It is undeniable that Buganda Kingdom is the largest of the traditional Kingdoms in the country and comprises of the entire Central region. The Kingdom had a centralized system of Government which by 1750 was the best organized within the Interlacustrine region but after that same year, the Kabaka assumed a position of Political leadership, which was far superior to the ranks of the Bataka. Until today, the King’s position is hereditary but is not confined to a particular clan because the King usually takes the mother’s clan thus if the mother is not a Muganda, he can never become King. The Kabaka used to marry from as many clans as possible, thus it encouraged loyalty to the throne in that each of the 52 clans hoped it would one day give birth to the King.
Other important positions occupied within the Kingdom include the Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Queen Mother Known as Namasole, the Royal sister (locally referred as Nalinya) and Mugema in addition to the Naval referred as Gabunga and Army Commanders locally known as Mujasi.
Until today, the Kingdom is categorized into a number of administrative units known as Amasaza (counties) which are further sub-divided into Amagombolola (sub-counties), sub-divided into Emiruka (Parishes) which are categorized into sub-parishes and the smallest unit is Bukungu which is more or less a village unit. All the chiefs were/are appointed by the King and directly report to him thus the Kabaka would appoint or dismiss any chief as his will. However after 1750, Chieftainship was no longer hereditary but was accorded on clan basis but only to men of merit and known for their hard work and distinguished service.
This Kingdom is characterized by a centralized system of governance whereby the Kabaka is the titular head and has the highest powers and authority. In the past, the Abataka had much political influence but after 1750, the King took over the position of political importance which is far superior to that of the Abataka but it should be noted that being the King is a hereditary thing and surprisingly not limited to a particular clan due to the fact that the Kabaka takes his mother’s clan.
The region known presently as Buganda was known as “Muwaawa” before the 12th Century, a term that literally means “a place that is sparsely populated” and it is said that the people of Buganda originated from Abyssinia through the Great Rift Valley and the Elgon Mountains. Additionally, they were organized into groups that had a common ancestry and made up the most significant unit in the culture, which is the clan and surprisingly, the head of each clan would become the chief and ruled a section of the territory. There were originally five clans known as “Banansangwa”, which literally means the indigenous clans that included “Nyange, Ffumbe, Nyonyi, Lugave and Njaza which went on expanding to 52 clans by 1966.
When it comes to cultural set up, Buganda kingdom is headed by the Kabaka while the people are Baganda while a Muganda is the singular. Have you ever wondered why sometimes the term Ssekabaka is used instead of Kabaka? The latter is for a living King while the former is the deceased King. Kingship always belonged to the first (elder) male child from the Royal Family thus a female child or any other person not from the royal blood can never rule within Buganda Kingdom. Not only that, the heir apparent to the throne is always under the guardianship of the Kasujju, who is also responsible for assisting the Kiweewa carry out his duties.
In conclusion, the Baganda and their cultures are one of the interesting people and tribes you are likely to interact with when you visit Uganda during cultural safaris. While on the tour, you will discover so many mind-boggling things about the Kingdom, the fact they are organized into different clans with children taking from their mothers clans.