Gov’t clears archiving of Bugisu oral traditions and medieval literature

Mbale, Uganda: Efforts to document, preserve, and digitally archive Bugisu oral traditions and medieval literature have officially commenced under a government-approved research project aimed at safeguarding the region’s cultural heritage for future generations.

The project, titled “A Study of Traditional Ugandan Stories: From Orature to Digital Publishing in Medieval Literature,” is being conducted under the authorization of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).

Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards preserving the region’s rich oral history and expanding global understanding of Bugisu culture.

“On behalf of the Bugisu Cultural Institution and the Public Relations Department, we welcome these researchers from the United States. We believe this study will help expand global understanding of Bugisu medieval literature and cultural traditions,” Masiga said.

He noted that Bugisu possesses a wealth of traditional stories that have been passed down through generations largely through oral narration.

“Many of these stories exist only in oral form and risk disappearing with time if they are not documented. This research will help preserve them for future generations,” he added.

Several cultural leaders and custodians of Bugisu heritage have already participated in the research as key informants.

Those interviewed include the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma; Culture Minister Moses Kutoi; Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga; Wanale Clan Chairman George Muboji; and elder Wamusitu Ahamada, among others.

According to Masiga, the interviews focused on traditional storytelling, cultural history and indigenous knowledge systems that have shaped Bugisu society over centuries.

Fulbright Scholar Leads Research

The study is being led by Professor Scott of Troy University in Alabama, United States, a specialist in medieval literature and a Fulbright Scholar currently conducting research in Uganda.

Professor Scott is working alongside his wife, who is supporting the project through videography and documentation, while educationist Jackline Nakanda is serving as the coordinating officer.

The researchers are collecting and recording traditional narratives with the aim of transforming them from oral traditions into digital publications accessible to wider audiences across the world.

During the interviews, Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma narrated several traditional Bugisu stories, including war narratives, marriage stories and cautionary tales that have historically been used to educate communities.

Masiga contributed a traditional cautionary story known as “Wakhanywaa Ukhamela, Rururangokho Rururangokho,” which warns against excessive alcohol consumption and the dangers of revealing secrets while intoxicated.

He explained that “Rururangokho” refers to algae that can cause chickens to slip and fall, symbolizing how excessive drinking can lead individuals into trouble.

The Umukuka also shared accounts about the origins of the Bagisu people and the settlement of the Bugisu region, while clan chairman George Muboji narrated various animal stories and historical war narratives.

Global Platform for Bugisu Heritage

Masiga said the project represents a unique opportunity to showcase Bugisu cultural heritage to an international audience.

“Detailed videographic documentation of Bugisu stories will be published globally through this platform, ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved and appreciated beyond Uganda,” he said.

The initiative is expected to conclude by early next year, with researchers compiling oral histories, cultural narratives and indigenous knowledge into a permanent digital archive.

Cultural leaders hope the project will strengthen efforts to preserve Bugisu identity while providing future generations with access to stories that have shaped the community’s history and values for centuries.