Overview
The central region of Uganda is largely occupied by the Baganda, part of the Great Bantu who are believed to have migrated from West and Central Africa.
Back then however, the region was so sparsely populated and was known as “muwaawa” meaning “a place of few people”.
There were constant quarrels between clans to determine who was stronger or better than the other. That was until one clan leader by the name of Bemba showed more guile to become the overall leader. Unfortunately for Bemba, Kintu arrived from the north ahead of 13 clans and swept Bemba out of his house reputedly called “Buganda”. That in a nutshell is how the lines of Buganda Kings (Kabakas) began 700 years ago. The present Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II is a cultural leader.
The Southern parts wrap themselves around lake Victoria almost in a loving embrace typified by some really incredible beaches. Banana plantations once covered many slopes of these hills, because plantain bananas are the staple food of the region.
However due to population pressures, the plantations have given way to real estate developments and all the other attributes associated with modernity.
By virtue of being chosen by the British colonists as the administrative Centre of Uganda, there are buildings that reflect that past. To be sure, not many, but a couple still carry the solid stamp of colonialism.
You cannot talk about Central Uganda without mentioning the Kingdom of Buganda. The two are part and parcel of the same thing.
The whole character of this region is shaped by traditions closely related to the rule of the Kabaka (King). It is a realm that goes back about 700 years. Absolute monarchy is no more but loyalty to the Kabaka is an underlying factor of people’s lives.
