Abarusura and Obwesengeze

THE DIVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL ARMY [ABARUSURA] AND THE PROVINCIAL OR COUNTY ARMIES [OBWESENGEZE]

A national army was created by Omukama Chwa II Kabalega. It consisted of brave men whom he named Abarusura . This army was divided into different divisions.

These are the divisions and the names of their leaders:

1. EKIDOKA: Was under Kyamuhangire Ruhimbya, son of Majara
2. EKIHUKYA: Was under Rusongoza, son of Byontabara and later on under Muhenda Ruhanika, son of Komubigo
3· EKIPOROPYO: Was led by Kajuraof the Badoli clan, He was killed during the war with Buganda, Known as the Benga War.
4. EKIGWRA: Was under Kabagambe, son of Itera. This was charged with the defense of the Busoga, Bukidi, and Buganda borders
5. EKIKABYA: Was under Rukara, son of Kabaseke.
6. EKIHAMBYA: Was under Rwabudongo. He was also the Treasurer(omukeeto) during Kabalega’s reign. He is the father of Yonasani Wamara , the father of Akio Kamese.
7. EKIBANGYA: This was first under Katalikabu, son of Byamu’ and when he was discharged from the army, his battalion on was given to Rwansambya.
8. EKIRWANA: Was under Saza Chief Ireeta, son of Byangombe: This was charged with the defense of the Congo
9. EKIBANJA: Was under Saza Chief Kikukuule, son of Runego. It was charged with the defense of the border between Buganda and Bugangaizi. He had also his own county(saza) army.
10. EKIBALE: Was under Saza Chief Nyakamatura son of Nyakatura. This division was stationed in the heart of Bunyoro.
11. EKITALYA: was under Kasabe son of Rujoimoza.. It was charged with the defense of Mwenge.
12. EKIKWYA: Was first .under Rwamukikabut was taken away from him and grven to Kiiza, son of Iteka, his chief.
13. EKIHAGURA: was led by Dona Kabejweka [the father of Martin Mukidi].
14. EKITIKYA: was first under Kibego, son of Mucokoco, and then given to Bikanga Kahuzi, son of Nyamugobwa.
15. EKISIGURA: was under Mucokoco, son of Ndinga. These last three [13: 15] were subsections of Rwabudongo’s Ekihambya. There were many other subsections of the first ten [1: 10] ebitongole o£ the Abarusura, which were in fact the major divisions of this national army.

Battalions of the Provincial or County Armies (Obwesengeze)

There were other minor armies which belonged to the saza chiefs and the generals of the Abarusura.
They were divided into the following battalions:

1. EKITANDA: belonged to Rwabudongo and was led by Tibakunirwa, a Muganda.
2. EKITASA: also belonged to Rwabudongo, and was led by Byendaimira, son of Nkumale.
3. EKIROHOZA: also belonged to Rwabudongo and was led by Mika Fataki, a Musoga.
4. EKIHINDA: also belonged to Rwabudongo, and was led by Sayi, a Nubian.
5. EKITALESA: belonged to Saza Chief Mugarra Ndunga, son of Kabwijamu of the Banyonza clan. There were many others besides these.

The above were the divisions of the Abruusura who defended the kingdom of Kitara and its provinces: such as Bukidi, Ganyi, and Bulega: and suppressed any rebels who revolted against Kabalega. Now, the younger generation may wonder how Kitara lost its prestige, honor, and its extensive areas between 1891 and 1900. But do not forget our proverb which says: Abasaija bali nke’ngesa, singurwa zimara zihumbuka, “Men are like eagles which fall and then rise again.”This is to say that with your hard work, and perseverance, we would not fail to restore our kingdom to its past glory so that the future generation can also visualize its former greatness. Everyone should try to do his best and should not belittle the little things he does for his country, for, as our proverb says: “He who uses the only spear he has, is not a coward.”

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