Uganda’s Bunyoro-Kitara, or simply Bunyoro,

Uganda’s Bunyoro-Kitara, or simply Bunyoro, used to be one of the strongest and most affluential kingdoms in Central and East Africa between the 14th to 19th centuries.

The Kingdom of Bunyoro was established in the early 14thcentury by Rukidi Mpuuga after the dissolution of the Chwezi Empire (AKA the Kitara Dynasty). Mpuuga was the first Biito Omukama (Nyoro for king) of the kingdom, part of a dynasty known as the Babiito. His twin brother Kato Kimera was also the first Biito king of neighbouring Buganda.

Bunyoro was advanced in science and innovation, being the first known region in the world where Caesarean sections were performed. The Banyoro (people of Bunyoro) also discovered the cure for sleeping sickness.

The Bunyoro military, infamously known as the Barusura, were more skilled at using the imported firearms than their neighbours. The Banyoro were also able to make their own weaponry since they had the highest quality of metallurgy in the region. In fact, the blacksmith of the formidable Omukama Chwa II Kabalega had a knack for replicating European guns and so manufactured Kabalega’s famous “Bagwugarebata” gun. Kabalega, Bunyoro’s 23rd Omukama from the Babiito Dynasty, ascended the throne in 1869 and led his people to a number of victories.

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