Origins Rule In Karagwe

Karagwe kingdom extended between Rwanda and Burundi, Lake Victoria and the North western part of Tanganyika.
The settlers in this area were Bantu who carried out farming and grew crops like millet, sorghum.
They had come from the south west around the 15^th and 16^th century.
However the Bantu are said to have stayed in this region for 43 centuries before migrating north East to Bunyoro and Toro.
Later a section of these returned to Karagwe after the Luo invasion.
By the time of their return, they had combined with the Chwezi.
They reached Karagwe around the 16^th century and set up the Hinda dynasty.

Establishment Of RuhindaS Rule In Karagwe

After the Luo invasion, Ruhinda led his Chwezi immigrants from Bunyoro – Kitara to Karagwe.
He deposed over the local leader known as Nano and he set up the Hinda dynasty.
He established his rule in Karagwe and built his capital at Bwehangwe.
He then sent his sons with royal regalia like spears to establish Hinda dynasty in all the surrounding areas.
This gave rise to small sub dynasties under his sons.
These sub dynasties included: Gisaka, Kyamtwara, Ihangiro, Buzinza, Busubi, Ukerewe and Nasa.
The creation of several independent Hinda sub dynasties by Ruhindas sons created rivalries and these weakened the Hinda rule in Karagwe.
These small Kingdoms were not directly under the authority of Ruhinda.
When he died they became independent.

Political organisation

Ruhinda introduced a centralized system of government.
The centralized system replaced the clan system headed clan leaders called Muharambwa.
Upon the death of Ruhinda; many areas that made up his Kingdom declared themselves independent.
Ruhinda used the clans for efficient administration. These clans were not destroyed by the Chwezi immigrants.
The clan leaders (Muharambwa) were charged with a collection of taxes, tribute and were also in charge of religious rights.
The clans were grouped into eight bigger units for easy administration.
The units included Kianja, Bukara, Kyamtwara, Kiziba, Ihangiro, Misenyi, Bugabo and Karagwe.
Each of these chiefdoms became a nation called Ihanga and chiefs would dismiss a clan head if his people appealed.
The clan heads had political, religious and judicial powers. These were supposed to head clan courts that settled disputes.
Age sets were encouraged among the Banyambo and young boys of the same age were called at the chiefs residence where they would be trained in military art.
After military training, they would be sent home and only recalled in times of military emergency.
The few, who were outstanding and very skillful, were sent to the kings court where they learnt correct court manners and language.

Economic Organisation

They were mainly agriculturalists and they grew crops like sorghum, millet and bananas.
They also kept the long horned cattle.
Iron working was another economic activity and tools which were made included hoes, spears and arrows which were used in agriculture and defense.
The people of Karagwe also carried out trade.
They exchanged trade items like Ivory, and iron products with Buganda and coastal traders.

Social Organisation

The people of Karagwe believed in ancestral spirits.
The Muharambwa was supposed to lead over religious functions.
A Caste system (class systems) existed in Karagwe Kingdom with the pastoralists as rulers and farmers as the subjects.
Settlement of conflicts was entrusted to the clan leader (Muharambwa) but the head of the chiefdom (Ihanga) was the final man in everything.