Bakiga or Kiga Culture and People

Bakiga or Kiga people are found in Western and South Western Uganda and Northern Rwanda. They are believed to have originated from Rwanda in Byumba and Ruhengeri and are believed to be descendants of Kakiga, son of Mbogo from the small clan of Bumbogo in Rwanda who later came to form the present Kigezi as a result of immigration. The ruling person among the Bakiga people was named Mukama and was reserved to be used in the ruling clan of the Bamuhutu who possess a lot of powers.

Kakiage was responsible for the formation of the Kiga people’s kingdom. There are many clans and sub-clans in the Kiga people tribe which majorly include Ba- Musigyi who were responsible for the defense of the king, Ba-Mungura where the king was supposed to be born, Ba-Kiganyiro, Ba-Muhutu, and Ba-Mungwe among others.

How the Culture was Formed?

Abakuru b’ekika were chosen by the clan to help administer justice and issue rules regarding their settings. Bakiga people are believed to settle around the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, Kihihi, and Rukungiri among others.

Uganda Cultural Safaris Tour

Bakiga people believed in one God before being taught about Christianity and Islam. They believed in one God as neither male nor female and the creator was referred to as Ruhanga. God is known through so many attributes whereby when associated with the power of the sun is called Kazooba Nyamuhanga and as a supreme elder and ruler of the universe are called Mukama.

Most Kiga people live in the fertile mountains and agriculture is the main activity being carried out. They have different clan heads who help in the organization of the community as well as helping people to keep law and order amongst themselves. Bakiga people participate in different activities and their traditional dance is practiced using a lot of energy.

Bakiga people or Kiga are very developmental people and love learning new things as well as enjoying life.

They used to make a local brew traditionally known as Omuramba and people would enjoy it by sitting around the drinking pot with straws inserted in the pot. Marriage and virginity was important aspect among the Bakiga people in that a girl who would get pregnant before marriage would be thrown on an isolated place to die for example the punishment island in Lake Bunyonyi was commonly known as a spot for the girls who lost their virginity before the marriage.

Uganda Cultural Safaris Tour

They would be thrown here to starve and die. Another spot was the Kisiizi falls in the Rukungiri district.

Marriage was presided over by the elders of the clan. A man marrying a Kiga lady would be tasked to first pay the bride price before taking the woman away from her parents. This included cows, goats, sheep, and hoes. After paying the dowry, a traditional function commonly known as ‘Okuhingyira” would take place and from there the girl would be allowed to go with the man to his home officially.

A drum was commonly known as a source of communication among the Bakiga people for example if a person died, a person would be tasked to beat the drum to communicate to different villages about the sudden news.

Communual Work Among the Kiga People

Work was done communally among the Bakiga people as men and women would engage in clearing bushes and planting crops. They also made beehives and hence kept bees for honey. Bakiga people were also blacksmiths as they practiced making hoes, spears, knives, and other related materials. They used to live in grass-thatched houses made out of papyrus and the inside would be smeared with cow dung.

Bakiga people are believed to have been born warriors, strong and hardworking people. Bakiga people also hold an annual cultural event dubbed “Bakiga people Nation” and this teaches more about their culture and entertainment as well. For more information about the culture of the Bakiga people, book with us for a memorable experience.

Uganda Cultural Safaris Tour

Proposed Uganda Safaris Tour Holidays

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.