CHAPTER 38
KYEMAYEMA OF LUGAVE CLAN (BUKYEMAYEMA)
Waira of Bukyemayema, and Gaifuba of Kaliro, both of Lugave clan, were of Magaya’s lineage. It is said that long ago in Bunyoro there lived a man named Kyamutuka, a brave fighter and one of the fighters of Mukama, the King of Bunyoro. This brave fighter felt strong enough to build a kingdom of his own and, therefore, crossed to Busoga where he hoped to found a Kingdom for himself. He had wives and an assistant, a man named Bajube of Fumbe clan. He sailed in a canoe from Kyamatende and landed in Bugabula. He spent some time there, hunting wild animals. Later he went to a place called Namazala, near Lukonko in Namasiga, where he lived for some time. He had two sons Magaya and Kyemayema. When these two grew up, their father gave them lands to rule. Magaya Bauba was given a country later known as Bugaya after its ruler; Kyemayema was given lands which he named Bukyemayema.
All the lands given to the two sons were uninhabited wastes at that time, but they both cultivated their areas and made them their own kingdoms. Their father remained at Lukonko, which was later joined to Magaya Bauba’s kingdom. Most parts of their countries had no names, but when the population increased, these parts were named mostly after some outstanding people in them.
It is worth noting the following;
1. Kyemayema built his mbuga at a place called Itakaibolu and he had the following children : — Kijiki, Mutatyama and Muwombi. When the population increased, members of Kyemayema’s lineage commenced fighting against rulers of the neighbouring parts, such as Kaima of Buima, Serwanga of Buserwanga and Nsaiga of Bukasa or Maundo. They wished to conquer and rule them and their weapons were spears and big clubs. The attackers, however, failed to conquer their neighbours who remained independent until the arrival of Europeans, when all small kingdoms lost their independence. Some of them became Gombololas and some were made milukas, while others became mere mitalas - the smallest administrative unit. Kyemayema had kept his independence until that time. He died in his home at Kavule.
2. Kijika succeeded his father Kyemayema, but he did nothing by which he is remembered. He ruled for only one year and then died.
3. Mukwata, his only son, succeeded him, but his father’s brothers objected to his succession because he was still very young. Some old people, including some common people in the country approved of the succession. This led to a bitter quarrel between the two parties which ended in a fight. On the side of those who supported the succession of Mukwata was a man named Mubialwo of the Lugave clan. He fought so well that his side was victorious and Mukwata was subsequently confirmed in office. He ruled well and had two sons, Kinatama and Luulo. He died and was buried at Kavule.
4. Kinatama succeeded his father, Mulwata, and he ruled successfully. He had eight sons. He was buried at Itakaibolu when he died.
5. Muhombi succeeded his father Kinatama. Muhombi was buried at Kasozi.
6. Lukanda succeeded his father Muhombi. He was murdered and buried at Itakaibolu.
7. Kakwikiri, who murdered his brother Lukanda, succeeded to the chieftainship. The people hated him because of his evil deed and they eventually murdered him too.
8. Lumba-Omwavu, who had gained much popularity among the common people because of his support of the murder of Kakwikiri, the evil—doer, was appointed to succeed to the chieftainship. During his reign, Europeans arrived in Busoga for the first time; but his country was not peaceful until he fought and defeated an army which was raised against him by Lugolole, son of Kakwikiri. Lugolole was banished from the country and his lands were confiscated.
Lugolole did not yield to the circumstances. He had heard that on the presentation of a case, the Europeans would show just consideration. He therefore went to Iganga and presented his case to Mr. William Grant. This was in the year 1900, but his case was not heard until 1902, when the Government H.Q. was at Jinja.
Mr. W. Grant decided that the country in dispute should be shared between Lugolole and Lumba-Omwavu. The latter was not satisfied with the decision so he left the part which was given to him and went to settle at Buzibirira in Bugabula. Lugolole was very pleased to see that his enemy had left all the country to him.
9. Lugolole, therefore, ruled the whole country, being the successor of his uncle, Lumba-Omwavu. He ruled quite satisfactorily and when he saw that he had grown too old to rule, he yielded the chieftainship to Lumba-Omwavu’s on, Waira. By this time the chieftainship had been reduced to a mere mutala. The population, moreover, was very sparse in the area.
10. Waira, son of Lumba-Owavu, thus ascended to the chieftainship. His father never returned to this country and Kyemayema’s lineage was reduced to the status of a commoner in rank.