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Mpigi Ecotourism- Buganda- Uganda Work-camp!!

However after 175O, the Kabaka assumed a position of political importance far superior to the ranks of the Bataka. The Kabaka's position was hereditary but it was not confined to any one clan because the king would take the clan of his mother. The Kabaka used to marry from as many clans as possible and this encouraged loyalty to the throne in the sense that each of the fifty-two clans hoped that it would one day produce the king.

The other persons who occupied positions of political and social importance were: the Prime Minister known as the Katikiro, the Mugema, the royal sister known as Nalinya, the Queen mother known as Namasole and the Naval and Army commanders referred to as Gabunga and Mujasi respectively.

The kingdom was divided into administrative units known as Amasaza (counties) which were further sub-divided into Amagombolola (sub-counties), and these were sub-divided into parishes called Emiruka which were subdivided into sub-parishes. The smallest unit was known as Bukungu which was more or less a village unit. All  the chiefs at all levels were appointed by the Kabaka and they were directly responsible to him. He could appoint or dismiss any chief at will. After 1750, chieftainship was no longer hereditary. Chieftainship was accorded on clan basis but only to men of merit and distinguished service.

Today, there are about 52 clans. The emergent clans include Mbuzi, Nkula, Njobe, Nakisinge, Nyange, Ngali, Ndisa, Kikuba, Nkebuka, Nsunu, Kasanke, etc. 

The authenticity of these clans depends on the following:

• They should indicate their Bubiro and how they acquired them.
• They should indite their Butaka.They should indicate which Kabaka gave them the Butaka.
• They indicate which role or historical function they performed. They should present a genealogical chart of their ruling Kasyolya, going back to the founder.

The articulation of the above probes would not only go a long way in accrediting these emergent clans, but it would provide a peace of mind to both the contemporary and future generations. Certainly then, the spirits of Kaggwa, Zimbe, Musoke, Miti, Nsimbi, Kasirye and others would repose in peace. 

The cause for trepidation is the unfortunate fact that because of the general anarchy of the last three decades, Ugandans have developed a tendency towards social disintegration and dissipation. They exhibit a mania for devalued quantity and an obsession for cheap numbers. Let it be ardently hoped therefore that this rampant craze for random proliferation does not succeed in inching its way into the venerable Clan system of Buganda.  

THE KABAKA's CHRONOLOGY

1. Kintu, 2. Cchwa, 3. Kimera, 4. Ttembo, 5. Kigala, 6. Kiyimba, 7. Kayima, 8. Nakibinge, 9. Mulondo, 10. Jjemba, 11. Suna, 12. Sekamaanya, 13. Kimbugwe, 14. Kateregga, 15. Mutebi, 16. Jjuuko, 17. Kayemba, 18. Tebandeke, 19. Ndawula, 20. Kagulu, 21. Kikule, 22. Mawanda, 23. Mwanga I, 24. Namugala, 25. Kyabaggu, 26. Jjunju, 27. Semakookiro, 28. Kamaanya, 29. Ssuuna II, 30. Walugembe Mutesa I, 31. Mwanga II, 32. Kiweewa II, 33. Kalema, 34. D. Chwa, 35. Mutesa II, 36. Muwenda Mutebi. 

If vacationing and returning to Namulondo is to be taken so seriously, then Buganda's 5th Kabaka Kiggala deserves, more than Mwanga, the honour of being counted twice. 

A very serene monarch, Kiggala voluntarily abdicated his throne in favor of his son Kiyimba. However, Kiyimba died early in office and his father returned to the throne for a very, long time and died of advanced age. 
The point being made here is that the whole exercise of counting one individual as two Kabakas is academically hazardous because it leads to inconsistencies. Therefore it is much neater to tabulate the current Kabaka as the 36th and not the 37th. 

The tabulation of the clans or Ebika needs to be carefully re-examined and clarified. The importance of the authenticity of the ancient clan system hardly needs any emphasis. By 1956, 38 clans of Buganda were known and they were so confirmed by the Kabaka and Sabataka of Buganda. 

Dates: The work camp takes place between June 1 to 14, 2004. The theme will be ecotourism development. The theme is also ecotourism development through schools learning.

Ages: Only those above the age of 18 shall be entitled to the work-camp. It requires energy and participation in putting up the classroom structure. Funds contributed by the volunteers will go towards purchase of materials, accommodation, transport and meals. The camp costs US $ 300. Volunteers will be shown how the funds have been utilized.

Excursions: Excursions to the Lake Mburo National Park, Mpanga Forest, and Entebbe Wildlife Centre.. Village hikes will also be possible. Guided tours will be organized by the Friends of Mpigi Forests Conservation and Development Organization a local CBO

What to Bring:

Its advisable for the participants to bring with them  materials to share with the pupils in the local school, other small gifts like pens, pencils, rubber. Please also bring small paint materials.  Please also carry your first aid tablets, anti malaria tablets and maybe some sun lotion. Toiletries are a MUST to be carried. Have good hiking gear, your African Wildlife and Birds guidebook or any other information you feel you will need in your tours or work camp. Building materials shall be provided by VFA and the local host Friends of Mpigi Forests CDO.

It will be possible to stay in one of the homes, and experience real Buganda. A total of 7 homes are ready to host volunteers. If in need please contact us in advance. The cost is US $ 20 per night to cater for bed, dinner and breakfast.

It will also be possible to purchase local handicrafts made by women at a very low price. Friends of Mpigi Forests is a local CBO with a women craft programme making sustainable handicrafts that help in economic empowerment of the women. They also run an ecotourism campsite. You purchase directly from the makers of the products, no middlemen. The capacity for this camp is 12 persons so hurry up and book your space.

Fill in the APPLICATION now and book your lifetime chance to know more about the Buganda agricultural way of life and many more breathtaking scenarios. All at a reasonable cost.

Contact ECODECO Consult for information about cost of the park tours and other excursions not covered in this work-camp..

Call (254) 72 240 7558 for more information, or email vfa@avu.org.