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A Survey of Interlacustrine ChronologyAuthor(s): D. W. CohenSource: The Journal of African History, Vol. 11, No. 2, Problems of African Chronology(1970), pp. 177-201Published by: Cambridge University PressStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/180316 .

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Journal of African History, XI, z (1970), pp. I77-20I I77 Printed in Great Britain

A SURVEY OF INTERLACUSTRINE CHRONOLOGY

BY D. W. COHEN

T HE historian, in researching the precolonial past of a large part of Africa, must contend with the absence of the 'foundation stones' of orthodox historical study: the written document and the absolute date fixed on a definitive and preserved or continuous calendar. For the African historian, Professor Vansina, with his methodological treatise Oral Tradition,1 has shown the way to solving the problem of the absent written document. Vansina has shown that, with proper care taken in the collection and use of oral documents and with a sound interdisciplinary approach, the historian can pursue his discipline in Africa without the sacred written document.

In African history, where the historian may be concerned with a culture having no traditional method of distinguishing or recording dates in terms of years and days, the construction of a chronology is a large methodological problem in its own right. Where the foundation stone of absolute dating is absent, the chronology must necessarily be relative. In cultures having a linear rather than a cyclical2 concept of time, the minimal chronology may be no more than the placing of events in a sequence of occurrence. At its most definitive, the chronology may be built on estimated dates or eras, with allowance for some margin of error.

There are several requirements for the construction of a reliable chronology, and the extent to which these requirements can be met is a determi- nant of the possible definitiveness and accuracy of the chronology.

i. A central system operating through the past to the present, composed of elements in sequence to which events can be related. The most common and most useful system is the ruling dynasty, with the various rulers strung out in sequence from the past to the present.3 Particular events may be identified with the eras of particular rulers; with such data a basic historical sequence of eras and events can be contructed.

2. For the dynasty, the structure of the genealogy of the ruling line must be ascertained. One must be able to know the mode of succession, the number of generations in the complete dynasty, the generation position of each figure in the dynasty and the relationship of each figure to every other figure in the dynasty. This is perhaps the most troublesome variable, dependent as it must be on the strength of our knowledge of a particular society and the history of its ruling dynasty. The pitfalls may lie with the very character of the remembered history in the society, or they may lie

1 London, I965. 2 In cultures having a cyclical concept of time, chronological analysis is virtually

impossible. 3 Other systems might include regular initiation rites, astronomical events, climatic

events and famines.

12 AFR 11



I78 D. W. COHEN

with the haphazard collection of the traditions by missionaries, colonial officials, local chroniclers and historians who lacked the disciplined approach to historical research exemplified by Vansina's work.

3. Interconnexions with other dynasties must be known. It is unsatis- factory to attempt to build a definitive chronology for an isolated dynasty. Interconnexions, or tie-ins, between one dynasty and another and between the figures of one dynasty and the figures of another must be sought, whether they be through wars, meetings or marriages. Such tie-ins point to contemporaneous figures or events and can serve to interlock the genealogy of one dynasty with a definitive chronology of a genealogy of another dynasty. Moreover, the tie-ins may be used to test the veracity of other tie-ins and of alleged genealogies.

4. A credibly estimated date for some event in the past is required. Such a date may be drawn from a set of radio-carbon dates, or from the astronomical date of an eclipse recalled in tradition. With such a date related to a particular figure in the dynasty, the average lengths of generations and reigns can be determined. An estimated date may be established for a particular point in one dynasty by associating that point, through some tie- in evidence, with a credibly estimated date for another dynasty. The average dynastic generation can be used as a gauge for estimating historical time- depth.

There are three necessary and interlocking tasks involved in constructing a chronology for a particular dynasty or region. First, there is the assembling of the diverse evidence relevant to the chronology. Second, there is the testing of the available evidence and any existing chronological constructions against the whole body of collected evidence. Third, there is the actual building of the chronology, integrating the chronology with the chronological picture of the wider region. With this, there is the task of extending firm chronological structures to encompass less firm dynastic units, bring- ing peripheral dynasties under the 'umbrella' of a central or regional chronology.

The character and quality of the evidence and the approach which the historian takes very much determine the definitiveness of the reconstructed chronology; that is, how close one can come to developing a chronology based on absolute dates.

*k * *k

I have worked on two chronological projects in Africa, both involving the integrated tasks of assembling evidence, testing and building, and both concerned with the development of a relatively definitive chronology. The first, a survey of Interlacustrine chronology completed for the survey of African chronology and genealogies, followed the format of the series of papers submitted for the July I966 conference on African chronology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University. This consideration of the Interlacustrine zone of East Africa, one of twenty-eight 'zonal'



A SURVEY OF INTERLACUSTRINE CHRONOLOGY I79

papers, was a macroscopic study concerned first with pulling together the evidence relating to chronology for the whole Interlacustrine region, second with structuring the evidence in such a way that each item of evidence, each tie-in and each genealogy, could be tested for support against the whole body of evidence of tie-ins and genealogies, and third, with considering some of the problems to be raised at the conference, particularly that of the length of a dynastic generation.

The second project was completed as part of a study of the traditional history of Busoga, Uganda, an area within the Interlacustrine region.4 Busoga is very much a region within a region, comprising in precolonial times some seventy states ruled by a whole panoply of interrelated and un- related royal dynasties. The Busoga chronological project was far more microscopic in approach and was concerned not only with the 'inner testing' of the diverse, fragmentary evidence of a chronological nature, but also with extending the umbrella of firm, reliable Interlacustrine chronology to dynasties, states and peoples largely outside the central brace of significant, interconnected and occasionally reliably dated events. While the first project was largely a measure of the possibilities and limitations of chronological consideration and of the value and reliability of the available Interlacustrine evidence, the second, the construction of a definitive chronology, was a practical necessity in the writing of the traditional history of Busoga.5

THE INTERLACUSTRINE ZONE CHRONOLOGY

The Interlacustrine area of East Africa is an area of integrated historical activity. The region, stretching from the Lake Kyoga shores and Mpolo- goma River in the northeast to Lake Tanganyika in the southwest, and from Lake Albert in the north to the southern coast of Lake Victoria, had as its predominant feature the persistent and omnipresent dynastic kingdom.6

The twenty-seven dynastic units discussed below were established in the region from seven to twenty-one generations ago. There is evidence of large political units existing earlier than this period, but we know little about them other than a few recollected names, places and vague outlines. The 'opening up' of this earlier period awaits more intensive archaeological and traditional history research.

The period which concerns us in this project very likely began with the entrance of the first Nilotic Luo into the region. All the dynastic units discussed here (with the possible exception of Buganda and certain Soga

4 This study, including field work I966-7, was assisted by a grant from the Central Research Fund, London University, and by a Post-Graduate Exhibition from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

5 The limitations of the first study, primarily the inability to control the reliability of the evidence, were to some extent mitigated in the second study, in which I undertook the collection of the body of tradition myself. 6 See map of the region.

I2-2



i8o D. W. COHEN

states which may be related to the Kintu penetration) were established either directly by the Luo, or as a reaction to the Luo by pre-Luo royal groups moving southwards. The Bito dynasties are related directly to the first Luo. The Hinda dynasties are perhaps associated with the Bachwezi rulers who preceded the Luo in the central part of the region but fled southwards in the face of Luo pressure. These Hinda created new dynasties in the southern part of the zone.

300 '310 320 330 340'

Interiacustrine I. region

0 Present-day WNilet Acholi e - Boundaries Nl

International District /{_l,^_

-Scale 1:2,000,000. 9)

Fig. I. The Interlacustrine States



A SURVEY OF INTERLACUSTRINE CHRONOLOGY i8i

We can discern four groups of dynastic units in the zone between a I900

baseline and twenty-one generations back. First, there are the dynasties which were established extremely early and were still extant in I900.

Second, there are the dynastic units which emerged as independent states comparatively late and were still extant in I900 or thereabouts. Third, there were the dynastic units which were independent from a very early time but which were absorbed by other units well before I900. Fourth, there were many units which became independent in the course of events but which were absorbed by other units well before the I900 baseline date. For the purposes of this survey, I have selected only the units of the first and second groups. The third and fourth groups would be of interest in a search for still more tie-ins, but it was felt that their presence in the study would merely congest the data presented. In Section I I have included a brief mention of these omitted dynastic units.7

I. Dynastic units i Bunyoro-Kitara. This kingdom, founded by the Bito, was a power through-

out the region from its establishment through to the eighteenth century, when its power began to wane in the face of the growth of the Buganda kingdom.

2 Nkore (Karo-Karungi). Karo-Karungi may have been founded by Hinda refugees fleeing the Luo advance. Absorbed Mpororo, Shema, Igara, Buhweju, Buzimba and Kitagwenda.

3 Kiziba. A Haya state, Kiziba was founded by a Bito. 4 Kiamtwara. A Haya state, Kiamtwara was founded by the Hinda. In the

nineteenth century Bugabo, Maruku and Kianja became independent of the 'Greater Kiamtwara'. In Kiamtwara proper the Hinda ruling group stood above the Bayoza.

5 Maruku. A Haya state, Maruku remained under Hinda rule while gaining independence from Kiamtwara during the nineteenth century. The Hinda ruling group of Maruku stood above the Bakala.

6 Bugabo. A Haya state, Bugabo became independent of Kiamtwara while retaining its Hinda ruling group. The breakaway occurred in the nineteenth century.

7 Ihangiro. A Haya state, Ihangiro was founded by the Hinda. 8 Karagwe. A Haya state, Karagwe was founded by the Hinda. The Hinda

ruling group stood above the Banyambo. 9 Buganda. The evidence suggests that the ruling dynasty of Buganda was a

Bito dynasty. Buganda expanded its domain over a period of several centuries until the nineteenth century, when Buganda was making successful raids through most of the region, had reduced Bunyoro's influence drama-

7 As well, there were a number of small states such as those within Busoga which have not been included in this paper because they would add nothing to the larger chronological picture of the Interlacustrine zone, and the presence of an additional seventy units would needlessly congest the survey. Some of these omitted units are considered in the study of Soga chronology below. The information on Burundi, Bushi and Buha has been provided by Professor Jan Vansina.



i82 D. W. COHEN

tically and had made tributaries of a number of Soga states. Absorbed Koki, Buddu and Mawogola (Bwera).

io Bugabula. A Soga state, Bugabula was ruled by a dynasty claiming relationship with the Bito ruling line of Bunyoro.

ii Luuka. A Soga state, Luuka claimed a direct connexion with the Bito ruling line of Bunyoro.

I2 Bukooli. A Soga state, Bukooli had a Luo, though perhaps not a Bito, dynasty. I3 Rusubi (Usuwi). A Zinza state, Rusubi was part of the Hinda complex of the

Geita and Biharamulo Districts of Tanzania. Rusubi is one of several states which emerged from the central Zinza core state in the nineteenth century.

I4 Busambiro (Sumbwa). A Hinda state, Busambiro was somewhat independent of the central Zinza core.

I5 Bushubi. A Hinda state, Bushubi was within the Zinza-Ha sphere but was independent of the Zinza core.

i 6 Rwanda. Founded by the Nyiginya dynasty, Rwanda was expanding from its centre over Tutsi-Hima and Hutu groups while Bunyoro-Kitara was at its peak of power. Later, Rwanda was powerful enough to engage in successful foreign adventures in Burundi, the Haya states and elsewhere.

I7 Toro. A Bito state, Toro was established in the nineteenth century by a prince of Bunyoro. Absorbed Busongora and Bunyaruguru.

I8 Kianja. A Haya state, Kianja became independent of Kiamtwara while remaining under Hinda rule. This occurred in the nineteenth century. The Hinda ruling group in Kianja stood above the Bahamba.

I9 Buzimba (Kigulu). A Soga state, Buzimba claimed a direct connexion with the ruling line of Bunyoro.

20 Bulamogi. A Soga state, Bulamogi also claimed a direct relationship with the Bunyoro dynasty.

2i Bukono. A Soga state, Bukono claimed a direct relationship with the Bunyoro dynasty.

22 Busiginyi (Busiki). A Soga state. 23 Bugweri. A Soga state, Bugweri had a Luo, though perhaps not a Bito,

dynasty. 24 Kimwani. A Zinza state like Rusubi, Kimwani emerged from the central

Zinza core and was under the rule of a Hinda group. 25 Burundi. This state, under a dynasty of Tutsi origin, developed in the late

seventeenth century from a nucleus on the frontier of Buha. It was associated in some way with the origin of the present dynasties in Buha and closely resembles them in structure.

26 Bushi. The two kingdoms of Bushi and Ngweshe were founded by immigrant Baluzi clans akin to Hima-Tutsi.

27 Buha. The Buha dynasties were founded by an immigrant Tutsi aristocracy.

II. Sources of the traditional evidence i Bunyoro-Kitara. K. W., 'The Kings of Bunyoro Kitara', Uganda Journal,

3 pts., I935, I936 and I937. Bikunya, Petero, Ky'Abakama ba Bunyoro (London, I927). Nyakatura, J. W., Abakama ba Bunyoro Kitara (White Fathers Society, I947). K.W. was the son of Kabarega, Mukama of Bun- yoro. He drew his information from his father's knowledge. Kabarega died




in I923. Bikunya was the prime minister of Bunyoro when he wrote his volume. Nyakatura collected his material as a Nyoro ssaza chief.

2 Nkore. Katate, A. G., and Kamungungunu, L., Abagabe b'Ankole, vols. i

and 2 (Kampala, I955). Morris, H. F., A History of Ankole (Kampala and Nairobi, I962). Kamungungunu is a retired prime minister of Ankole (Nkore). Morris is a scholar who has made substantial contributions to Nkore historiography with his collections of traditions and with his analysis of Nkore's political growth.

3 Kiziba. Cesard, E., 'Le Muhaya', Anthropos, vol. 32 (I937). Cory, H., History of the Bukoba District (Dar es Salaam, I958). Tanganyika District Book, Bukoba District (unpublished). None of the above works is a comprehensive collection of traditions. The genealogical data are not always without contradiction.

4 Kiamtwara. see 3. 5 Maruku. see 3. 6 Bugabo. see 3. 7 Ihangiro. see 3. 8 Karagwe. see 3. Ford, J., and Hall, R. de Z., 'The History of Karagwe',

Tanganyika Notes and Records, no. 24 (I947).

9 Buganda. Kaggwa, A., Ekitabo kya Basekabaka be Buganda, London, I927.

Kiwanuka, M. S., 'The traditional history of the Buganda kingdom, with special reference to the historical writings of Sir Apolo Kaggwa', Ph.D. thesis, London University, I965. Kaggwa was the prime minister of Buganda.

io Bugabula. Cohen, D. W., Collected Texts, Busoga Traditional History. Lubogo, Y. K., A History of Busoga, (Jinja, Uganda, I960). Lubogo was chief of Bulamogi (unit 2o) and Treasurer of the Busoga Local Government. He worked for several years during the 1920S and I930S on the collection of material. The original manuscript was written in Luganda. He is often unclear about the manner of succession, making it difficult to determine generations on the basis of this work alone. The other work, unpublished, is the present writer's archive collected in the field I966-7.

i i Luuka. see I0.

I 2 Bukooli. see I 0.

I3 Rusubi. Tanganyika District Book, Geita District (unpublished). I4 Busambiro. Tanganyika District Book, Biharamulo District (unpublished). I5 Bushubi. Tanganyika District Book, Ngara District (unpublished). i6 Rwanda. Vansina, Jan, L'Evolution du royaume rwanda des origines a' 1900

(Brussels, I962). Pages, R., Un royaume Hamite au centre de l'Afrique. (Brussels, I933).

I7 Toro. Taylor, Brian K., 'The Western Lacustrine Bantu', Ethnographic Survey of Africa, ed. Daryll Forde, East Central Africa, part xiii (London, I962). Kaggwa, see 9. K.W., see i. Taylor did anthropological research in Toro between I950 and I952.

i8 Kianja. see 3. I9 Buzimba. see I0.

20 Bulamogi. see I0.

2I Bukono. see io. 22 Busiki. see io.



I84 D. W. COHEN

23 Bugweri. see IO.

24 Kimwani. see I4.

25 Burundi. Vansina, 'Notes sur l'histoire du Burundi', Aequatoria, xxiv, Pt. i (I96I), pp I-IO, including bibliography p. 2. Vansina collected traditions from I957-60 and is in the process of preparing these, after collation with earlier collections, for publication.

26 Bushi. Masson, P., Trois siecles chez les Bashi, Musee Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Archives d'Ethnographie, no. I (Tervuren, I960). Masson does not particularize his sources sufficiently and he depends, to an extent which is difficult to assess, on unpublished notes of missionaries. He sets out the genealogies in an appendix. J. Cuypers, an anthropologist who has been working in Bushi since I960, may have much better and more detailed information.

27 Buha. Very little known. The data are summarized in Scherer, J., d'Hertefelt, M., and Trouwborst, A., 'Les anciens royaumes de la zone Interlacustre meridionale', Ethnographic Survey of Africa, ed. Daryll Forde, East Central Africa, pt xiv (London, I962).

III. Number of rulers on king list and changes of dynasty, if any

i Bunyoro. 23 from Isingoma Mpuga Rukidi to Chwa II Kabarega (deposed I899). K. W. list.

2 Nkore. 26 from Ruhinda to Ntare V (died I898). Oliver, R., 'Ancient Capital Sites of Ankole', Uganda Journal (I959)-from Katate and Kamu- ngungunu.

3 Kiziba. I5 from Nyakiru to Mutatembwa (died I903). Cory list. 4 Kiamtwara. Kiamtwara, Kianja, Maruku and Bugabo are units which shared

the same dynastic lineage through most of the histories of the four sub- lineages. I4 from Bwogi I to Mkotani (deposed I895). Cory list. Shift in dynastic lineage three names back.

5 Maruku. I3 from Bwogi I through Kajurunga to Kishebuka (deposed I9OI).

Cory list. 6 Bugabo. I4 from Bwogi I through Kitekere to Kayhoza (died I890). Cory

list. Dynastic lineage change with Kitekere three generations back. 7 Ihangiro. 9 from Ruhinda to Rukanya, Nyarubamba III (deposed c. I906).

Tanganyika District Book list. 8 Karagwe. ig? from Ruhinda to Ndagara II Nyamkuba (died I892-3). Ford

and Hall list. 9 Buganda. 29 from Chwa to Mutesa I (died I884). Kaggwa list. Possibly a

dynastic change at Mulondo, I2 generations back. io Bugabula. 7 from Kitimbo to Kitamirike II Mutiibwa (died I894). Lubogo

and Cohen lists. ii Luuka. 9 from Ibanda to Nabwana Inhensiko (born c. I856, died I920).

Cohen list. I2 Bukooli. 25 from Okali to Mutanda (died I899). Cohen list. I3 Rusubi. i9? from Ruhinda I to Mankorango (died c. I89I). Tanganyika

District Book list. Many dynastic changes. I4 Busambiro. 7 from Kansozo Rufungantwiga to Lugaga II (died I905).

Tanganyika District Book list.




I5 Bushubi. io from Magina I to Kinanaira III (deposed I9o6). Tanganyika District Book.

i6 Rwanda. 23 from Ndahiro Ruyange to Mibambwe Rutarindwa (died I896). Vansina list. Two dynastic breaks, I3 and I7 names back.

I7 Toro. 2, Kaboyo and Nyaika (died I885). Taylor list. i8 Kianja. ii from Bwogi I through Kinyonyi to Muganguze Lugomora III,

Ibare (died I890). Cory list. I9 Buzimba. 20 from Ibanda Ngobi Lugwiri to Kanywamusai Nyiro IV (Miro

Kikere) (died I899). Cohen list. 20 Bulamogi. 7 names from Ngambani to Kisira (died I898). Cohen list. 2i Bukono. I3 from Kitimbo to Kyebambe Kitamwa (deposed I897). Cohen

list. 22 Busiki. i6 from Nemwe Kisiki to Kirya Mpahulo (died I893). Cohen list. 23 Bugweri. i6 from Kakaire to Kirunda Kiyuba (died I893). Cohen list. 24 Kimwani. I5 from Ruhinda I to Kaguma (deposed I89os). Tanganyika

District Book, Fosbrooke list. 25 Burundi. 6 only to I898. Vansina list. 26 Bushi. Bushi, I7 to I9I9. Ngweshe, I9 to I9I3. The six earliest names are

common to both lists. Masson list. 27 Buha. The cycles of royal names are known, but no king lists are preserved.

IV. Dates known for certain from documents8

i Bunyoro. Speke and Grant reached Kyebambe IV Kamurasi's (gen. 2)

court on 9 September I862. Baker and his wife reached Kyebambe IV Kamurasi's (gen. 2) court on I0 February I864. Baker returned on 25 April I872, Kabarega (gen. I) having been Mukama some two years. Kabarega (gen. I) was captured in I899.

2 Nkore. Ntare V (gen. I) was Mugabe when Stanley passed through in I875/6 and again in I889. Ntare V (gen. I) died in I898.

3 Kiziba. Mutatembwa (gen. I) died I903.

4 Kiamtwara. Kaitaba (gen. 2) helped Stanley in I876. Mkotani (gen. i) saw Emin at Bukoba in I890. Mkotani (gen. i) was deposed in I895.

5 Maruku. Kishebuka (gen. I) was deposed in I90I.

6 Bugabo. Stanley visited Kahyoza (gen. I) in I876. Kahyoza (gen. I) died I 890.

7 Ihangiro. Ntare II (gen. 2) tried to keep Stanley out in i875/6. Nyarubamba III (gen. I) was received by Germans in I890. Nyarubamba III (gen. I) was deposed c. I906.

8 Karagwe. Speke and Grant visited Rumanyika I Rugundu (gen. 3) i86o/i. Ndagara I (gen. 4) died c. I856. Ndagara II (gen. I) died I892/3. Stanley visited Rumanyika I (gen. 3) I875/6. Stanley visited again in I889, meeting Ndagara II (gen. i).

9 Buganda. Suna (gen. 2) was visited by Arab trader in I852 (described to Burton in I857). Mutesa (gen. I) was visited by Speke in I86I and by Stanley in I875. Mutesa (gen. I) died in I884. A more definitive chronologi-

8 Each name is accompanied by a generation number for the dynastic unit from which it is drawn. An approximate baseline of I900 is used.



i86 D. W. COHEN

cal sequence for the reigns of Suna, Mutesa and their late nineteenth century successors can be established on the basis of known capital sites which are associated with the contemporaneous events in traditions. The Ganda kings moved capitals every few years.

io Bugabula. Mutiibwa (gen. i) died in I894. ii Luuka. I2 Bukooli. C.M.S. missionaries Rev E. C. Gordon and Mr F. G. Smith began

work during Kaunhe's reign (gen. 2), I89I. Mutanda (gen. i) was ruling in I894 and died in I899.

I3 Rusubi. In July i86i Speke avoided meeting Lweswarora (gen. 2). Man- korango (gen. i) died c. I89I.

I4 Busambiro. Lugaga II (gen. i) died in I905.

15 Bushubi. Kinanira III (gen. i) was deposed I906. i6 Rwanda. Kigeri IV (gen. 2) died I895. He was visited by G. A. von Goetzen

in I894. Mibambwe IV Rutarindwa (gen. i) died in I896. I7 Toro. Nyaika (gen. i) was on throne when Speke visited Bunyoro in I862.

Nyaika (gen. i) died in i885. i8 Kianja. Lugomora II (gen. i) died I890. I9 Buzimba. Kanywamusai Nyiro IV (gen. i) was returned to Kigulu chieftain-

ship by Baganda on 8 April I892. Nyiro IV died in I899.

20 Bulamogi. Kisira (gen. i) went to Bukaleba to assist Grant in I890. Kisira (gen. i) died in I898.

2I Bukono. Mugalya I (gen. 2) was ruler from the time of the first European in Buganda, I86I/2. He ruled for only three months. Kitamwa (gen. i) was deposed in I897.

22 Busiki. Kirya Mpahulo (gen. i) died just as Grant began at Bukaleba (I890-93 ?).

23 Bugweri. Bishop Hannington was killed (I885) when Kiyuba (gen. i) was ruling. Kiyuba (gen. i) died in I893.

24 Kimwani. Kaguma (gen. i) was deposed in the I89os. 25 Burundi. Mweezi was ruling when Burton passed through in i858. Gorju

and Vansina have arrived independently at I852 as the probable date of the death of Ntare II Rugamba.

26 Bushi. 27 Buha. No certain dates before the German 'pacification', I896/7, save

that Gihumbi of Muhambwe was living in I892.

V. Dates known from eclipses observed and recalled in tradition i Bunyoro. An eclipse was seen by Olimi I (gen. I4) while he was in Nkore at

Biharwe, and the eclipse can be dated with some confidence to I520.

2 Nkore. An eclipse was seen by Nyabugaro Ntare I (gen. I4). This was the same as that seen by Olimi I as he was fighting Ntare I at the moment of eclipse (I520).9

Vansina notes the importance of the Biharwe eclipse. The son of Olimi invaded Rwanda, whose king fled to Bushi, where there was already a kingdom. The eclipse can therefore establish a date for Rwanda history and a date ante quem for the foundation of Bushi, which in itself establishes a date ante quem for the presence of the large Lega group in Maniema.




9 Buganda. The Olimi I/Ntare I eclipse at Biharwe would tie in Nakibinge (gen. I3) as he was defeated by Olimi I before the Banyoro moved on to Nkore. An eclipse was observed by Juko (gen. 9), probably i68o. There may have been another eclipse during Mulondo's (gen. 12) reign.

i6 Rwanda. Mibambwe III, Seentabyo (gen. 5) saw eclipse, probably I796, and this ties in Ntare II of Burundi, who began to rule in the short reign of Mibambwe III. Vansina ties in Rugwe (gen. I5) with Olimi I/Ntare I eclipse at Biharwe, I520. Rutarindwa (gen. i) saw eclipse of I889.

VI. Tie-ins The numerical notations with each tie-in should be explained. From the left,

the first number is the number of the dynastic unit as maintained throughout this survey. The second number is the number of the tie-in within each unit. The numbers in parentheses after each name are, first, the dynastic unit number and, second, the generation number for each name mentioned, counting back from a I900 baseline in most instances. I have thinned out the tie-ins in generation one and generation two, as more would be of little value. The tie-ins appear under the dynastic heading relevant to the body of state tradition from which they are drawn.

i Bunyoro i Rukidi (I-I7) gave Kato Kimera (9-I9) Buganda. 2 Rukidi (I-I7) gave Ruhinda (2-I6/17) Nkore. 3 Winyi I (I-I5) asked Kaima (9-I4) for Ntare musical instruments. 4 Winyi I (I-I5) attacked Kaima (9-I4), killing him. 5 Winyi I (I-I5) sent Kibi (3-I3) to rule Kiziba. 6 Olimi I (I-I4) defeated Nakibinge (9-I3), killing him. 7 Olimi I (I-I4) turned out Nyabugaro Ntare I (2-I4).

8 Chwa I (i-io) defeated Rwanda (i6-??). 9 Chwa I (i-io) lost to Ntare IV (2-7).

io Winyi III (i-8) got lands back from Kagulu (9-7). ii Olimi III (i-6) turned out Karaiga (2-5).

I2 Olimi III's son Mali (I-5) attacked Rwanda (i6-??). I3 Duhaga I (I-5) defeated Nyakashaizu (2-4).

I4 Duhaga I (I-5) attacked Rwanda (i6-??). I5 Duhaga I (I-5) attacked Junju (9-4). i6 Kyebambe III's (I-4) son Kaboyo (I7-2) founded Toro. I7 Kyebambe III (I-4) fought Semakokiro (9-4). i8 Kyebambe III (I-4) fought Kamanya (9-3). I9 Nyabongo II (I-3) coincided with Suna (9-2). 20 Chwa II Kabarega (i-i) fought Ntare V (2-I).

2 Nkore i Nyabugaro Ntare (2-I4) was defeated by Olimi I (I-I4). 2 Ntare IV (2-7) defeated Chwa I (i-io). 3 Kahaya I (2-5) was defeated by Kigere III (i6-6). 4 Gasyonga I (2-3) was defeated by Suna (9-2). 5 Mutambuka (2-2) coincided with Mutesa I (9-i). 6 Mukwenda (2-I) asked help from Mutesa I (9-i).

3 Kiziba i Kibi (3-I3) was brother of Ruhinda (8-I6/7).



i88 D. W. COHEN

2 Ruyobya (3-4) was friend of Kitekere (4-3). 3 Ruhangarazi 11 (3-2) was defeated by Kaitaba (4-2).

4 Mutatembwa (3-I) fought Kaitaba (4-2). 5 Mutatembwa (3-I) fought Rumanyika (8-3).

4 Kiamtwara I Nkwenge (4-6) had fatal meeting with Magembe (3-8). 3 Kahigi I (4i-7) turned back Magembe (3-8). 3 Kitekere (4-3) gave Nkwere (6-2) Bugabo. 4 Bwogi I (4-II) was sent by Ruhinda (8-I7?). 5 Kaitaba (4-2) fought Suna (9-2).

5 Maruku I Kajurunga (5-2) coincided with Kitekere (4-3).

6 Bugabo I Nkwere (6-2) was given Bugabo by Kitekere (4-3).

7 Ihangiro I Ntare I (7-9) was attacked by Rugomora (4-8). 2 Muramira (7-8) fought Kahigi I (4-7). 3 Kichumo (7-6) was invaded by Buganda (9-??). 4 Nyarubamba II (7-4) died as Kitekere (4-3) invaded. 5 Ruhinda (7-3) fought Kitekere (4-3).

8 Karagwe I Ntare VI (8-6) turned back Kyebambe III (i-4).

2 Ruhinda VI (8-5) attacked by Semakokiro (9-4). 3 Ndagara (8-4) fought Kinyonyi (4-2).

4 Ndagara (8-4) received famine aid from Gahindire (I6-4).

5 Rumanyika (8-3) fought Mankorango (I3-I). 6 Kayenje (8-2) fought Mankorango (I3-I).

9 Buganda I Chwa Nabaka (9-20) sent son Kalemera to Wunyi (I-I5).

2 Kayima (9-I4) defeated by Wunyi (I-I5). 3 Nakibinge (9-I3) was defeated by Olimi I (I-I4).

4 Semakokiro (9-4) held off Rubongoya of Kyebambe III (I-4). 5 Kamanya (9-3) held off Kyebambe III (i-4).

IO Bugabula i Gabula Nadiope (I0-5) was killed in war with Zibondo Isoba

(20-5). 2 Kagoda's son (Io-4/3) was killed by Suna (9-2).

3 Kitamirike I Namugweri (IO-3) travelled to see Suna (9-2), who died while he was there.

4 Kitamirike I Namugweri (10-3) met Mutesa I (9-i).

5 Gabula Mutiibwa (io-i) and Tabingwa Nabwana (II-i) fought. I I Luuka

I Kakuku (II -3) was murdered by Suna (9-2). 2 Kalogo (I 1-3) was killed by Suna's men (9-2). 3 Kibalya (I 1-3) was executed by Mutesa (9-i).

4 Mudungu (I 1-2) was sent to rule Luuka by Mutesa (9-I). 5 Tabingwa Nabwana (II-i) fought Gabula Mutiibwa (io-i). 6 Tabingwa Nabwana (II-I) fought Zibondo Kisira (201). 7 Tabingwa Nabwana (Io-i) fought Gologolo (19-2).




I 2 Bukooli i Mwondha (12-6) was 'brother' of Kakaire (23-6). 2 Kisangirizi (12-4) was attacked by Semakokiro (9-4). 3 Kisangirizi (12-4) was attacked by Kamanya (9-3). 4 Kibubuka (12-3) received assistance from Suna (9-2). 5 Kaunhe (12-2) received army from Mutesa I (9-i).

13 Rusubi 14 Busambiro

i Kansozo (I4-7) married sister of Mwihahabi (I3-5). 2 Lugaga I (I4-3) attacked by Mankorango (I3-I).

15 Bushubi i Kibogora (I5-3) drove out Ndagara (8-4). 2 Kafurebe Nsoro (15-2) defended against attack from Kigere (I6-2).

i6 Rwanda i Mukobanya (i6-I5) fought son (I-I3) of Olimi I. 2 Mibambwe I Mutabaazi (i6-I5) suffered two heavy attacks from Bun-

yoro (i-??). I7 Toro

i Kaboyo (17-2) was son of Kyebambe III (i-4). i8 Kianja

i Lugomora III (i8-i) was given Kianja by Kitekere (4-3). (19-2).

I9 Buzimba i Nkobe (19-2) received army from Suna (9-2). 2 War between Kibikibi (i9-i) and disputant was ended by Kaunhe

(12-2).

3 Walusansa (I9-2) suffered attack from unsuccessful Mutesa army (9-I).

4 Walusansa (19-2) was attacked and killed by Mutesa (9-i). 5 Gologolo (19-2) fought Nabwana (II-i).

20 Bulamogi i Isoba (20o5) fought Nadiope (I0-5). 2 Isoba (20-5) fought Nkono Ntumba (21-4).

3 Kisira (20-I) Nabwana (II-i). 2I Bukono

i Ntumba (21-4) fought Isoba (20-5).

2 Kabusera (21-2) fought Nabongo (22-3).

3 Muzetya (21-2) was killed by Suna (9-2) army. 22 Busiki

i Muinda (22-4) coincided with Kamanya (9-3). 2 Nabongo (22-3) fought Kabusera (21-2).

3 Nabongo (22-3) coincided with Suna (9-2).

4 Dhatemwa (22-2) was attacked by Mutesa (9-i).

5 Kirya's father (22-3) received cloth from Suna (9-2).

23 Bugweri i Wangubo (23-3) was murdered by Suna (9-2).

2 Nkutu (23-2) was murdered by Mutesa (9-I). 3 Ntengwe (23-I) coincided with Walusansa (19-2).

24 Kimwani



I90 D. W. COHEN

25 Burundi i Ntare I Rushatsi (25-??) contemporaneous with Ruhinda (27-??) of

Buha. 2 Mutaaga I Senyamwiiza (25-??) contemporaneous with Cylima II

Rujugira of Rwanda (i6??). 3 Ntare II Rugamba (25-??) contemporary of Nsoro Nyabarega of

Bugesera. 4 Ntare II Rugamba (25-??) contemporary with Yuhi IV Gahindiro

(i6-4). 5 Ntare II Rugamba (25-??) contemporary with Mutara II Rwogera

(i6-??). 6 Ntare II Rugamba (25-??) contemporary with Ruhaga of Buyogoma

Muhambwe (Buha) (26-??). 7 Mweezi II Gisaabo (25-??) contemporary of Kigeri IV Rwaabugiri

(i6-i). 26 Bushi 27 Buha

VII. Archaeologicalpossibilities The investigation of capital sites and royal tombs throughout the zone would

provide correlative data which might substantiate or contradict the present body of genealogical traditions. This has been done in Nkore, Buganda and Bunyoro and to some extent in other parts of the zone, but, with few exceptions, these have been surface surveys of sites.

In respect to the royal tombs, the burial practices could give indications of the origins of the dynasties as well as of possible changes in the dynasties. In Busoga the royal tombs align with Bunyoro in most cases, following the custom of aligning graves towards the origin of the royal families. Buganda appears to have had two burial arrangements, one in the beginning of the dynasty and another one at the close. Could this suggest a dynastic change?

An investigation of sites and tombs might also add to the data already available concerning dynasties and political units which preceded those discussed in this survey. Examination of individual sites can of course provide useful approximate dates from carbon-dating of remains. For example, the archaeological work at Bigo, a pre-Bito capital, has yielded a date of approximately 1350.10

VIII. Modes of succession I Bunyoro. After the death of a Mukama, the rival sons disputed the succes-

sion, often fighting, with one eventually emerging supreme. 2 ANkore. Similar to Bunyoro in most instances. 3 Kiziba. Appointment of successor to Kibi by the Kibi with consultation

among family and leading chiefs. The successor had to be a son of Kibi born after his succession.

4 Kiamtwara. Similar to Kiziba.

10 Posnansky, M., 'Kingship, archaeology and myth', Uganda Journal, xxx, no. I (I966),

pp. 4-6.



1332-1305 +?64

1359-1332 + 62

1386-1359 + 60

1413-1386 +58

1440-1413 +56 1.i

1467-1440 A + 54

1494-1467 +52 t

1521-1494 + 5013 14

1548-41852l [ l6_ t 1>-9 9.2

1575-1548 93

+?46

1602-1575 ?44

1629-1602 +?42

1656-1629 +40

1683-1656 + 38

1710-1683 - ? 36 1,10

1737-1710 '

+?34-----

1764-1737 ?32/, .

1791-1764 ---------

? 30 1.15

1818-21791 14<94111 . +28 95 i"i.

1845-1818 +26 1.9 .45.

1872-1845 2.5 8.3

1899-1872 1.20 6 ____-___.

?22 p

1899 1898 1903 1895 1901 1890 c. 1906 1892/3 Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Dynastic units and oI



16.1

9.2

1 .6 ._ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _

9.3

1.2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1.

.17 A A$

15.1

7_ .3454

10.5 11.5

1901 1890 c. 1906 1892/3 1884 1894 1900 1899 1891? 1905 190( 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 14 15

Dynastic units and opening dates



22 __________ _ ___________ _________ ________ Interlacustrine chronology

21 1 Bunyoro 9 Buganda

* ______ _2 Nkore 10 Bugabula

20 3 Kiziba 11 Luuka _______ _________ ___4 Kiamtwara 12 Bukooli

19 5 Maruku 13 Rusubi 19 6 Bugabo 14 Busambiro

_________ ________ _____ - 7 Ihangiro 15 Bushubi

18 8 Karagwe 16 Rwanda

17 KEY

1 | t | | 00l T T Eclipse, dated astronomically

15 Eclipse, dated by generation

_________ | from tradition

14 _

Beginning of dynasty, dated

13 by generation from tradition

T l l l l~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 1 10

O|-J-~2 2O Tie-in. Arrow indicates

direction, pointing from unit which is source of tie-in tradition. The first

8 digit of the tie-in number is the number of the dynastic unit which

is the source of the tie-in tradition. The second digit is the number of

the tie-in within the body of tie-ins

2.3 t _ )6 of each dynastic unit.

5

12.2 ) ~~~~~~~~8.4 )4

-_ _ 4J

15.1 ~~~~~~~~3

I - 15.2 2

)0 1899 1891 ? 1905 1906 1896 12 13 14 15 16 Gen.



A SURVEY OF INTERLACUSTRINE CHRONOLOGY I9I

5 Maruku. Similar to Kiziba. 6 Bugabo. Similar to Kiziba. 7 Ihangiro. Similar to Kiziba. 8 Karagwe. Similar to Kiziba. 9 Buganda. Succession from Kabaka to any close and suitable son or, possibly

and occasionally, brother. IO Bugabula. Father to son, usually eldest. ii Luuka. Father to son, though in two instances brothers succeeded, with

succession eventually reverting to elder line. 12 Bukooli. Purportedly father to son from beginnings of dynasty to fifth

generation back, when fraternal succession became predominant, younger brother succeeding his elder brother until the younger brothers were exhausted, when succession passed to eldest brother of next generation.

13 Rusubi. Usually father to son. 14 Busambiro. Father to son. I5 Bushubi. Usually father to son. i6 Rwanda. Father to son with several exceptions. 17 Toro. Similar to Bunyoro. i8 Kianja. Similar to Kiziba. I9 Buzimba. Fraternal succession predominant, with younger brother succeed-

ing his elder brother until younger brothers were exhausted, when succession passed to eldest brother of next generation.

20 Bulamogi. Father to son. 2I Bukono. Father to son until second generation back from I900, when

fraternal succession became predominant pattern. 22 Busiki. Father to son with extensive pattern of fraternal succession beginning

in third generation back. 23 Bugweri. Fraternal succession was predominant pattern. 24 Kimwani. Usually father to son. 25 Burundi. Father to son, usually younger son, with regencies common. 26 Bushi. Father to son. 27 Buha. Father to son.

IX. Number of generations i Bunyoro. 17 from I899. z Nkore. I6/17 from I898. 3 Kiziba. 13 from 1903. 4 Kiamtwara. ii from I895.

5 Maruku. 12 from I9OI. 6 Bugabo. ii from I890. 7 Ihangiro. io from c. I906.

8 Karagwe. 17? from I892-3. 9 Buganda. 21 from 1884.

io Bugabula. 7 from 1894. ii Luuka. 7 from 1900. I2 Bukooli. I5 from I899. 13 Rusubi. 17? from I89I? 14 Busambiro. 7 from 1905.



I92 D. W. COHEN

I5 Bushubi. 8 from I906.

i 6 Rwanda. I9? from I896. 17 Toro. 2 from 1885. i8 Kianja. ii from 1890. I9 Buzimba. 6 from I899. 20 Bulamogi. 7 from I898. 2I Bukono. io from I897.

22 Busiki. 8 from I910 (removal of Isiko Muyodi). 23 Bugweri. 6 from I893 (7 from I896). 24 Kimwani. I5? from I890S.

25 Burundi. 7 from I908.

26 Bushi. I7 in Bushi line to I919; I9 in Ngweshe line to i91

27 Buha. Unknown.

X. Average length of generation i Bunyoro. 27 years. 2 Nkore. Oliver has figured an average of 27 years. 7 Ihangiro. 27 years? 9 Buganda. Oliver has figured 27 years.

i6 Rwanda. Vansina has figured 28 years.

*k * *b

In considering the quality, character and usefulness of the evidence presented above, one must first admit that in the Interlacustrine region, as in most other parts of Africa, the largest part of the available evidence remains fragmentary. As well, the largest part of the evidence is drawn from haphazard collections of traditions which themselves were drawn together with little concern for historical method-the careful recording of interviews, the naming of sources and the noting of detail on the character of the interviews.

But this does not mean that the evidence so recorded is without use. With some caution, the evidence can be evaluated and used. This involves the 'inner testing' of the data, the consideration of one piece of evidence against the whole body of evidence. By charting the network of alleged Interlacustrine tie-ins, one can, to some extent, evaluate the individual tie-in items, seeking out obvious contradictions and inconsistencies and items which are substantiated by the wider body of tie-in evidence.

The Pullout Chart

The number of units considered here has been reduced to sixteen to simplify the presentation. Along the left-hand margin of the chart is a time-scale based on the average generation of twenty-seven years which has been reckoned for four of the five Interlacustrine dynastic units for which average generation estimates have been made. Oliver has suggested a reckoning system based on twenty-seven years per generation with a margin




of error factor of a basic twenty years with two years plus or minus added for each generation counting back from the present.11

The dynastic unit numbers along the bottom are taken from the numeration in the paper which is repeated in the chart key. The opening and the closing dates of recent generations are drawn from Section IX. The beginning points of each dynasty, indicated by the large arrows, are based on the generation counts from traditions and are drawn from Section IX. The eclipses are noted on the chart, both in terms of the probable astronomical date, correlated with the estimated generation dates along the left side of the chart, and according to the traditional reckoning by generations correlated with the generation numeration along the right side of the chart.

The tie-ins are drawn from the list in Section VI. Each has a number. The first digit refers to the dynastic unit and the second to the tie-in number within that dynastic unit. The arrow indicates the direction of the tie-in, pointing from the unit which is the source of the tie-in tradition.

In considering the quality of the tie-in evidence, we should first look for the tie-ins which are corroborated by corresponding tie-ins, indicated on the chart by arrows pointing both directions. These are few. Among them are I-7-2-I, I-3-I-4-92, i-6-9.3, 4-3-6&I, 2-2-I-9 and IO-5-II-5. It is useful to identify apparent inconsistencies or absolute contradictions. Tie-ins i-i and 9 i are contradictory. Tie-in i i is also inconsistent with the well-corroborated tie-in I 3-I 4-9 2.12

Tie-in lines far off the horizontal may be open to considerable question. Tie-in 4-4 is some five generations at variance, a margin of error well outside Oliver's suggested margin. Others off the horizontal such as 2-2-I 9,

i * i i and I- I3 appear to be in a consistent pattern of variance persisting for several generations and well within the suggested margins of error.

The chart also suggests the usefulness of the tie-in evidence at hand. For the recent five or six generations we have an extensive network of interconnecting tie-ins. Bunyoro, Buganda, Nkore, Kiamtwara, Karagwe and Rwanda stand as a central core of more significant dynastic units and tie-in activity within the network.

The average dynastic generation is the key to the construction of a relatively definitive chronology for this Interlacustrine core. The average dynastic generation is based on two elements: first, the eclipse dates correlated with tradition, and second, the pattern of succession. With a known span of time and a consistent system of succession, one can determine the average dynastic generation, and with a given margin of error this average generation can be used as a fairly reliable gauge of historical time-depth. In

11 Oliver, R., 'Ancient capital sites of Ankole', Uganda Journal, xxiii, no. I (1959), pp. 5I-63; and 'The royal tombs of Buganda', Uganda Journal, xxiii, no. 2 (1959), pp. 124-33.

12 The traditions surrounding i-i and 9-I have generated considerable dispute among historians of Interlacustrine history. Revolving around the relationship between the foun- ders of the Ganda and Nyoro dynasties, the problem should no doubt receive still more consideration. One of the keys seems to be the absence of a thorough piece of research on Nyoro history.

I3 AFR II



194 D. W. COHEN

the Interlacustrine region, we have the eclipse dates for Bunyoro, Nkore, Buganda and Rwanda. From these dates, and the reckoned average generation, we can establish the core chronology, and then work outwards to include the units for which no dates are known and for which an average generation cannot be estimated on the basis of the internal evidence alone.

The chart indicates the extent of harmony and the extent of discord in the generation levels of the various dynastic units of the region. In estimating and applying the average generation to the Interlacustrine dynasties, this discord must be appreciated.

In attempting to extend the core chronology to the numerous Soga states, several difficulties emerge, but they are difficulties which point the way to the construction of a far more definitive chronology in which the average dynastic generation is given less emphasis and the tie-ins far more emphasis.

THE SOGA CHRONOLOGY

There is no central dynasty in Busoga for which a central chronology can be constructed, and to which all other dynastic units, and events, can be tied. I distinguished 68 dynasties or states in Busoga. Each was at one time or another autonomous. A large number of ruling dynasties in Busoga and, as well, a good number of commoner lineages, fulfil most of the four requirements for building a chronology which were mentioned above. It should be noted, though, that there are no known eclipse or archaeological dates for Busoga. There are, however, interconnexions with dynasties outside Busoga for which credibly estimated dates from archaeological sites and eclipses are available. The most important dynastic unit with dates interconnecting with the Soga states is the Buganda kingdom. There are a large number of tie-ins between the Ganda dynasty and a number of Soga dynasties. I used the Ganda dynasty as a core for the construction of a general chronology for Busoga.

The average generation is the key in calculating time-depth with respect to the Ganda chronology. The generation is calculated as the time between the birth of a man and the birth of the child who will first succeed him, or as the period between the succession of the first ruler in one generation and the succession of the first ruler in the next generation. The pattern of royal succession in Buganda is in co-ordination with this concept of generation. In Buganda it was typically one of the eldest sons of the ruler who succeeded. In the cases where a ruler was succeeded by his brother, the succession usually reverted to an elder son of the first ruler among the brothers.13

In some Soga states the pattern of succession right through the dynasty was similar to the pattern in Buganda, with the eldest son succeeding the father; or, when a brother succeeded, the eldest son of the eldest brother of

13 This is the outstanding pattern in Buganda. There were, however, several evident aberrations in this pattern, and there were probably a few aberrations which are not evident. But these deviations from the ideal or normal pattern of primogeniture in succession to the throne do not alter the chronological pattern to any great extent.




the previous generation eventually succeeded. But in many Soga states the effective patterns of succession were quite different. There are numerous cases in Busoga of fraternal and collateral succession in which the succession either did not revert to the eldest son of the next generation or was so extended that the eldest sons in the next generation did not survive to succeed. In this case it is difficult to trace the lineal sequence of eldest sons which is essential for the estimation and application of an average generation. Although one can still recognize and distinguish generations in this collateral situation, the significance of the generation as a fairly precise tool for measuring dynastic time-depth is lessened. One cannot employ the

6 Kakaife li)

5 Kiswiriri (2) Kirunda (3) Nhende (4) Mulondo (5) Menha Kibedi (6) r

,I - 7 .1

4 Nalugoda (7) Namusobya (8) Wanume Namuhaya (9) Obira (10) Mbani (11)

3 Kiringa Waigulu (12) Wangubo (13)

2 Nkutu (14) (died 1873)

I Ntengwe (15) Kirunda Kiyuba (16) (died 1893) Generation numbers

Fig. z. The royal genealogy of the abaiseMenha of Bugweri. Numbers in italics are succession numbers. Lines denote kinship ties. The senior figures of each generation are on the left and the figures become more junior moving to right.

average Ganda generation in the case of these non-lineal dynastic genealogies. One cannot state that a collateral Soga generation is equivalent to a lineal Ganda generation.

Collateral and fraternal succession in Busoga takes several complex forms. An example of extended fraternal succession is the case of the abaise- Menha dynasty of Bugweri. In this case the eldest son of the last ruler of each generation of brothers succeeded in three generations.

A second example is that of the abaiseNgobi dynasty of Buzimba. In this case, the eldest surviving son of the new generation succeeded, but the succession passed through the sons of all the fraternal and collateral rulers of the previous generation. The result is a proliferating number of eligible princes and successors in each generation. This pattern is often complicated by aberrations in the actual successions caused by civil war.

In the collateral and fraternal succession situation, if we accept that in any generation the eldest brothers are likely to die before the youngest brothers, then we are led to the conclusion that succession will continually drift towards the junior end of each generation of brothers. The eldest lineages will be effectively eliminated from the throne, and, as a result, the

I3-2



I96 D. W. COHEN

average generation assessed for the lineage of eldest sons will not be the same as the generation length assessed for the lineage of junior sons.

What this drift towards the junior ends of the collateral succession group means for the chronology is that longer generations, relative to the reckoned average Ganda generation, can be assumed. The length of these generations increases as the range of collateralism increases in each successive generation.14

To some extent the longer collateral generations were affected by the civil wars that collateralism seemed to generate. Reigns appear to have been shorter as fewer rulers lived out a normal life; thus, more eligibles in each

6 Ibanda Ngobi Lugwiri (1)

5 Lubongebonge (2} Obo (3) Izimba (4)

I I I 4 Tambula (S) Nhiro Mawangwe (6) Ibanda (7)

3 Kabaka (8) Nampala (9) Walube (10)

2 Kiregeya (11) Nkobe (12) Wal umba (15) Ibanda Nderi (17) Walusansa Gologolo (18)1 (died (19)

1879)

1 Kibikibi (13) Kiwayo (14) Nzirakiindi (19) Miro Kikere (20) (died 1899) Generation numbers

Fig. 3. The royal geneaology of the abaiseNgobi of Buzimba. Numbers in italics are succession numbers. Lines denote kinship ties. The senior figures of each generation are on the left and the figures become more junior moving to the right.

generation were able to take the throne. The shorter the reigns, the more senior was the possible first successor in the subsequent generation. The more senior the first successor in the generation, the less broad was the drift towards the junior end of the generation. Aberrations also occurred in the line of succession. One common instance was when junior or senior brothers and their descendants were dropped from consideration.

The estimated average generation, which is a useful concept for constructing a chronology for the Ganda dynasty, is not altogether satisfactory as a means of constructing chronologies for certain Soga dynasties. The collateral generation cannot be estimated with any precision. Also, the collateral generation, unlike the lineal, is not constant and cannot be averaged over a series of generations. For Busoga, the tie-in is the crucial tool. With the tie-in, a reign of a Soga ruler can be correlated with a Ganda reign for which a generation estimate is applicable.

This is not the place to postulate how collateralism evolved in the Soga

14 The drift is evident in both royal and commoner genealogies. We can see this drift taking place in the genealogy of the abaiseMusuubo clan, where the elder lineages are some four or five generations longer than the most junior lineages, though they are all credibly traced back to common antecedents.




royal houses. What is germane at this point is to show how such complex genealogical structures may be set into a chronology.

The first step taken in constructing a core chronology for Busoga was to select the genealogies to be considered and to determine the credibility of each. I selected some I20 genealogies, each of which from a first view ap- peared to be of some significance and of some credibility. Among these were most of the sixty-eight royal genealogies of Busoga, as well as the royal genealogies of Buganda and Bunyoro. Several royal genealogies in Busoga are segments of larger genealogical structures. Where there was obvious evidence of such segmentation, a genealogy was constructed which encompassed all the significant component segments. I eliminated from consideration any genealogies for which it was not possible to be certain about the relationship of each figure in the dynasty to every other figure, and for which it was not possible to be certain about the sequence and modes of succession in each dynasty.

I then moved on to the next step: establishing the credible tie-ins between the figures in different genealogies. I went through all the collected data and selected out all the alleged tie-ins among genealogical units. I put each tie-in on a note card with a code. The code comprised a number for each tie-in,L5 a number for the source from which the tie-in was drawn, numbers for the two genealogical units related, and the generation numbers (counting back from i899) for the correlated figures. As well, a brief statement of the nature of the tie-in, including the names of the figures involved, was added.16

Three types of tie-in evidence were distinguished: i. Evidence ex- plicitly correlating a figure from one genealogy with a figure from another. 2. Evidence correlating a specific figure from one genealogy with an unspecified figure of another genealogy. 3. Evidence correlating an unspecified figure from one genealogy with an unspecified figure from another genealogy. All three types of tie-in evidence were useful. The second and third types were sometimes found to contain identities, though less specific in denotation, with tie-ins of the first type. Tie-ins of the second type were sometimes found to be correlative with other tie-ins of the second type, yielding the names of both figures involved in the tie-in. The tie-in evidence of the second and third types was integrated where possible. Together with the tie-ins of the first type, these formed a large body of refined and usable tie-ins."7

15 The tie-in numbers followed a numeration system different from that used in the Interlacustrine survey.

16 I must acknowledge the helpful advice and criticism of Mr R. Levy and Mr C. Freebrey on this scheme of synthesizing the mass of tie-in data and constructing a comprehensive chronology.

17 Most tie-ins were drawn from collected data previously evaluated and considered credible. This is the material in my archive, Collected Texts, Busoga Traditional History. A number of tie-ins were drawn from published and unpublished Ganda and Nyoro sources.



I98 D. W. COHEN

A second typology of tie-ins then emerged: i. Tie-ins between a state ruler and another state ruler. 2. Tie-ins between a state ruler and a commoner. 3. Tie-ins between two commoners.

The next step was to reduce the number of tie-ins and genealogical units to workable proportions. Close to iooo tie-ins and I20 genealogical units were under consideration. What I wanted were the genealogical units which were the most comprehensive in terms of tie-ins: those having the most extensive network of tie-ins with other units. On the basis of a rough appraisal, I distinguished thirty units as the most extensive in correlation with other units. This narrowed the number of tie-ins to about 6oo. I further reduced the number of genealogical units by counting the tie-ins for each unit and isolating the fourteen units with the most tie-ins. These fourteen units were all ruling dynasties. Including Bunyoro and Buganda, they composed the core for a comprehensive Soga chronology.

The next step was the actual building of the chronology. I accepted Buganda as the core dynastic genealogy. I set this genealogy on the chart"8 that was devised for the chronology. I noted the known dates, most of them between i86o and I900. I then placed the Ganda-centered tie-ins on the chart, working back from i899. Each tie-in was marked with a horizontal arrow; the tie-in number was written next to the arrow; and the names of the rulers concerned were written at the points of the arrow. In all, twenty- four different rulers were tied-in with rulers of Buganda in the first seven generations counting back (Ganda generation reckoning). These twenty- four names were noted on the chart. As well, other known dates for particular rulers were added. Then I proceeded to add tie-ins which existed between these newly added names and other figures. I added each figure's name with a horizontal arrow and the tie-in number as described above.

For the first seven generations (Ganda reckoning) some sixty tie-ins were charted. These correlated more than fifty of the I75 rulers who comprised the fourteen dynasties over the seven generations (Ganda reckoning).

With the more than fifty tied-in names charted, I moved on to estimate their reign lengths and the reign lengths of those not tied-in. These estimates were based on evidence within the texts, such as a statement that a certain chief ruled for less than a year and was killed, and on the following criteria: i. A reign length or series of reign lengths had to be, at minimum, in coordination with the accepted tie-in data. 2. Where there was fraternal and collateral succession, the average length of reign of each figure in the range of collateral succession was shorter than the average reign of lineal succession. 3. The sum of reign lengths in a sequence of collateral succession was longer than the average reign of lineal succession. 4. Where it

18 See Fig. 4. I carried this particular construction back only to I710+?32 years (according to the average generation estimate for Buganda). This is the period of extensive correlation among the dynasties. Also, some seven dynasties of the fourteen considered here go back no further than this.




was evident that a ruler did not succeed at a great age, and, where there was no evidence that he was killed in war or in a dispute, the length of reign was longer than an average Ganda generation. With these criteria, I estimated roughly the points of reign-beginning and reign-end for each ruler. These points were noted on the chart. These points probably lie within the margins of error suggested by Professor Oliver.

Around this constructed core chronology for Busoga I constructed the chronologies of the subsidiary genealogies eliminated in the early stages of building this core chronology. The chronology was extended and adjusted for other genealogical units in Busoga. With this structure, all major events and persons were brought under the umbrella of the chronology, and rough dates could be suggested for particular figures and events.

SUMMARY

The character and quality of the available evidence on the pre-colonial history of the Interlacustrine region of East Africa limit the possibilities of applying any more than roughly estimated dates or eras to events and persons of the region's pre-colonial past. By pooling and comparing the available chronological evidence (genealogies and tie-ins) relating to the dynastic units of the region, one has the means to test the accuracy of the genealogical evidence as well as the evidence linking rulers in one dynasty with rulers in others. Such pooling permits a closer examination of the 'average dynastic generation' which is the most useful chronological measurement for the region's past and which is the basis for the existing chronological constructions. With the available eclipse and carbon dates, it is possible to build a reasonably estimated core chronology for the region on the basis of the average dynastic generation. This core chronology may be extended to include states and dynasties-such as those in Busoga-which are connected to the core through tie-ins but for which no eclipse or carbon dates are available. The 'average dynastic generation' is not a useful chronological measurement in those Soga states which are marked by extended fraternal and collateral succession. By working through the tie-ins which suggest contemporaneity between certain Soga rulers and rulers in the Interlacustrine core dynasties (particularly Buganda), it is possible to extend the central chronology, and therefore credibly estimated dates or eras, to events and persons throughout Busoga.



135

Kikulwe 238 Kairu

_ r_ Mwonciha rKyebambe 1 M Kakaire _ - - Najomi Gen. 7

Mawanda - _ - Kahanguzi - - _ 1737? 32 Nandhubu

Kiswiriri

Ngambani

Olimi1__ Nkenga Gen. 6 m Kirunda

Mwvanga I m Mutumba - - __ Namugala

Nhende Isiko

1764?30 Kyabaggu _ - Nkutu Mulondo - _ - _ Namubongo

ms Nkaye Kisozi Gen. 5

Mumesula Nanganni

Serwanga Menha Kibedi _ - _ -

Junju 5 Duhaga I d -Migero 1791 ?28 Juj Duaa Mulindwa ______ Olimi IV Wambuzi Semakokiro __ _m 442 _

554

537 Nalugoda Gen. 4

_______ 442_____ , ' '17D

.._44KisaWgirizi r. Wanume 5 Muinda 18 Isoba ____ - 442 Ntumba

538 . 1818?26 Kamanya Kyebambe Mukoova Obira - - _ _

iii ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bwoye _ _j. - _ _ _ _ _ _Mutyaba

Kigoigo _ Mbani Kiyemba Gen. 3

. 1836 Kamany' d Kiringa Waigulu _ _ _ yMad ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mukunya I

C Mulago 50 76 Kibubuka 248Wangubo

Suna 90_ _ _ Nabongo Kabusera 1845+24 C -90 550 _ 400

> Nabulagala Nyabongo

61 7 Muzetya

.20- ---a. __________ .~~~~~~~~~~. Wako I -42u_.

c. 1860 Suna d O V-.1, mp_ Gen. 2 C Nakatema - !a _ngc _ Pande Kemba

C Bbanda Kamurasi dNabongo - 1863 d 1865 C Nnakawa _ Jauswa -

Mutesa I 1870 d 248 '0 _ ___ Nkutu m 1870 C Nabulagala 276_ Ntengwe m Kyebambe 1872 22- C Kabodha Ntengwe _ Kitamwa

-)1875 C Lubags ______a ~ Kaunhe _ _____ 94- Daew 1879 Kkaundw 90 Dhatemwa 1882 CNabuIagaa ]-AZt-

-

18_ Mutesa 1 d Kabarega Kirunda Kiyuba Nkonte

1888 Mwanga 11 . _ air-u Nonte Kir Gen. I r _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ -

Kisira

Kalema Kirya Mpahulo Mwanga !I _ _ _ _ m_ ~ KGrm 1893 d_

d Nkulabwire

1897 Mwanga IT r Mutanda 1897 Mu-I-dr Kirya Mankati 1897 1898 d _C_hwaII______

_ _____r_ Nkolo 1899_

_ _ 189

Buganda Bunyoro Bukooli Bugweri Busiki Bukono Bulamogi .________ _Bufutulu

Fig. 4a



391 398 Kikulwe Ngobi Mau -9

372 r

Lume IIlbanda

Kiki lbanda Ngobi Ngobi 375

M.awanda, Kitimbo

Lufuka

Mwanga I m Namugala

Nhiro Kisoma 11 Lugwiri

Wakwiri Ksabaggu Mawerere

Kabega

Mlutyabule 97 Kaina Lubongebonge

.____ Kisuha _ Inhensiko Junju m Obo

Nandigobe _-28 - - _ _O bo Semakokiro Maiso Galya

Mukedi Kansani Izimba

Munulo 507 Nadiopem5 Mutlulo__Kagya ___ Tambula _

__a__g_y_ Nhiro Mawangwe

lbanda Kiturna 506 Kibugo Igodi _Kabaka Kamanya

__Namp__A_ _ 341 Wambuzi Mukalula

M Walube 342 Mpango -

Kiregeya Kyangwa _ _ -

c. 1836 Kamanya d

Nampala C Mulago Nampala ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~50 7

Ngirebi Karuy q Luhalira - -

Kagodad 1

Suna 9

K.airu - - - -409

__ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ 7_ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ .N b l g l 90 516 Kabolu Nkobe

-e

: Kakuku-abulagala

_

Unhi II Kabambwe Kibikibi e _1 m_: 426 Lume II KaFgo 62 4

Magaya c_-. Walulumba itanrike 5 ao

-- c. 1860 Suna d - - - - - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nzirakiindi t5 0

Nkwewembye l _ - Ibanda Nderi 52 523 C Nakatema

M pagi II N hago _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ C B banda Mpagi 11 Nhago ~ ~~~~404a -0 MTukube 525 Gwanotyo - Kadhuimbulai Kibalya 1865 C Nnakawa

Muwongwa - 63 Mutesa 1 Musuubo Kabugute f8___ _ _- 1870 C Nabutagata

Waiswa ,Wausansa m2 Nkofukaire Mudungu 526 C Kabodha

l1879CKikandwa Mwiru 4 4 - - - 1882 C Nabu agaIa

Otini Mutiibwa I884~~~.L _MuesaLd_ - - - - ~~~~~~tni -3, tiba-4 -

431 1888 Mwanga 11 532 - _ _ - Kisolo Gologolo 416 Oi _ _ _ 8 r-

Nhago , _ _ __ _ _ ; 1 9 r -: Kalema

Bazatnya Kyebambe ~----~~ ~wna BazAnya Kyebambe ~67 Mio ____ .___1894 d Nabwana 531 lwna1 Mukoova 67 Miro ---- --.8?1 Nbaa

1899 d Kaluba-Mulije 1897 Mwanga I r

.__________ ._C . . . . .hwa 11 Bunha Bukwanga Buima Buzimba Buzaaya Bugabula Luuka Buganda

Fig. 4b

Fig. 4. Soga chronology. Numbers refer to tie-ins. Arrows indicate tie-ins. - - - indicates estimated reign-ends and reign-beginnings. C = Capital site; m =

murdered; d = died; r = removed from office. Gen. numbers are Buganda generation estimates.



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