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Those Who Came Before Us

David Ibanda | African History & Pre-colonial Narratives 37 Episodes May 9, 2026

This podcast takes listeners on an immersive journey through African history, focusing on the oral traditions and pre-colonial kingdoms of East Africa's Great Lakes region. Episodes explore the histories of Buganda and Bunyoro, the legendary Bachwezi, and the spiritual world of Lake Victoria. The show blends historical narrative with myth to capture the emotional and cultural life of the region. Its mission is to preserve the memories, fears, and ambitions of East African ancestors through storytelling. New episodes continue to delve into African mythology and the hidden histories of pre-colonial East Africa.

Episodes

African Spiritual Warfare: How Horns Protected and Attacked in the Great Lakes May 9, 2026 1135 Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the role of horns in spiritual practice across kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, and Busoga.Often filled, sealed, and carried, these horns were believed to contain forces that could protect individuals from harm but also act against others.Moving beyond simple explanations, this episode looks at how these practices reflect a broader worldview: one in which

The Envoys Who Saw the World: The Story I Didn’t Say Mar 20, 2026 1694 Send us Fan MailThis is the story I didn’t say.In the main episode, I focused on what the envoys meant to Buganda. Here, I slow things down and follow their journey step by step from the Nile, through Sudan, into Egypt, and eventually to England.This is a closer look at the places they passed through, the people they encountered, and the world they were trying to make sense of.If you want to go de

Kabaka Muteesa I’s 1879 Mission to London: Survival Diplomacy in Buganda Mar 15, 2026 2859 Send us Fan MailBy 1879, the kingdom of Buganda found itself caught in the expanding shadow of empire. To the north, Egyptian forces were pushing deeper into the Upper Nile, threatening to extend their authority toward the Great Lakes.In this episode of Those Who Came Before Us, we explore how Kabaka Muteesa I responded to this growing danger. Facing the possibility of Egyptian domination, the Kab

Master of the Waves: Mukasa, God of Lake Victoria Feb 15, 2026 1271 Send us Fan MailLake Victoria has always been more than geography. For the people who lived along its shores in Buganda and across the Great Lakes region, it was a living domain capable of taking life without warning, yet sustaining entire communities.In this episode, we explore Mukasa, the spirit of the lake whose power touched every layer of life: food, labor, kingship, fertility, and the sacred

A Spirit World Pretending to Be a Lake: The Serpent Spirits of Lake Victoria in African Mythology Feb 1, 2026 490 Send us Fan MailThe world’s second-largest freshwater lake is more than a body of water. It is a boundary. For those who lived along its shores in East Africa, Lake Victoria was shaped by unseen presence—spirits, serpents, and forces that governed life, death, and survival.In this episode, we explore Lukwata and the serpent world beneath the waters. These were not just myths, but part of a spiritu

At the Edge of Buganda: Why James Hannington Turned Back (Part 5) Dec 3, 2025 867 Send us Fan MailAt Kagei the crucial port on the southern shore of Lake Victoria and the main gateway to Buganda by canoe, James Hannington finally steps free after his detention by King Romwa of Buzinza. But just as the last stretch of his journey comes into view, sickness overwhelms him. Too weak to continue , Hannington realizes his long-awaited mission is slipping away. Buganda lies just acros

Canoes, Cloth, and Conflict: The Wary King Romwa (Hannington Part 4) Nov 20, 2025 686 Send us Fan MailAfter a brutal trek across the interior, James Hannington and two fellow missionaries finally reach the lands of Romwa of Buzinza, exhausted, sick, and desperate for canoes to cross Lake Victoria. But with empty hands and no tribute to offer, they quickly learn that Romwa is no simple chief. He is a wary monarch guarding his sovereignty in a world where strangers mean danger… and n

The Shadow of Mirambo: King on the Caravan Road (Hannington Part 3) Nov 12, 2025 856 Send us Fan MailFrail and fevered, James Hannington reaches the caravan’s camp only to find them seized by dread. Beyond the horizon lies Mirambo’s domain, a land few dare to cross. His name moves through Central Africa like a storm: the warrior-king who defied the Arabs and reshaped the trade routes. When the caravan finally leaves Uyui without him, they are forced to turn back. And when they re

Dust, Fever, and Bitter Water: Across the Ugogo Plains (Hannington Part 2) Nov 5, 2025 893 Send us Fan MailThe missionary James Hannington crosses the harsh Ugogo Plains of Tanzania’s Dodoma region, home of the Wagogo people. Battling wind, dust, and disease, his faith is tested in one of the most unforgiving stretches of the 19th-century East African caravan routes.Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/twcbuchanncYoutube video link: https://youtu.be/lKSKkwjdBJQ SourcesA

Into the Interior: The Road to the Kingdom of Buganda (Hannington Part 1) Oct 29, 2025 1316 Send us Fan MailToday marks 140 years since the death of Bishop James Hannington of the Church Missionary Society, killed on his way to the Buganda Kingdom on October 29, 1885.What many don’t realize is that this was actually his second attempt to reach Buganda. By then, the kingdom had become a prime destination for European explorers, missionaries, and Arab traders especially after H. M. Stanley

Enkai: The God Who Changes Color Sep 30, 2025 1290 Send us Fan MailEnkai is the creator god of the Maasai people. He reveals himself in three colors: white, red, and black. Among them, red and black speak the loudest.Inspired by the oral traditions of the Maasai, this episode follows a lone Maasai woman as she offers a series of prayers, pleas for life, for mercy, for a child. Her voice becomes a bridge between the earthly and the divine.The story

Dead Kings, Alive Wives: The Royal Women of Kasubi Tombs Aug 31, 2025 808 Send us Fan MailThe king may be gone but his wives remain.At the royal tombs of Kasubi, a small community of women continues to serve long after death. They are the royal widows of Buganda: chosen from different clans, bound to the king in life… and still present in his death.From sweeping the tombs to preparing rituals, they carry out their roles with quiet dignity. Not as relics of the past, but

Kasubi Tombs: Palace, Power, and the Afterlife of Buganda Kings Jul 31, 2025 1012 Send us Fan MailWhat if a king never truly dies? In Buganda, power doesn’t end with a funeral. It transforms.Today, the royal palace is modern, more European in design than ancestral. But at the Kasubi Tombs, the old world still breathes. This episode traces how the king’s presence moved from palace to tomb, how his body became spirit, and how his home became sacred ground. We step inside a world

The Cannibal Night Dancer | African Book of Monsters, Episode 2 Feb 13, 2025 2922 Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I dive into the chilling legends of the cannibal night dancer said to feast on human flesh and embody the darkest fears of African folklore. But beyond the myths, how did accusations of cannibalism shape perceptions of morality, justice, and otherness? I explore the psychology behind these stories, the real-life consequences of being labeled a night dancer, and how

Prankster Witch of the Night: The Night Dancer Jan 4, 2025 2309 Send us Fan MailIn this debut episode of the African Book of Monsters series, we unravel the haunting legend of the night dancer. What makes these figures so feared across communities? And what deeper truths do their stories reveal about the societies they haunt?Join me for a blend of history, mythology, and cultural insight as I explore the night dancer’s place in African folklore. Whether you’re

The God of Death Muteesa and the Buganda Martyrs of 1875/76. Oct 5, 2024 3240 Send us Fan MailThe Uganda Martyrs incident that resulted in the deaths of 45 christian converts in 1886 is widely known to christians worldwide.Unbeknownst to many, there is another martyrdom incident that occurred 10 or so years prior. In fact, there are 2 events that interestingly happened around the same time. These obscure episodes in Buganda and African history ironically feed into each oth

The "Meat Giver" King & The Forgotten Micro-Kingdoms of Busiki & Busambira Jul 9, 2024 1422 Send us Fan MailExplore the history of the Busiki and Busambira states, two forgotten micro-kingdoms of pre-colonial Uganda. While most Busoga states were ruled by the AbaiseNgobi, these two nations were led by the lesser-known AbaiseIgaga clan.In this episode of "Those Who Came Before Us," we trace their journey from their founder the legendary "Meat Giver" Nemwe, through thei

The Matriarchs of Uganda: Stories from the Precolonial Era May 13, 2024 1550 Send us Fan MailHappy Mother's day to all mothers in the world. Queen - Mothers were vital to the power structures of the intralacustrine region. They were often the rallying points around which clans gathered to defend their candidate of choice. Here is a list of 5 pre-colonial Queen-Mothers of Uganda. Enjoy!!SourcesBugandaLaurence Schiller, “The Royal Women of Buganda” The International J

Sibling States: The Forgotten Micro-Kingdoms of Bulamogi and Bukono Apr 22, 2024 1657 Send us Fan MailIn this installment of "Those Who Came Before Us," we explore the intertwined pre-colonial histories of Bulamogi and Bukono. These are not just neighbouring states; they are "sibling states" founded by the AbaiseNgobi—the royal clan whose lineage defined the sovereignty of Busoga.Tracing their journey up to 1900, we dive into the unique bond between these two ho

The King of Spikes & The Defiant Cattle Keeper: Origins of The Forgotten Micro-Kingdom of Bukooli. Apr 1, 2024 2801 Send us Fan MailWhile other states sought only to survive, Bukooli sought to dominate. Located at the strategic crossroads of the East, the AbaiseWakooli clan didn't just rule a territory, they guarded a gateway. In this episode, we unpack the high-stakes history of a kingdom that refused to stay small. We trace the lineage back to Okali, the brother of Kakaire (Ep. 3), and examine the two cl

The King Who Refused to Rule: The Forgotten Micro-Kingdom of Bugweri Mar 20, 2023 965 Send us Fan MailDiscover the hidden history of Bugweri, a powerful pre-colonial micro-kingdom within the modern-day Busoga region of Uganda. In this episode of "Those Who Came Before Us," we trace the rise of the AbaiseMenha clan and their legendary founder, Kakaire.In the 18th century, Kakaire arrived from the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, carrying the divine authority of the Mukama. We explo

Busoga Folklore: The Leopard that thought he was too clever. Mar 9, 2023 191 Send us Fan MailThis is a morbid cautionary tale from Busoga in Uganda. It was told by Christopher Baseuse from the AbaiseKiranda clan. It was recorded by historian David Cohen at Baseuse's home on 7 October 1966.Follow me onInstagram at twcbupodTiktok at ThoseWhoCameBeforeUsTwitter at ThoseWhoCameBeforeUsWatch the Youtube version at the link below.https://youtu.be/TKlc2SDHiRw

The Bamboo Prince - Ibanda: Rise of the Forgotten Micro-Kingdom of Buzimba-Kigulu Mar 2, 2023 1937 Send us Fan MailWas the founder of the Kigulu dynasty born among the bamboo? In this episode, we journey to the heart of Busoga to uncover the history of the AbaiseNgobi of Kigulu (formerly Buzimba).We follow the story of Prince Ibanda Ngobi, the "Bamboo Prince" and examine how a group of incoming Luo migrants integrated with the indigenous populations to create one of the most powerful

Busoga Folklore: Why the Monkey and Elephant are friends Feb 24, 2023 172 Send us Fan MailThis story is based on the folklore called "The famine" which was collected by Mrs George Baskerville. I think the name change is more fitting. lol.The name of the book it was published in is called "The Flame Tree and other folklore."Like and Subcribe.Check out my instagram page @twcbupod and Youtube channel for the video version.https://youtu.be/S64Z0Dfmj3II a

Kintu vs. Mukama: The Founders of The Forgotten Micro-Kingdoms of Busoga Oct 20, 2022 1355 Send us Fan MailBefore the modern borders of Eastern Uganda were drawn, there was a land of 68 states known as Busoga. Today, it stands as one of Uganda's five major monarchies. But how did it all begin?In this premiere episode of our series, we journey back to the pre-colonial foundations of this sacred land. We explore the legendary "Two Fathers" of Busoga: Kintu and Mukama. Were

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Pre-colonial Warfare Feb 8, 2022 3489 Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, we talk about the military of the pre-colonial African kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara. For most of its history, Bunyoro did not have a standing army. Instead, they relied on the common man to take up arms when called upon by his chiefs. These armies were called Obwesengeze.That was until the 1870s when Kabaleega created the Abarusura army, a force dedicated to the p

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: The Kubandwa Religion Jan 3, 2022 2362 Send us Fan MailBefore the arrival of Christianity and Islam, the religion of Kubandwa was an East African spirit possession faith practiced by many groups in the great lakes region. It is still practiced today to a much smaller degree and has a terrible/unfair reputation of witchcraft like other indigenous african religions. In this episode, I discuss what the religion must’ve looked like in Pre-

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Pre-Colonial Bunyoro Society Sep 21, 2021 2739 Send us Fan MailThis episode is an attempt to reconstruct the pre-colonial society of Bunyoro. I discuss their clans, livelihoods, marriage and justice etc. Please note that the information presented was collected during the colonial period in Uganda. Therefore it is impossible to say with absolute certainty that everything was exactly the same as in pre-colonial times. Enjoy.PS: Banyoro, please

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Pre-colonial Authority Jul 2, 2021 1851 Send us Fan MailThe following episode is an examination of the kingship and authority in the pre-colonial Bunyoro state. SourcesJohn Beattie, Bunyoro; An African Kingdom (New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston Inc, 1960) p181, J.W. Nyakatura, Anatomy of an African Kingdom (New York: Nok Publishers, 1973) p26Yolamu Ndoleriire Nsamba, Mystique In Sovereign Headgear (Wandsbeck: Reach Publishers, 2016),

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Bunyoro in the Colonial Era Oct 12, 2020 4306 Send us Fan MailGreat Britain succeeded in forcing the submission of Bunyoro after the 1890's war of conquest.In their wake was left an utterly dejected people who struggled more than their regional counterparts to adapt to the new status quo.Their undeserved bad reputation plus their resistance of almost a decade, was reason enough to punish them for a war that had cost the invaders a lot of

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Kabalega Sep 18, 2020 4384 Send us Fan MailThe death of Omukama(King) Kamurasi in 1869 triggered the customary succession war between 2 of his sons Kabigumire and Kabaleega. The latter won the duel and went on to be Bunyoro’s greatest king. He initiated new political and military reforms unlike anything the kingdom had seen before.Under him, Bunyoro began to regain the strength that it had been losing over the past century.

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: The Babiito and decline in Bunyoro Sep 2, 2020 2646 Send us Fan MailAfter the collapse of the Bachwezi empire, the Babiito took over as Bunyoro’s 3rd dynasty in the 16th Century. The precise year this happened is hard to pin down. However, the Babiito began their kingship differently from their predecessors. While the Bachwezi and Batembuzi were both healers and politicians, the Babiito stayed away from the ritual side of things. Their rule extende

Black Lives Matter : The African Context Aug 19, 2020 2614 Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss police brutality in Africa. A slight detour from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara series. #BLACKLIVESMATTER SourcesGlasman,Joel. 2017. What is the Concept of Professionalization Good For? An Argument From Late Colonialism. Police in Africa:The S

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: The Bachwezi Identity Aug 5, 2020 2220 Send us Fan MailThe Bachwezi attract a lot of attention because of their grandiose claim of an empire.Many theories abound of their supposed identity. Were they Banyoro? Were they Portuguese? Egyptian? Greeks? Or simply a figment of a society’s imagination.The answer is of course much closer to home. Join me in this episode as I talk about the real history behind the Bachwezi.Kitara map linkhttps:

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Rise of the Bachwezi Jul 22, 2020 1605 Send us Fan MailThe Bachwezi are the second dynasty in Bunyoro-Kitara's history. This family is the most revered due to the fact that they are credited with the creation of the legendary empire of Kitara.In this episode, we'll talk about the Bachwezi as told by Bunyoro oral tradition.Their stories have it all,1, Family drama -check2, Forbidden love - check3, Prophecies - check check che

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: Isaza's Lessons Jul 8, 2020 1628 Send us Fan MailWelcome to the second episode of the show "Those Who Came Before Us".We continue the history of this ancient kingdom with the story of Isaza, the last king of the Batembuzi. It's a popular tale about the importance of respect for the elders. In this episode, I not only tell you Isaza's story but also reveal the real history behind this folklore. Enjoy!! Hosted

The Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara: In the Beginning Jun 24, 2020 1314 Send us Fan MailBunyoro-Kitara is a prestigious kingdom in Uganda. One that is said to be the heir to the legendary empire of Kitara. Join me, as I go through the birth of this esteemed kingdom that is known as the father of all kings in the African great lakes region.

Those Who Came Before Us

Episodes

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