Traditional Kings of Uganda || Tribal kingdoms of Uganda

Uganda, the pearl of Africa and source of river Nile is a country in east Africa. It is a democratic republic headed by a President and government. According to the 1995 constitution, Uganda recognize the following tribes:

1. Acholi 2. Alur 3.Baamba 4. Babukusu 5. Babwisi 6.Bafumbira 7.Baganda 8.Bagisu 9.Bagungu 10.Bagwe 11.Bagwere 12.Bahehe 13. Bahororo 14.Bakenyi 15.Bakiga 16.Bakonzo 17.Banyabindi 18.Banyankore 19.Banyara 20.Banyarwanda 21.Banyole 22.Banyoro 23.Baruli 24.Basamia 25.Basoga 26.Basongora 27.Batagwenda 28.Batoro 29.Batuku 30. Batwa 31.Chope 32.Dodoth 33.Ethur Ik (Teuso) 34.Iteso 35.Jie 36.Jonam 37.Jopadhola 38.Kakwa 39.Karimojong 40.Kebu (Okebu) 41.Kuku 42.Kumam 43.Langi 44.Lendu 45.Lugbara 46.Madi 47.Mening 48.Mvuba 49.Napore 50.Nubi 51.Nyangia 52.Pokot 53.Sabiny(Sebei) 54.So(Tepeth) 55.Vonoma

Some of these tribes or ethnic groups have had a monarchical leadership since precolonial while others have been newly created as symbols of cultural unity and heritage. The government of Uganda recognize them as traditional cultural institutions in its constitution and they have considerable unseen power among their people despite being restricted in a modern nation. Below are various tribal monarchies of Uganda (subnational kingdoms or chiefdoms)

Kabaka of Buganda kingdom

Buganda kingdom is the most prominent kingdom in Uganda. It is home to the Baganda people who are also the largest ethnic group in Uganda. The monarch or King is called Kabaka and chairs the traditional parliament called lukiiko. Uniquely, the parliament has its own financial budget which it uses in developing the Kingdom investments and developments and operates like a modern government. Nnabagereka is the title for the Queen, Namasole for the Queen Mother, Omulangira for prince, Omumbejja for Princess and Katikiro for prime minister. The official residence of the Kabaka is Mengo Palace (Lubiri). Kabaka Mutebi II Ronald Muwenda is the current reigning King of Buganda since 1993 though he succeeded his father in exile in 1969 and was named heir in 1966.

• 1 Kabaka Kato Kintu, early fourteenth century
• 2 Kabaka Chwa I, mid fourteenth century
• 3 Kabaka Kimera, c. 1374–c. 1404
• 4 Kabaka Ttembo, c. 1404–c. 1434
• 5 Kabaka Kiggala, c. 1434–c. 1464 and c. 1484–c. 1494
• 6 Kabaka Kiyimba, c. 1464–c. 1484
• 7 Kabaka Kayima, c. 1494–c. 1524
• 8 Kabaka Nakibinge, c. 1524–c. 1554
• 9 Kabaka Mulondo, c. 1555–1564
• 10 Kabaka Jemba, c. 1564–c. 1584
• 11 Kabaka Suuna I, c. 1584–c. 1614
• 12 Kabaka Sekamaanya, c. 1614–c. 1634
• 13 Kabaka Kimbugwe, c. 1634–c. 1644
• 14 Kabaka Kateregga, c. 1644–c. 1674
• 15 Kabaka Mutebi I, c. 1674–c. 1680
• 16 Kabaka Juuko, c. 1680–c. 1690
• 17 Kabaka Kayemba, c. 1690–c. 1704
• 18 Kabaka Tebandeke, c. 1704–c. 1724
• 19 Kabaka Ndawula, c. 1724–c. 1734
• 20 Kabaka Kagulu, c. 1734–c. 1736
• 21 Kabaka Kikulwe, c. 1736–c. 1738
• 22 Kabaka Mawanda, c. 1738–c. 1740
• 23 Kabaka Ndugwa I, c. 1740–c. 1741
• 24 Kabaka Namuggala, c. 1741–c. 1750
• 25 Kabaka Kyabaggu, c. 1750–c. 1780
• 26 Kabaka Jjunju, c. 1780–c. 1797
• 27 Kabaka Semakookiro, c. 1797–c. 1814
• 28 Kabaka Kamaanya, 1814–1832
• 29 Kabaka Suuna II, 1832–1856
• 30 Kabaka Muteesa I, 1856–1884
• 31 Kabaka Mwanga II, 1884–1888 and 1889–1897
• 32 Kabaka Kiweewa, 1888
• 33 Kabaka Kalema, 1888–1889
• 34 Kabaka Daudi Chwa II, 1897–1939
• 35 Kabaka Mutesa II, 1939–1967 (abolition) or 1969 (death)
  • Interregnum; Monarchy abolished under the 1967 by milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni
• 36 Kabaka Mutebi II Ronald Muwenda, 1993–present

Kingdom website link – https://www.buganda.or.ug/

Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom

Bunyoro kitara kingdom is a traditional kingdom of the BaNyoro people of Uganda. It was once the greatest Bunyoro kitara empire in East Africa that covered Uganda and some parts of Tanzania. It is headed by a King called Omukama in local language, Omugo is the title for Queen. It also has a traditional parliament and a financial budget. The official residence of the King (Omukama) is Karuziika royal palace, Hoima. The current Omukama since 1994 is Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I

• 1 Omukama Kintu – late 900
• 2 Omukama Kakama – early 1000
• 3 Omukama Itwale – early 1000
• 4 Omukama Hangi – mid 1000
• 5 Omukama Ira lya Hangi Bagabu – mid 1000
• 6 Omukama Kabengera Kazooba ka Hangi – late 1000
• 7 Omukama Nyamuhanga – early 1100
• 8 Omukama Nkya I – early 1100
• 9 Omukama Nkya II – mid 1100
• 10 Omukama Baba – mid 1100
• 11 Omukama Kamuli – late 1100
• 12 Omukama Nseka – late 1100
• 13 Omukama Kudidi – early 1200
• 14 Omukama Ntozi – early 1200
• 15 Omukama Nyakahongerwa – mid 1200
• 16 Omukama Mukonko – mid 1200
• 17 Omukama Ngozaki Rutahinduka – late 1200
• 18 Omukama Isaza Waraga Muhundwangeye Rugambanabato Nyakikooto – late 1200/early 1300
• 19 Omukama Bukuku Omuranzi – early 1300
• 20 Omukama Ndahura Kyarubumbi – 1320 – 1350
• 21 Omukama Mulindwa Nyabweliza Ngango – 1350 – 1360
• 22 Omukama Wamara Bwigunda – 1360 – 1400
• 23 Omukama Isingoma Rukidi I Mpuuga Kyeramaino – early 1400
• 24 Omukama Ocaki I Rwangirra – early 1400
• 25 Omukama Oyo I Nyimba Kabamba Iguru – mid 1400
• 26 Omukama Winyi I Rubembeka Ntara – late 1400
• 27 Omukama Olimi I Rwitamahanga– early 1500
• 28 Omukama Nyabongo I cwa Relemu, Kyambukya Nkaito – mid 1500
• 29 Omukama Winyi II Rubagiramasega – mid 1500
• 30 Omukama Olimi II Ruhundwangeye – late 1500
• 31 Omukama Nyarwa I Omuzarra Kyaro Babiito Olimi II Runengo Bagweri – late 1500/early 1600
• 32 Omukama Chwa I Ente Nkole Rumoma Mahanga, Mbogo Etahurra Bigwara – early 1600
• 33 Omukama Omujwera(Princess) Masamba Ga Winyi – early 1600
• 34 Omukama Kyebambe I Omuziikya -early 1600
• 35 Omukama Winyi III Ruguruka Macolya – mid 1600
• 36 Omukama Nyaika I Omuragwa Macolya – late 1600
• 37 Omukama Kyebambe II Bikaju – late 1600/early 1700
• 38 Omukama Olimi III Isansa – 1710-1731
• 39 Omukama Duhaga I Mujwiga – 1731-1782
• 40 Omukama Olimi IV Kasoma – 1782-1786
• 41 Omukama Kyebambe III Nyamutukura – 1786 – 1835
• 42 Omukama Nyabongo II Mugenyi Biranga – 1835 – 1848
• 43 Omukama Olimi IV Rwakabale – 1848 – 1852
• 44 Omukama Kyabambe IV Kamurasi – 1852 – 1869
• 45 Omukama Chwa II Kabaleega Yokana – 1870 – 1899
• 46 Omukama Kitahimbwa I Karukara Yosia – 1898-1902
• 47 Omukama Duhaga II Bisereko Andereya – 1902-1924
• 48 Omukama Winyi IV, Tito Gafabusa – 1925-1971
  • Interregnum; Monarchy abolished under the 1967 by milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni
• 49 Omukama Iguru I, Solomon Gafabusa – 1994 –

Kingdom website link – http://www.bunyoro-kitara.org/

Omukama of Tooro Kingdom

Tooro kingdom is the traditional monarchy of the BaTooro people of Uganda. This kingdom is headed by a king called Omukama, Queen is Omugo, princess royal is Batebe, prince is Omubiito, princess is Omubiitokati, queen mother is Namasole and Omuhikirwa is the prime minister. It was formed in 1822 by a rebel prince from the Bunyoro kitara kingdom dynasty and is considered today an independent kingdom. It is quite a popular kingdom having produced the youngest king of the world in 1995, King Oyo Rukidi IV and the most prominent woman in Uganda, Princess royal Elizabeth Bagaaya Akiiki. The official residence of the King is Kyabazinga Tooro royal palace at Fort Portal. The current Omukama since 1995 is Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV.

• 1 Omukama Olimi I – reigned from 1822–1865. He rebelled against his father King of Bunyoro Kitara and established his own kingdom at Kaboyo
• 2 Omukama Ruhaga – reigned from 1865–1866
• 3 Omukama Nyaika Kyebambe I – reigned from 1866–1872
• 4 Omukama Rukidi I – reigned from 1871
• 5 Omukama Olimi II – reigned from 1872–1875
• 6 Omukama Rukidi II – reigned from 1875–1875
• 7 Omukama Rububi Kyebambe II– reigned from 1875 and 1877–1879
• 8 Omukama Kakende Nyamuyonjo – reigned from 1875–1876 and 1879–1880
• 9 Omukama Katera– reigned from 1876–1877
  • Interregnum, reverted to Bunyoro- reigned from 1880–1891
• 10 Omukama Kyebambe III– reigned from 1891–1928
• 11 Omukama Rukidi III– reigned from 1929–1965
• 12 Omukama Olimi III– reigned from 1965-1995
  • 1967–1993 (monarchies abolished by Milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni)
• 13 Omukama Rukidi IV– reigned from 1995

Kingdom website link – https://kingoyo.africa/

Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom

Busoga kingdom is uniquely an elective monarchy among the BaSoga people of Uganda. It was formed in 1918/1919 by 11 chiefdoms ruled by their respective chiefs who elect among themselves an overall monarch for the Kingdom organisation. The King is locally titled Isebantu Kyabazinga whose seat is elective for life and rotational between the 5 royal chiefs among the 11 chief. His official residence is the Igenge royal palace at Jinja town. The current Kyabazinga since 2014 is William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV who is also Gabula of Bugabula chiefdom. The 11 chiefs are Gabula of Bugabula, Menha of Bugweri, Wakholi of Bukholi, Nkono of Bukono, Zibondo of Bulamogi, Nanhumba of Bunhole, Luba of Bunya, Kisiki of Busiki, Ntembe of Butembe, Ngobi of Kigulu and Tabingwa of Luuka

• 1 Kyabazinga Ezekiel Tenywa Wako – reigned 1939 – 1949 and intially as head of Busoga Lukiiko parliament since 1919
• 2 Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope III – reigned 1949 -1955 and 1962 – 1966
  • 1967–1993 (monarchies abolished by Milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni)
• 3 Kyabazinga Henry Wako Muloki – reigned 1955 – 1962 and again from 1966 – 2008
  • 2008 – 2014 regency by prime minister and eleven royal chief until a successor was named
• 4 Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV – reigned 2014 –

Photos ; Flag-John Duncan McMeekin Kingdom page : Twitter

Omugabe of Ankole kingdom

Ankole/Nkore kingdom is the traditional kingdom of the Ankole people or BaNyakole that has existed since 1400s. In the early 1910s, The british illegally annexed other kingdoms and merged into the Nkore Kingdom to form the larger Ankole Kingdom. These kingdoms had their own Kings and were independent from each other. Due to the various wrangles for the throne by royal clans, the government of Uganda has not restored it since 1967 unlike others, however the dynasty continues unofficially. The kingdom is headed by a King whose title is Omugabe. The current Omugabe is Charles Rwebishengye who succeded his late father John Patrick Barigye Ntare VI in 2011.

• Omugabe Ruhinda (c. 1430 – 1446)
• Omugabe Nkuba (c. 1446 – 1475)
• Omugabe Nyaika (c. 1475 – 1503)
• Omugabe Nyabugaro Ntare I (c. 1503 – 1531)
• Omugabe Rushango (c. 1531 – 1559)
• Omugabe Ntare II Kagwejegyerera (c. 1559 – 1587)
• Omugabe Ntare III Rugamaba (c. 1587 – 1615)
• Omugabe Kasasira (c. 1615 – 1643)
• Omugabe Kitera (c. 1643 – 1671) (joint ruler with Kumongye)
• Omugabe Kumongye (c. 1643 – 1671) (joint ruler with Kitera)
• Omugabe Mirindi (c. 1671 – 1699)
• Omugabe Ntare IV Kitabanyoro (c. 1699 – 1727)
• Omugabe Macwa (c. 1727 – 1755)
• Four joint rulers (c. 1755 – 1783)
  • Omugabe Rwabirere
  • Omugabe Karara I
  • Omugabe Karaiga
  • Omugabe Kahaya I
• Three joint rulers (c. 1783 – 1811)
  • Omugabe Nyakashaija
  • Omugabe Bwarenga
  • Omugabe Rwebishengye
• Omugabe Kayunga (c. 1811 – 1839) (joint ruler with Gasiyonga I)
• Omugabe Gasiyonga I (c. 1811 – 1839) (joint ruler with Kayunga)
• Omugabe Mutambuka (c. 1839 – 1867)
• Omugabe Ntare V (c. 1867 – 1895)
• Omugabe Suleiman (Solomon) Kahaya II (1895 – 1944)
• Omugabe Gasiyonga II (1944 – 8 September 1967) Died 1982
• Omugabe Ntare VI/John Barigye, 1993–2011 (Titular king)
• Omugabe Charles Rwebishengye, 2011–present (Titular king/crown prince)

Omusinga of Rwenzururu Kingdom

Rwenzururu kingdom (Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu) is a newly formed kingdom by two tribes living around mount Rwenzori, the Konjo and Amba people who also live in neigbouring side Congo after secession from the rule of Tooro Kingdom. They had wanted a separate reign since 1950s and self declared their kingdom in 1962. In 1982 they were a granted autonomy and in 2008, the Ugandan government allowed them to have a traditional kingdom called Rwenzururu like the other tribes. The kingdom is headed by a King called Omusinga who maintains his capital and palace at Kasese. The current Omusinga is Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema ngoma 1 inherited the title aged 13 in 1966 from his father Omusinga Isaya but stayed in USA hiding his title for 25 years due to the tensions with Ugandan government. He returned and was officially crowned in 2009.

• 1 Omusinga Isaya Mukirania Kibanzanga I – reigned 1963 – 1966
  • Interregnum from 1966 to 2009 (43 years)
    • 1967–1993 (monarchies abolished by Milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni)
• 2 Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema ngoma I – reigned 2009 –

Photos; Weaponizingarchitecture/wikipedia, Felix Basiime,

Omukama of BuSongora kingdom

Busongora Chwezi Kingdom is the traditional monarchy of the Songora or Chwezi (baCwezi) or baHuma people of Uganda. Sources inicate it was in existence since 1025 but was abolished by colonials in 1906. The baSongora revived it in 2012. It is headed by a King called Omukama. It`s current Omukama is Ndahura II Imara Kashagama who has also acted in various movies in Canada alongside many American actors

• 1 Kogyere I Rusija-Miryango [Empress] [1090-1120]
• 2 Kogyere II [Empress] [1120-1130]
• 3 Kyomya I kya Isiimbwa [1130-1140]
• 4 Mugarra I [1140-1150]
• 5 Ndahura I kya Rubumbo [1150-1160]
• 6 Mulindwa [1160-1170]
• 7 Wamara Bbala Bwigunda [1170-1200]
• 8 Kyomya II Rurema [1200-1210]
• 9 Kagoro [1210-1220]
• 10 Kakara-ka-Shagama [1220-1250]
• 11 Njunaki Kamaranga [Empress] [1250-1280]
• 12 Shagama-rwa-Njunaki [1280-1300]
• 13 Wahaiguru Rukuba-Ntondo [1300-1310]
• 14 Kateboha [1310-1330]
• 15 Nyakahuma [Queen Regnant] [1330-1375]
• 16 Kirobozi [1375-1400]
• 17 Mugarra II wa Kirobozi [1400-1420]
• 18 Buyonga bwa Kirobozi [1420-1430]
• 19 Kyomya III [1430-1460]
• 20 Nkome [1460-1485]
• 21 Ihiingo [1485-1500]
• 22 Goro [1500-1525]
• 23 Kasheshe [1525-1550]
• 24 Kazoba [1550-1575]
• 25 Nyabongo I [1575-1600]
• 26 Makora [1600-1625]
• 27 Nyabongo II Kikundi Nyakwirigita [1625-1655]
• 28 Mugonga Rutegwankondo [1655-1685]
• 29 Kitami kya Nyawera [Queen Regnant] [1685-1725]
• 30 Rwigi I Wakoli [1725-1730]
• 31 Buremu I Rushoita [1730-1740]
• 32 Kantunguru [Queen Regnant] [1740-1750]
• 33 Kyokoora [1750-1775]
• 34 Mairanga ga Kyokoora [1775-1800]
• 35 Kyomya IV Bwachali bwa Mairanga [1825-1850]
• 36 Kikamba [1850-1860]
• 37 Rwigi II Kyeramaino Rweshakaramyambi [1860-1880]
• 38 Bulemu II Kigwamabere [1880-1886]
• 39 Kogyere III Ikamiro [Queen Regnant] [1886-1889]
• 40 Rwigi III Mugasa Kakintule [1889-1891]
• 41 Rutairuka [1891]
• 42 Njugangya Katurumba [1891]
• 43 Kuriafire [1891-1894]
• 44 Kaihura [1894-1901]
• 45 Kasigano [1901-1907]
• 46 Omukama Rwigi IV Bwebale Rutakirwa – 2012- April 2015 
• 47 Omukama Kyomya V Bwebale Rubyahi – May 2015 – Nov. 2015
• 48 Omukama Ndahura II Imara Kashagama Ruguuvu – Nov. 2015 –

Photos; Youtube &

Kingdom website link – http://www.busongora-chwezi.org/home

Kamuswaga of Kooki

Kooki kingdom (obwakamuswaga)(now considered a chiefdom) is a traditional monarchy that was formed in 1690s to 1700s by a prince bwohe from Bunyoro Kitara after he broke away from with his followers to form his own. Kooki remained largely autonomus until in 1896 when it was incorporated into buganda protectorate by british colonial administration. In 2015 it announced back its independence from Buganda kingdom after years of being under the shadow of Buganda. Buganda kingdom however don’t recognise this move and maintains an official for kooki affairs. This has resulted in tensions between the two monarchies. The monarch of Kooki is known as Kamuswaga. The current Kamuswaga since 2004 is Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II

• 1 Kamuswaga Bwohe – reigned 1696 – 1750
• 2 Kamuswaga Kitahimbwa I – reigned 1750 – 1780
• 3 Kamuswaga Mujuiga – reigned 1780 – 1782
• 4 Kamuswaga Mugenyi – reigned 1782
• 5 Kamuswaga Ndahura I – reigned 1782 – 1785
• 6 Kamuswaga Kitahimbwa II -reigned 1785 – 1832
• 7 Kamuswaga Isansa I – reigned 1832 – 1862
• 8 Kamuswaga Lubambula – reigned 1862 – 1884
• 9 Kamuswaga Edward Kezekia Ndahura II – reigned 1884 – 1907
• 10 Kamuswaga George Sefasi Kabumbuli Isansa II – reigned 1907 – 1954
• 11 Kamuswaga Yoweri Kayemba – reigned 1954 -1967
  • 1967–1993 (monarchies abolished by Milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni)
• 12 Kamuswaga Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II – reigned 2004 –

Photos

Kingdom website : https://www.obwakamuswaga.org/

Rwot of Acholi

Acholi are a nilotic group found in northern Uganda and South Susan. They have had a monarchical governance sytem since precolonial through a king (chief) and a council of elders. Their monarch (King or sometimes called paramount chief ) is called Rwot. Initially he was titled Lawirwodi in 1950 when acholiland district council was created by Colonials. In 1959, Laloyo maber title was created by the protectorate government. The current reigning Rwot since 1999 is David Onen Achana II

• 1 Lawirwodi Mateo Lamot – reigned 1950 – 1953
• 2 Laloyo Maber Phillip Adonga – reigned 1953 – 1967
• 3 Rwot Godfrey Erecania Acana – reigned 1999
• 4 Rwot David Onen Acana II – reigned 1999 –

Photos: Twitter, Flag Photo; Jean-Marc Merklin

Kingdom page: https://www.facebook.com/kerkwaroacoli/?ref=page_internal

Ubimu of Alur

Alur are a nilotic group living in western Uganda and neighbouring DRC. They are organised in a monarchy called Ker Alur / Kingdom of Alur founfrf in the 1490s. Their monarch (King) is called Ubimu who maintains his royal palace at Kaal Atyak Winam. He oversees 63 chiefs/rwoth. A prince is called Worwoth while a princess is called Nyarwoth. The current Ubimu since 2000 (crowned 2010) is Philip Olarker Rauni III. It is the only kingdom that was not affected by the abolition of kingdoms from 1967 to 1993

• 1 Ubimu Ngira II – reigned 1630 – 1670
• 2 Ubimu Keeno Mahagi – reigned 1670 – 1700
• 3 Ubimu Awaza Padea – reihgned 1700 – 1705
• 4 Ubimu Songa – reigned 1705 – 1735
• 5 Ubimu Ucweda – reigned 1735 – 1775
• 6 Ubimu Oledhire – reigned 1775 – 1780
• 7 Ubimu Aryem – reigned 1780 – 1845
• 8 Ubimu Uganda Owilo – reigned 1845 – 1850
• 9 Ubimu Nziri – reigned 1850 – 1865
• 10 Ubimu Alworonga Agyermac – reigned 1865 – 1890
• 11 Ubimu Amula – reigned 1890 – 1922
  • Regent Jalaura – 1917 – 1922
• 12 Ubimu Jalusiga Rauni II – reigned 1941 – 1978
• 13 Ubimu Valente Keroyoma Jobi II – reigned 1978 – 2000
• 14 Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III – reigned 2000 –
  • Regent Jalugwaru Kerupenja 2006 – 2010

Flag photo ;Valentin Poposki

Kingdom page : https://twitter.com/KerAlurKingdom

Won Nyaci of Lango

The Lango people are a nilotic group found in Uganda. Their monarch (called Paramount chief) is called Won Nyaci in local language who is elected by a a council of clan heads (owitong). The current Won Nyaci since 2005 is Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii. However there is a faction of the royal council that have installed another Won Nyaci leaving the monarchy in power wrangles. Won Nyaci Yosam Odur-Ebii will retire in 2024 and hand over to a new elected won nyaci

• 1 Won Nyaci Yukosafat Atoke Engur – reigned from 1960 – 1964
• 2 Won Nyaci Ben Otim – reigned from 1964 – 1967
  • 1967–1993 (monarchies abolished by Milton Obote and reinstated in 1993 by Yoweri Museveni)
• 3 Won Nyaci Yosam Odur-Ebii – reigned from 2003 -2024

Photos : Courtsey

Emorimor of Iteso

Teso or Iteso are a nilotic group found in both eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. They are organised into a cultural institution called Iteso Cultural Union formed in 1996 with its headquarters at Soroti. Their elective monarch is called Emorimor. The late Emorimor Papa Augustine Osuban Lemukol was crowned in 2000 and died in 2022. Paul Sande Emolot from Ikuruk clan is the new Emorimor since 2022

• 1 Emorimor Mzee Paphras Imodot – founder of the Itseo Cutural union, reigned 1994 – 2000
• 2 Emorimor Papa Augustine Osuban Lemukol – reigned 2000 – 2022
• 3 Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot – reigned 2022 –

Photos: Courtsey

Isabaruuli of BaRuuli

Baruuli are a bantu speaking people in Uganda. They are organized into 120 clans and have a overall monarch called Isabaaruli. Initially considered under Bunyoro Kitara soverign, they broke away in the 1900s. The 129 clans each with a clan head elect the overall King/Isabaruuli. The current Isabaruuli since 2004 is Constantine Mwatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya

• 1 Isabaruuli Constantine Mwatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya – reigned 2004 –

Kingdom/chiefdom website – https://www.buruuli.org/

Ssabanyala of Banyala

Banyala (formerly called Bagele) are a bantu ethnic group related closely with the baruuli. For many years they were under Bunyoro and later Buganda kingdom who still claim it under a Namunyojo. They were organized into clans headed by a omugabe. In 1987, they formed their own cultural institution/monarchy ruled by a monarch called Ssabanyala. The current Ssabanyala since 2008 is Retired Major Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu II

• 1 Ssabanyala Nathan Mpagi – reigned 1992 – 2008
• 2 Ssabanyala Major Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu II – reigned 2008 –

Photos Courtsey

Kwar Adhola of jopAdhola

Adhola or joPadhola are nilotic group currently living in Tororo district. They constitute over 52 clans and their land is called Padhola hence japadhola. They have a cultural institution called Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution which is headed by a monarch called Kwar Adhola who is elected by consensus by an electoral college of the 52 registered clans. The traditional prime minister is called Jago. The current Kwar Adhola is Moses Stephen Owor since 1999.

• 1 Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor – reigned 1999 –

Kingdom website : https://www.tiengadhola.com/

Rwoth Jakom of Jonam

The Jonam are a nilotic tribe in North-western Uganda on the banks of Albert Nile, north-west of Murchison Falls National Park. It’s from their settlement along River Nile that they got the name “Jonam”; Jo – means many/many people, and Nam – means River/lake (River Nile in their case). The Jonam broke away from Alur kingdom and are led by a monarch called Rwoth. The current Rwoth Jakom is Charles Ombidi Kwonga, Jakom Kaal Ker Kwaro Jonam since 2022.

• 1  Rwoth Marcellino Olar Ker IV – reigned 2008 – 2022
• 2 Rwoth Charles Ombidi Kwonga, Jakom Kaal Ker Kwaro Jonam – reigned 2022 –

Photos: alonjan.blogspot.com

Thebizi of Kebu Yuu

Kebu people are a nilotic group living in north west Uganda near the border with DRC Congo and west of the nile. They have a traditional culutrual institution called Ke’bu Rigangi whichis led by a monarch called Thebizi. The current Thebizi since 2008 is Ephraim Waringu Kebbi

• 1 Thebizi Ephraim Waringu Kebbi – reigned since 2008

https://adauganda.com/2020/08/12/kebu-people-in-westnile-meet-one-of-the-minority-and-barely-heard-of-tribes-in-uganda/

Omudhingya of Bwamba

Bwamba is a conglomeration of Bamba, Babwisi and Bavonama ethnic groups that formed their own cultural institution – Obudhingya bwa Bwamba breaking away from Rwenzururu in 2010. Its monarch is called Omudhingya or Enjoghu (elephant) ya Bwamba. The current Omudhingiya is Martin Ayongi Kamya, a former ugandan army man whose coronation was attended by the president Yoweri Museveni.

• 1 Omudhingya Martin Ayongi Kamya – reigned 2010 –

Umukuuka of BaMasaaba/BaGisu

Bamasaaba or Bagisu are bantu ethnic group found in Uganda and neigbouring Kenya. In 2011 they formed their own cultural institution -Inzu Ya Masaaba led by an elected monarch called Umukuuka who reigns in both countries. Since the death of the late Umukuuka II in 2020, the succession for the throne has been in battles between two groups. Jude Mike Mudoma was officially installed in 2023 October as Umukuuka III

• 1 Umuinga Y.B Mungoma – reigned in the 1960s before Milton Obote abolished kingdoms in 1967
  • interregnum until 2011 when Inzu ya Masaaba was formed
• 2 Umukuuka I Wilson Weasa Wamimbi – reigned from 2011 – 2015
• 3 Umukuuka II Bob Mushikori – reigned from 2015 to 2021
• 4 Umukuuka III Jude Mike Mudoma– reigned from 2023 –

Kingdom website ; http://inzuyamasaaba.org/

Ikumbania of Bugwere

BaGwere or Gwere are a bantu ethnic group organised into 86 clans. In 2004, the 86 clan heads formed the cultureral institution caaled Obwa Ikumbaania bwa Bugwere and a constitution. They elected their first monarch or King who is called Ikumbania. The late Ikumbania Dr. John Chrysostom Wayabire died in 2021 leaving the throne with six contenders for election by the royal council. His son Geoffrey Wayabire is the new Ikumbania though not officially crowned, there are other contenders till claiming the throne.

• Kintu Samuku Mubala – never crowned but served as head of the cultural institution 2004 – 2015
• 1 Ikumbania Dr. John Chrysostom Wayabire – reigned 2015 – 2021
• 2 Ikumbania Geoffrey Wayabire – 2021 –

Photos : Geofrey Wayabire

Umukhungu of Bukusu Buduuda

Bukusu of Buduuda district who were part of Bamasaaba declared their own sovereignty in 2011. They formed their own cultural institution headed by a monarch called Umukhungu Bukusu whose royal capital is Lukaangu palace. The current self titledUmukhungu Bukusu since 2012 is Joseph Washitwaya Kanyanya, however he is not recognised by the Ugandan Government

• 1 John Nabutola – reigned in the 60s
• 2 Umukhungu Joseph Washitwaya Kanyanya – reigned from 2012

Mpororo Kingdom

Mpororo Kingdom was precolonial Kingdom based in south west Uganda near the border with Rwanda. It dates back to 1650 lasting for 125 years. Mpororo’s first King was

• Omukama Kamurari
• Omukama Muntu
• Omukama Kazi
• Omukama Karagaire
• Omukama Muzoora
• Omukama Ntagu
• Omukama Kinwa
• Omukama Kamurara II
• Omukama Kahaya

In 1753 Prince KAHAYA RUTINDANGYEZI RWA MURORWA fought his brother Omukama KAMURARI II and took over the throne and in 1775 it was broken-up into six independent states led by the six sons of Kahaya:

• Kingdom of Igara – king Mafunda
• Kingdom of Nshenyi – king Rukaari
• Kingdom of Rujumbura – king Kirenzi
• Kingdom of Kajara – king Kihondwa
• Kingdom of Obwera –
• Kingdom of Rukiga

These kingdoms were also later illegally almagamated with others into Ankole/Nkore Kingdom duing the colonial period. Despite this break-up, all the people of the new states continued to self-identify as primarily as Bahororo, and still do to this day. Its people are today known as Hororo people.

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