Masabaland, currently comprising several districts including Bududa, Sironko, Bulambuli, Mbale City, and Mbale District Local Government (DLG), as well as Bulambuli and Namisindwa, is home to three tribes: the Shana, a lesser-known but constitutionally recognized tribe among the Bamasaba people, inhabit Bulegeni Town Council, numbering fewer than 1000. The origin and arrival of the Shana in the Elgon region are poorly documented, with their arrival shrouded in mystery. Their dialect is closely tied to that of the Bakeni people of Buruli and the Banyoro of western Uganda. Historical accounts suggest that the Shana came to Masabaland through the efforts of General Semei Kakungulu in the early 1900s, either as foot soldiers or casual laborers. Some accounts propose they were fishermen who turned to agriculture after depleting lake resources, thus moving to the mountains.
While the Shana may occupy a specific territory at the town council level, the Babukusu tribe has no recorded place of abode. Current inhabitants, who would otherwise be categorized as Babukusu, reject this label, identifying themselves as Bamasaba or Bagisu, given their shared language, origin, and cultural practices. In Bududa, a culturalist’s attempt to establish legitimacy as a cultural leader was rejected by the District Local Government, as Bududa DLG leadership refused to recognize the Babukusu categorization, and Namisindwa similarly distanced itself from the label. Consequently, the Babukusu are a floating tribe without a known territory, recognized as a tribe since 1994 but lacking control over a specific area.
The Bamasaba, the largest tribe, occupy the aforementioned districts, with the current cultural leader reigning over these areas. The Shana also pledge allegiance to this leader as they reside within his territory. However, due to contested claims by the Bamasaba and Sabiny, it may take time for the Shana to establish their own cultural leader, as they lack a district within their jurisdiction to endorse such a quest.
Masabaland comprises several tribes, with movements occurring within Bugisu, particularly among the Bungokho and Sironko, including Bulambuli, recording the highest levels of migration. Bungokho has been occupied by people from Bududa and partly Sironko for about 200 years, with prominent politicians being of Baduda or Badadiri origin. Sironko and Bulambuli feature a mix of Bagwere, Sabiny, Iteso, and Bukusu, among others. Migration has been a significant factor, with some Bamasaba even becoming stuck in Toro during past migration epochs.
Uganda, with approximately 65 tribes, has seen migrations shaping its demographics. Tribes like Baganda and Bagisu have been present for about 500 years, while others like the Barundi and Shana are relatively new.
The writer is from Mbale tel 0782231577
