SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND CUSTOMS

The clans of Busoga origin used to be ruled by an “omwami”. Cases were judged by his elders. The “omwami” never went to war. He simply gave the orders and instructions to his men. He was the sacrificial priest of the clan and ruled all the Abakhayo. The “omwami” had his assistants in all various clans. He was neither a medicine man nor a rain-maker. He was usually nominated by the elders, though they merely confirmed the nominee of the late “omwami”.

In the days before their migration from Busoga, the “omwami” wore bark cloth (“omuruba”). However, when they came here, he wore the cloak of the skins of various animals, because bark trees were not available here. He also had the “Olusimbi” (special feathers), the “eshimwata” (crown), brass bracelets, a copperbracelet, and a fly-whisk. These insignia were heritable.

The “omwami” was usually buried in a cowhide in a lying position. The hide was that of a cow which had been specifically speared for the occasion. No beer pot was put in the grave.