Chiefdom of Bunya
The Chiefdom of Bunya (sometimes called Bunha) is one of the eleven traditional chiefdoms that constitute the Kingdom of Busoga in eastern Uganda. Founded before 1737, Bunya became part of the British protectorate in Busoga in 1896.[1]
Its ruler is known as the Luba.[2]
History
[edit]Early period
[edit]The Chiefdom of Bunya was established before 1737, making it one of the older traditional political entities in the Busoga region. Like other Busoga chiefdoms, Bunya developed as part of the broader political and social organization of the Basoga people along the northern shores of Lake Victoria.
Governance
[edit]The traditional ruler of Bunya holds the title of Luba, distinguishing the chiefdom from other Busoga chiefdoms whose rulers bear different titles. The Luba serves as both a cultural leader and administrator within the traditional governance system of Busoga. Current ruler, Since 11 February 1995, the Luba of Bunya is Juma Munulo II.[2][3][4]
Relationship to Busoga Kingdom
[edit]The Kyabazinga of Busoga, the paramount ruler of all Busoga, is traditionally selected through rotation among the rulers of these chiefdoms, including the Luba of Bunya. Bunya is one of eleven chiefdoms that traditionally form the Kingdom of Busoga. The other chiefdoms include:[5]
| Principality / Chiefdom | Head |
|---|---|
| Bulamogi | Edward Wambuzi |
| Bugabula | William Nadiope |
| Kigulu | Izimba Gologolo |
| Luuka | W. Tabingwa Nabwana |
| Bukono | C. J. Mutyaba Nkono |
| Bukooli | David Muluuya Kawunye |
| Butembe | Badru Waguma |
| Bugweri | Kakaire Fred Menya |
| Busiki | Yekosofato Kawanguzi |
| Bunha | Juma Munulo |
| Bunhole | Nkwighe Bukumunhe |
Secession
[edit]In 2008, a section of the Bunya chiefdom in Mayuge district seceded from the Kingdom of Busoga. This action was led by a hereditary cultural leader, Chief Luba Elphaz Namyosi Byansi Mukajjanga who said he was the true Luba , but his chair was taken over by Munulo.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Busoga Kingdom headquarters". Proud Musoga. 2017-06-18. Archived from the original on 2019-01-16. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- ^ a b "TITLES OF UGANDAN TRADITIONAL RULERS, ROYALTY, CHIEFS, NOBILITY AND CHIVALRY". monarhija.org. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Uganda: Mob Assault Chief for Opposing the Kyabazinga". allAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-02. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Clansmen Denounce Juma Munulo as Isabalangila of Busoga Kingdom". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ tony (2023-09-29). "Visit Busoga Kingdom » Trek Africa Expeditions". Trek Africa Expeditions. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Bunyha chiefdom secedes from Busoga Kingdom". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
 Subnational monarchies of Uganda | |
|---|---|
| Kingdoms |
|
| Chiefdoms | |