten people who had never seen them. The explosion was so terrible that people thought that it was lightning, or thunder. The noise was so frightful that many people fled to the remote parts of Bulamogi and Bugwere. When Zibondo learned that Kitamwa had sought refuge in his country, he went quickly and captured him. He gave him over to Mr. Grant, who charged him with rebelling and sentenced him to imprisonment at Bukaleba. It was during Kitamwa’s term of imprisonment that the Nubian mutiny against Mr. Macdonald occurred. Mr. Macdonald was engaged in surveying parts of East Africa.
The mutiny originated in Kenya but the mutineers spread all over Uganda, murdering and striking terror wherever they went. They came to Bukaleba unexpectedly and forced their way into the prison. They released all the prisoners on condition that they would join the mutineers. However, the mutineers were being pursued by Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Jackson, together with a number of Asiatic soldiers. Once released, Kitamwa did not comply with his promise but quickly went to his own country of Bukono. He found that he had been replaced by his brother, Nyiro Mutyaba II. Kitamwa immediately collected an army and defeated Mutyaba II, thus restoring himself on his throne. Mutyaba II then went to Bukaleba to report the matter but found that everybody was busy fighting against the Nubian mutineers. This happened towards the end of 1897; nothing could be done for him until 1898. In that year Mr. Grant appointed the saza chief, Miro-Ngobi to take Mutyaba II back into power. But Miro did not go, instead he appointed his man Sulemani Kakuma, who had escorted him back from Buganda where Miro had been kidnapped.
Sulemani Kakuma and Mutyaba II marched into Bukono with a big army. They found Kitamwa prepared to meet them and a terrible battle resulted. However, Kakuma’ s army was very strong and Kitamwa’ s army could not resist for very long. Kitamwa fled to Bukedi and Mutyaba II was restored to power.
When Kitamwa heard that Sulemani Kakuma had returned to Bukaleba, he collected a foreign army and returned to fight Mutyaba II. Kitamwa defeated Mutyaba II and assumed chieftainship once again. When Mutyaba II reported the matter agaain to Mr. Grant, the latter gave him an army which was again placed under the leadership of Suleimani Kakuma. Kitamwa was again defeated and Mutyaba put back into power. All the chiefs in the neighbouring countries then agreed to hunt Kitamwa and capture him. After much searching, they captured him and sent him to Buka1eba where he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. This was in 1899. He was released after the capital had been transferred from Bukaleba to Iganga.
After his release from prison, Kitamwa was not allowed to go back to Bukono. Zibondo offered him a place in his own country in Mutala Butege. Kitamwa lived there with his son Kabusera for many years. But when he grew very old, the Government repatriated him in 1910.
Nyiro Mutyaba II was later converted to Christianity and was baptised Isaya. Henceforth his title was Isaya Nkono. He ruled for many years until 1907, when the Government considered that his area was too small to be regarded as a county.
It was, accordingly, turned into a Gombolola forming part of Kigulu, the chief of which country (Nikola Tega) had shown himself very loyal to the Government. In 1899 Isaya Mutyaba II had given away many of his mitala to his Baganda protectors. He ruled until 1 January 1924, when he retired. He wanted his son, Tito Mugalya II, who was working in the Medical Department at Jinja to succeed him, but the Government would only have an able man to succeed him. The Government, therefore, promised to appoint Tito Mugalya to the chieftainship if he could show himself fit for the post. Moreover, the Gombolola was one of those important gombololas which needed a firm ruler. In the meantime, Zadoki Gumba, who was working as an interpreter, was appointed to the post. Gumba did not inherit Nkono’s traditional customs because Mutyaba II was still living. Isaya Nkono retained his mitala where he lived after he had retired. He was presented with the King’s Silver Medal by the Government. He prospered very much and had 42 children altogether. Most of these children were aged 6 - 10 by the time Mutyaba died. This means that he got most of his children after his retirement. He died on 26 March 1935 and was buried on 30 March 1935. He was succeeded by his son Tito Mugalya II, who had just been appointed Gombolola chief of Nawandala.
Tito Mugalya II was educated in the Balangira School at Kamuli. This is the School which later became Busoga College, Mwiri, near Jinja. He was a brilliant scholar and easily gained entrance to King’s College, Budo, in April 1917. While at Budo, Tito learned of the African Native Medical Corps (MC) which treated the wounded in war. Tito volunteered to join the organisation and went to German East Africa in May 1917. He continued as a member of the organisation even after the war, and worked until January 1935. By then he was a senior member of the organisation.
He was presented with the King’s Silver Jubilee Medal on 6 May 1935.
Balangira High School - Kamuli 1911 later became Busoga college Mwiri.
The gods hat were respected and worshipped by Nkono were only Unyi and Mukama. That is to say this clan worshiped their first fore fathers, Unyi and Mukama. Each of these two gods was honoured with an annual sacrifice of a fat cow.
It is said that an army from Buganda entered Bukono on three occasions;
1. Kaira invaded Bukono via Bukedi. The army killed many people and robbed much property. This took place during the reign of either Kabusera or Muzetya.
2. Another bloody invasion took place in Kemba’s day and the invaders came in through Busiki. They murdered Kisiki, Isiko Ngwere and killed many other people in Busiki and Bukono. Much booty was also taken.
3. The other invasion was nicknamed Namutwe or Mupere. This also took place in Keraba’s days. The invaders robbed many things and took women and children into captivity. Many Baganda fighters penetrated into Bukedi.
The following were the common people in Bukono who distinguished themselves for their bravery : -
The weapons used by these brave fighters were beautiful long-bladed spears denoting a high standard of craftmanship. These spears had very sharp points and edges. The fighters also used shields made of very tough skins or hides and lined with beautiful hairs or furs such as the beards of he-goats. Armed with such beautiful but formidable spears and beautiful shields, the war-like propensities of the fighters would be further inspired. Despite the toughness of the skins from which the shields were made, a brave and strong man could spear right through them and thus strike his enemy.
Other fighters used shields and spears of an inferior quality or beauty.
Still others used poles measuring about 20 feet and very sharp at one end. Such weapons were known as miunda (many), muunda (only one) and their sharp points were customarily toughened by heat so that they could pierce through a tough shield. As for customs pertaining to marriage, food, types of buildings and government, these were the same anywhere else in Busoga. There is a legend which states that between Unyi and Kabusera there were eight people who ruled Bukono, as Nkono, but that their names are not nown.