The Government of Uganda has cleared a major research initiative aimed at preserving and archiving Bugisu’s rich literary and cultural heritage, marking a significant step toward safeguarding traditional stories for future generations.
The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, revealed that efforts to document and archive both the written and oral history of Bugisu have officially commenced and are expected to be completed by early next year.
Masiga welcomed the initiative on behalf of the Cultural Institution’s Communications and Public Relations Department, describing it as a landmark project that will help promote Bugisu culture globally.
“We welcome these researchers from the United States. Our belief is that this study will expand global understanding of Bugisu medieval literature within the current cultural context. Through storytelling, people from different parts of the world will learn about the way of life of our people hundreds of years ago,” Masiga said.
The study, titled “Traditional Ugandan Stories: From Orature to Digital Publishing in Medieval Literature,” has been approved by the Government of Uganda and is being conducted under the supervision of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).
According to researchers, Uganda and Bugisu possess a wealth of traditional stories that have been passed down through generations. However, many of these narratives exist primarily in oral form, making them vulnerable to disappearing as older generations pass on.
Masiga noted that several key cultural leaders and custodians of Bugisu heritage participated in the research as key informants. Among those interviewed were the Umukuka of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma; Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga; Minister for Culture Hon. Moses Kutoi; Wanale Clan Chairman Mzee George Muboji; and Mzee Wamusitu Ahamada, among others.
The lead investigator of the study is Prof. Scott from Troy University in Alabama, United States. Prof. Scott, who specializes in medieval literature and serves in the university’s English Department, was awarded a Fulbright Scholar Grant to conduct research in Uganda. The Bugisu Cultural Institution is one of the key areas covered by the study.
During the research interviews, the Umukuka narrated several traditional stories, including war stories, cautionary tales, and marriage stories that have shaped the cultural identity of the Bagisu people over generations.
Masiga contributed a cautionary story he learned from his ancestors, known in Lugisu as “Wakhanywaa Ukhamela, Rururangokho Rururangokho.” The story warns against excessive alcohol consumption and emphasizes the importance of self-control and discretion. According to Masiga, “Rururangokho” refers to a type of algae that can cause hens to slip and fall, symbolizing the dangers of losing control.
His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma also explained the origins of the Bugisu people and their migration history, while Wanale Clan Chairman George Muboji shared several traditional animal tales and war stories.
Prof. Scott was accompanied by his wife, who assisted with videography and documentation, while Ms. Jackline Nakanda, a trained teacher, served as the coordinating officer for the project.
Upon completion, detailed video recordings and digital archives of Bugisu traditional stories will be published internationally through a platform titled “Bugisu Medieval Stories to the World,” ensuring that the region’s cultural heritage is preserved and shared with future generations across the globe.
