Back to: O level history east africa notes uganda syllabus
Politically
- The kingdom had a centralized system of administration with the Omukama as the political head.
- Omukama had absolute powers i.e. to appoint, promote and dismiss any of his chiefs.
- The Kingdom was divided into provinces, districts and counties each under a chief for effective administration.
- Most of the chiefs came from distinguished Families and they ruled on behalf of the Omukama.
- Most of the chiefs resided at the Omukamas palace to ensure their loyalty to him.
- The Chiefs had to provide the Omukama with gifts such as cattle, beer, grains and men to serve in the army and at the palace.
- Chiefs were also responsible for tax collection and ensuring law and order within the kingdom.
- Initially, Bunyoro had no standing army and therefore all able bodied men would be called upon to form an army and the General would be appointed by the Omukama.
- The army had the duty of defending the Kingdom against external threats, expanding the kingdom, carrying out raids and spying on the Omukamas enemies.
Social Organisation
- The Banyoro had classes in their society with the Bahima as the rulers and the Bairu as the Subject class.
- Religiously the Banyoro believed in a supreme being called Ruhanga (God) who was believed to be the creator of all things.
- Apart from Ruhanga, the Banyoro had many other small gods and each clan and family had its own favourite god.
- The Banyoro had national gods like Wamara god of plenty, Mugizi god of Lake Albert and Muhigo the god of war.
- Sacrifices were always offered to these gods to please them.
- The Banyoro also had royal regalia which included drums, spears, animal skins, the throne, royal crown and these were highly respected as symbols of power.
- The Banyoro were always united by a similar culture, language and way of dressing.
Economic Organisation
- Cattle rearing were the main economic activity of the Bahima and the herdsmen always moved with their cattle in search of pastures and water.
- Agriculture or crop growing was practiced by the lower class of peasants (Bairu) and they mainly grew millet.
- Salt mining was another economic activity in Bunyoro got from Lake Katwe.
- Salt was used for feeding animals and the rest was exported to her neighbours like Buganda.
- The Iron working industry was also developed in Bunyoro and they manufactured hoes, spears, and pangas. e.t.c.
- Trade was another economic activity of Bunyoro e.g. she traded with her neighbours and also participated in the long distance trade with the coastal Arabs.
- Bark cloth making was also done in Bunyoro to provide clothes to the people.
- Banyoro also involved them in pottery and sold the products outside the Kingdom.
- These who stayed near Lake Albert and rivers carried out fishing.
- Revenue was also collected from vassal states e.g. Buganda and Acholi which were supposed to pay tribute to the Omukama.
- The Banyoro also engaged in hunting for food, Elephants for Ivory and the Rhino for horns.
- The army of Bunyoro always raided its neighbours for slaves and Ivory hence contributing to the economy.