Revellers at 'Tuko Pamoja: Kigezi Segment' stunned that Kigezi region was not colonised

Revellers who attended the premiere of the docuseries Tuko Pamoja: Kigezi Segment on May 4, 2024, at Ndere Centre in Kisaasi, Kampala, were left astounded after learning that the region was never colonised.

It is widely believed that Uganda, in the region falls, was under British rule until 1962 when the colonisers granted independence to the country. However, the documentary reveals that due to multiple rebellions from Kigezi, the British repeatedly failed, losing many of their war generals.

One of the most captivating stories featured was that of a Mukiga queen named Muhumuza, who led the Nyabingi rebellion against the coalition forces of Britain, Germany, and Belgium, claiming victories on four different fronts.

Muhumuza, who proclaimed herself the reincarnation of the African goddess Nyabingi, commanded an army primarily made up of the Batwa people from the Bwindi mountain ranges, armed mostly with bows and arrows. Despite several victories, the spiritual leader was eventually captured by British forces and exiled to Kampala, where she later died.

The song Jump Nyabingi from the album Confrontation by legendary Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley and The Wailers celebrates Queen Muhumuza's resistance and victories, embodying a spirit of unity and triumph.

Many attendees, including Barnabas Tinkasimire, the Buyaga West legislator,  expressed surprise at this overlooked piece of history. He noted that African history has often been obscured or omitted to prevent Africans from recognising their struggles and heroes.

"It's incredible to learn about a strong woman from Uganda who battled against three European nations, defending the sovereignty of four African countries. Now I understand why Bakiga women are so proud; they inherit this strength and spirit," he remarked.

Tinkasimire also criticised the Ugandan education curriculum for adhering too closely to colonially imposed histories without investigating the true events. He urged Ugandans and Africans to embrace historical narratives that reflect African perspectives.

In addition to Queen Muhumuza's story, the docuseries also explores the origins of the people of Kigezi, including the Bakiga, Bahororo, Batwa and Bafumbira, among others.

The docuseries is produced by Makerere senior lecturer Dr. Cindy Magara and written by Rogers Ankunda.

The other Tuko Pamoja segments are tipped to premiere at Ndere Centre following the schedules below;

West Nile Segment - Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Ndere Center, 3:00-8:00pm.

Breakaway Kindgoms - Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Ndere Center, 3:00-8:00pm.

Rwenzori Segment - Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Ndere Center, 3:00-8:00pm.

Uganda: The Making of a Nation - Saturday June 1st, 2024 at Ndere Center, 3:00-8:00pm.