If Mugema were to grant Lukwago’s request and expel Mirundi from the clan, it would mean that the presidential adviser would no longer be a Muganda. He and his children and grandchildren would have no clan, ssiga (sub-county) or mutuba. It would also mean that when Tamale dies, he would not be buried as a Muganda or have his last funeral rites (lumbe) authorized and officiated by Baganda clan officials.

The NRM’s Bukedde also reported that Tamale Mirundi dismissed Lukwago’s suggestion. He allegedly said that to him Baganda clans are like any other organization or association which brings people together. He compared clans to the Uganda Journalist Association (UJA) and similar organizations.

One London resident named Nakibuuka even suggested that Mmengo, Ekibiina ky’Olulimi Oluganda (Luganda Language Society) and Makerere University Luganda department should protest to Google, Inc. for their racist approach to black people. She asks: “Would Google accept a Hebrew platform that was translated by a team of Arabs? If it is not ‘all black people are the same’ racism, how come Google used a team of translators none of whom is a Muganda? It is time for Baganda to deal with Museveni, Northerners, Banyankore, Iteso and even Google aggressively if they continue to ridicule our Kabaka and other pillars of our Buganda nation. Doing nothing is surrendering to these guys to decide what broken Luganda our Baganda children will learn.”

When we checked out the Luganda Google site, http://www.google.com/intl/lg/, there was evidence why some Baganda are angry that their language had been butchered so badly. Evidently, the translators primarily relied on and English-to-Luganda dictionary and casual knowledge of the language to create Google’s new Luganda platform. For example, “Advanced Search” was translated to “Enonya eya Wagulu”, which is not only spelt wrong but is a poor approximation of the semantic meaning. Equally ridiculous is the translation of “Language Tools” to “Ebikozesa ebya Olulimi”. Even worse is the translation of “Groups” to “Ebibinjja” (which means “gangs” or “armies”, when correctly spelt).

According to a source at the Makerere University Luganda Language Institute, Google was conned by unscrupulous Iteso and Banyakore and sold a fake translation. The sources pointed Buganda Post to an article written by one Rwandese, Denis Gikunda , at http://sites.google.com/site/gwscommunitytranslation/uganda, which identifies the individuals that Google trusted with translating a highly nuanced Luganda language, which has existed for more than 1,000 years. According to Gikunda’s story the team that created Google’s Luganda platform includes:  Jonathan Gosier (unclear nationality), Emmanuel Oluka (Acholi or Langi), James Olweny (Iteso), Barbara Birungi (Munyankore), James Nabireeba (Munyankore) and Jerry Opollot (Iteso). Luganda is not the mother tongue to any of the translators.

Below is the message on Kabaka Mutebi’s Facebook page:

The Baganda cannot continue to mourn indefinitely for what was lost. We should not continue to labor under the burden of self pity because this self pity will destroy our soul and, therefore, our resolve to rebuild Buganda.

The number of Kabaka Mutebi’s fans is just under 1,200 at the time of posting this story. Click here to access Kabaka Mutebi’s page. If you have problems accessing the page or,  don’t know what Facebook is, or you just don’t have an account, but would like to become a fan, visit www.facebook.com and search on “Kabaka Mutebi” for more details.

The Buganda Post reader who first alerted us to Kabaka’s presence on Facebook, also pointed out that Mr. Museveni’s vice president, Gilbert Bukenya, is one of the fast growing numbers of Facebook users who are Kabaka’s fans. According to our reader: “Bukenya’s message to Kabaka Mutebi opens a lot of questions about Museveni’s VP. First, the terrible spelling of Bukenya suggests that either he is disrespectful of Kabaka or, he is a generally careless and clumsy guy or, he is a 60 year old ‘Muganda’ who cannot write Luganda or address our Kabaka properly. Second, why talk about Buganda as a region, knowing very well that the man he is talking to is the Kabaka of Buganda – a kingdom and not an NRM-style ‘region’. Is he trying to rub Museveni’s ‘central region’ concept into Kabaka Mutebi’s face?”

Dr. Bukenya’s unedited Facebook message to Kabaka Mutebi reads as follows:

Greetings to you Ssabasajja Kabaka W’Buganda. It’s a privilege to find you here. For the time I have been on, I have really appreciated the wonderful people here and all the advice and comments they give. All these are very critical for the development of our regions and the country at large. Wangala Ssabasajja Kabaka – Empologma ya Buganda.

The story of Nabadda was written and produced by George Sengendo. The Executive producer is Godfrey Walusimbi and the executive director is Faustin Misanvu. These Kabaka’s men assembled guided an excellent cast of actors to deliver a clear message  “Magezi ga Baganda” prevails; a world class movie industry is asking root in Buganda. The lighting is perfect for over 90% of the film and the cinematography leaves no doubt that Bugandawood is for real.

The cast includes Patrico Mujuuka, Florence Achola, Evelyne Kiwewesi, Nsubuga Nakalya and super villain Sulaimani Kiggundu. It also includes tens of minor actors and extras, to give the movie the semblance of a Hollywood production.

To meet the Youtube requirements that each posted video not exceed 10 minutes, Nabadda, the move is was cut up in 11 parts. To watch Nabadda, one part at a time, click here.

The family sources add that Omutaka Mpalanyi’s health has been generally alright. And that the high blood pressure attack occurred when he was in his farm at Kabuwambo, Ssingo county. He has been teaching Luganda at Nkumba University and Lubiri High School in Kabaka’s Palace. He has also been an active member and former secretary of Ekibiina Ky’Olulimi Oluganda (Luganda Language Society).

Solomon Mpalanyi was born in Ssekanyonyi, Magala, Ssingo county. He attended Nnabagereka Primary School and Mityana Junior School before going to King’s College Buddo, Nagalabi, Busiro county. After Buddo, he joined Kyambogo Teachers’ Training College where he qualified as a high school teacher and soon joined the East African Community Printing Office. In 1968 Omutaka Mpalanyi joined London University for post-graduate studies in literary and publishing studies.

Sources in Washington DC have informed us by email that the Baganda Community in the USA capital and other cities have take the news very hard. Omutaka Mpalanyi was popular with friends of his son William Mpalanyi who lived in Washington DC for several years. And he was also remembered for his presence and brief but very impressive presence at Ttabamiruka ’07. The late Omutaka Solomon Mpalanyi is survived by number of children and grandchildren.

According to sources, the deceased Mmamba patriarch included in his last will and testament a strong statement warning Kabaka’s subjects that Mmengo [under the leadership of Katikkiro JB Walusimbi] is actively contributing to the weakening of clans and their leaders which could undermine the Kingdom. His statement reminds Baganda that their clan system is the foundation of the Kingdom, pointing out that when Kabaka Mutebi took rein in 1993 Baganda were still one unity and many more than when Milton Obote exile Ssekabaka Muteesa II in 1966 because the clan system still worked.

A few years ago Kabaka Mutebi authorized members of the Nankere sub clan (ssiga) within  Mmamba to break off and become an autonomous clan, named Mmamba Enkerekere. This development put Gabunga Kasozi under a lot of stress but there appears no evidence that it contributed to his health problems.  On the contrary, according to Mmamba sources, Yosiya Kasozi has been fiercely loyal to Kabaka Mutebi and very concerned about the corruption and disrespect for Kabaka which have become common place in Mmengo.

The first Gabunga of the Mmamba clan was Mubiru who is estimated to have been alive around the year 1250. Yosiya Kasozi was the 36th Gabunga and reined for over 49 years. He ascended to the position of Gabunga in 1959, when he succeeded his late father Semyoni Galiwango Gabunga. His mother was the late Kulisitiina Noola Ndwaddewazibwa of the Nsenene clan.

Buganda is divided into 18 counties or masaza: Buddu,  Bugerere, Bulemeezi, Buluuli, Busiro, Busujju, Butambala, Buvuma, Buweekula, Gomba,  Kabula, Kooki, Kyaddondo, Kyaggwe, Mawogola, Mawokota, Ssese, Ssingo (see The Great County of  Kyadondo, Buganda for more on masaza).
The purpose of this and other related articles is to educate our readers about the great counties of Buganda and to showcase the huge success that Kabaka Mutebi and his officials at Mmengo have achieved in their reestablishment. Kabaka Mutebi has appointed hundreds of chiefs to the various official positions and many have been operational for years.

Kyaggwe is one of the frontier counties of Buganda because it has a border, River Nile, with Busoga to the east. And, although the island counties of Buvuma and Ssese are south of Kyaggwe, one can cross directly from Kyaggwe into Tanzania to the south. In the north Kyaggwe boarders with Bugerere. Kyaggwe enjoys abundant rains and heavy vegetation. It is the home of the famous Mabira forest, a sacred forest in Buganda culture. However, thanks to rampant corruption and Uganda government disinterest in the environment since the 1990’s, Kyaggwe is one the Buganda counties whose climate is fast deteriorating.

Bweyogerere, Mukono, Namiryango, Njeru, Kawolo, Namagunga, Seeta, Lugazi,  Kyetume, Mabira, Mbalala and Namawojolo are all places in Kabaka’s county of Kyaggwe. Also, if you know anyone who is from  Kisoga, Banda, Katosi, Mpumu, Nakisunga, Namawojjolo, Matale, Buikwe, Bugoma, Nagojje or Nyenga then learn that they come from Kyaggwe. The natives of Kyaggwe are known as Banakyaggwe.

VITAL STATISTICS

Leadership
Chief’s Title: Ssekiboobo
Current Chief: Hajji K.Y. Mubiru (Acting)
Deputy Ssekiboobo:

Headquarters

Mukono – about 23 Kilometers (14 miles) on Kampala/JInja Road.
Contact: 077-232-9792

Bordering Counties/Nations
Kyadondo (West), Bugerere (North), Busoga Nation (East), Buvuma (South), Ssese (South)

Gombolola Information

Next to come will be Bulemeezi county. Send suggestions, comments or questions to info@bugandapost.com.

Traditionally, Buganda is divided into 18 counties or masaza: Buddu,  Bugerere, Bulemeezi, Buluuli, Busiro, Busujju, Butambala, Buvuma, Buweekula, Gomba,  Kabula, Kooki, Kyaddondo, Kyaggwe, Mawogola, Mawokota, Ssese, Ssingo. Each ssaza is then divided into a variable number of sub-counties or gombolola(s) and each gombolola is then divided into parishes called miluka (singular: muluka). Two or more villages make up on muluka. In his wisdom, Kabaka Mutebi has over the last 15 years given the reestablishment and strengthening of Buganda’s administrative institutions a very high priority.

The purpose of this and other similar articles which will follow is to educate our readers about the great counties of Buganda and to showcase the huge success that Kabaka Mutebi and his officials at Mmengo have achieved in their reestablishment. Kabaka Mutebi has appointed hundreds of chiefs to the various official positions and many have been operational for years. As many as possible will be identified.

Kyadondo is the most central of all Buganda’s 18 counties. Mmengo, Kampala, Lubiri, Kasubi Tombs, Kireka and Banda are all in Kyadondo. Also in Kyadondo are Ntinda, Luzira, Bweyogere, Muyenga, Gayaza, Kiwenda, Kawempe, Nateete, Kagoma, Matugga, Namulonge, Kyambogo.

VITAL STATISTICS

Leadership
Chief’s Title: Kaggo
Current Chief: Tofiri Malokweza
Deputy Kaggo in Charge of Kampala (Kibuga): Hajji Badru Bunkeddeko
Deputy Kaggo, General: Walusimbi Ssengendo

Headquarters
Kasangati – about 14 Kilometers (nearly 9 miles) on Kampala/Gayaza Road.
Contact: 0752-732571

Bordering Counties
Busiro (South, West and North), Bulemezi (North), Kyaggwe (East)

Gombolola Information

Next to come will be Kyaggwe county. Send comments or questions to info@bugandapost.com.

]]> http://www.bugandapost.com/main/archives/250/feed 3 http://www.bugandapost.com/main/archives/248 http://www.bugandapost.com/main/archives/248#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:26:59 +0000 Chris Bijugo Lumu http://www.bugandapost.com/main/?p=248 According to a press release issued by Mr. Dick Kasolo, the Kabaka’s press officer, Ssabasajja Kabaka wa Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has called on the people of Buganda to remain united in the New Year 2009 in order to promote development in the Kingdom.  The focus on the message is on two challenges that Buganda is facing. First, the alien culture of human sacrifices which has been introduced and tolerate under President Museveni’s government. And, second, the need for Baganda to increase their unity in the face of the plots Buganda’s enemies have in store for 2009. Below is the the statement issues by Dick Kasolo:

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called on the people of Buganda to remain united in the New Year 2009 in order to promote development in the Kingdom.

This was in his new year’s message to his people where he expressed his gratitude for the unity exhibited by his people in the past year which has witnessed great challenges for the Kingdom. He urged his people to carry on with the spirit in order for the Kingdom to prosper.

He said that, “this year has witnessed a lot of challenges for the Kingdom especially on various issues which should be carefully handled by our people in the coming year”.

The Kabaka also expressed our concerned over the increasing acts of human sacrifice especially young children for quick gains. He strongly condemned the acts and called upon every body in Buganda to come out and fight the acts through clans or religious affiliations. He said that, “such acts are drawing us back to the ancient times and they bring no development with them at all”.

He expressed his gratitude for Buganda Conference which was organized in July in which various Buganda issues were debated. He added that, he believes in all the issues that were debated in the conference which he said was a good beginning for uniting developing Buganda.

The Kabaka wished his subjects a happy and prosperous New Year, “as the year comes to the end, I wish to congratulate all our people who have been able to complete it successfully and to extend my sincere sympathy to those who have witnessed various problems through the year.

The first Gabunga of the Mmamba clan was Mubiru who is estimated to have been alive around the year 1250. Yosiya Kasozi is the 36th Gabunga. He ascended to the position of Gabunga in 1959, when he succeeded his late father Semyoni Galiwango Gabunga. His mother was the late Kulisitiina Noola Ndwaddewazibwa of the Nsenene clan.

A few years ago Kabaka Mutebi authorized members of the Nankere sub clan (ssiga) within  Mmamba to break off and become an autonomous clan, named Mmamba Enkerekere. This development put Gabunga Kasozi under a lot of stress but there appears no evidence that it had anything to do with his health problems. Most observers believe that his biggest problem is old age.
Those who wish to send their get well messages or other support to Omutaka Gabunga can contact the Katikkiro of their clan, Dr. Kimala Nsubuga through the head of the Buganda Certificate office at Mengo Bulange. The email is joynamutebi@yahoo.co.uk.

Under Baganda culture, a person is a Muganda if his or her father is a Muganda. Each Muganda belongs to one of the 54 Baganda clans. Over the centuries, Baganda have allowed a few exceptions to this general rule. Large populations of people who wish to join or were conquered by Buganda could be admitted as a new clan. The new clan would integrate into Buganda by pledging their loyalty to Kabaka and adopting  Baganda customs such as barring intra clan marriage. Baganda clans grew from fewer than 20 to over 50 in this way.

The second major historical path has been when large populations of non-Baganda join Buganda after a war or treaty and get absorbed into different Baganda clans by being given Masiga and Mituba (subclan groups). This is how many people originally from Buluuli, Kooki, Buvuma, Bugerere and Bukunja became solid Baganda.  A third but less formal path is one where foreigners have adopted Baganda cultural practices and names and sought sponsorship from prominent Baganda families to get their children recruited into a given clan. However, the acceptance is normally at Lujja or Mutuba level but never at Kasolya level. Ordinarily the foreigner does this to ‘earn’ his or children and grandchildren the honor of becoming Baganda.
If you have an important story about your clan which can be easily verified, submit it to info@bugandapost.com  and we will seriously consider publishing it.