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|national_motto =
|national_motto =
|national_anthem = [[Ensi Nkore|'Ensi Nkore, Ensi Nkore']]
|national_anthem = [[Ensi Nkore|'Ensi Nkore, Ensi Nkore']]
|common_languages = [[Nkole language|Runyankole]]
|common_languages = [[Nkole language|Runyankole]], [[English language|English]]
|government_type = [[Constitutional monarchy]]
|government_type = [[Constitutional monarchy]]
| title_leader = [[Omugabe]]
| title_leader = [[Omugabe]]
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|leader2 = Gasiyonga II <small>(last)</small>
|leader2 = Gasiyonga II <small>(last)</small>
|year_leader2 = 1944–1967
|year_leader2 = 1944–1967
|leader3 = Elison Karuhanga
|leader3 = Charles Rwebishengye
|year_leader3 = 2011–present
|year_leader3 = 2011–present
|title_deputy = [[Enganzi]]
|title_deputy = [[Enganzi]]
|deputy1 = James Kahigiriza <small>(last)</small><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=Ankole monarchists’ two decade battle for restoration of kingdom |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/ankole-monarchists-two-decade-battle-for-restoration-of-kingdom-1526082 |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref>
|deputy1 = James Kahigiriza <small>(last)</small><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=Ankole monarchists' two decade battle for restoration of kingdom |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/ankole-monarchists-two-decade-battle-for-restoration-of-kingdom-1526082 |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref>
|year_deputy1 = ?–1967
|year_deputy1 = ?–1967
|deputy2 = William Katatumba <small>(unofficial)</small><ref name=":1" />
|deputy2 = William Katatumba <small>(unofficial)</small><ref name=":1" />
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|HDI =
|HDI =
|HDI_year =
|HDI_year =
|today = }}
|today =
|coordinates = {{WikidataCoord|display=inline,title}}
}}


'''Ankole''' ([[Nkore language|Runyankore]]: ''Nkore''), was a traditional [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] kingdom in [[Uganda]] and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of [[Lake Edward]].
'''Ankole''' was a traditional [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] kingdom in [[Uganda]] and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of [[Lake Edward]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-06 |title=THE BANYANKOLE {{!}} Uganda Travel Guide |url=http://www.ugandatravelguide.com/ankole-culture.html |access-date=2024-02-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nkole]


==History==
==History==
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=== Under the Empire of Kitara ===
=== Under the Empire of Kitara ===
Before the collapse of the [[Empire of Kitara]] in the 15th century, Ankole, or as it was known back then, Karo-Karungi ‘the good millet’, was a small and remote area on the edges of the empire.<ref name=":Early State">{{Cite book |title=The Early State |publisher=[[De Gruyter]] |year=2011 |isbn=9783110813326 |pages=132–134}}</ref>
Before the collapse of the [[Empire of Kitara]], Ankole, or as it was known back then, Kaaro-Karungi ‘the good village’, was a small and remote area on the edges of the empire.<ref name=":Early State">{{Cite book |title=The Early State |publisher=[[De Gruyter]] |year=2011 |isbn=9783110813326 |pages=132–134}}</ref>


=== Founding ===
=== Founding ===
According to legend, the first (and semi-legendary)<ref name=":Early State" /> king of Ankole, [[Ruhinda of Ankole|Ruhinda Rwa Njunaki]], was born as the illegitimate<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Ruhinda and Foundation of Ankole and Karagwe – Bunyoro-Kitara USA |url=http://www.bunyorokitarausa.org/posts/the-legend-of-ruhinda-and-foundation-of-ankole-and-karagwe/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> son of Wamara<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Kasule |first=Joseph |title=Historical Dictionary of Uganda |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |year=2022 |isbn=9781538141755 |edition=2nd |pages=19}}</ref> (or Ndahura),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Briggs |first=Philip |title=Uganda |last2=Roberts |first2=Andrew |publisher=[[Bradt Travel Guides]] |year=2010 |isbn=9781841623092 |pages=9}}</ref> the last emperor of the [[Empire of Kitara]]. His mother was known as Njunaki and was a servant in the king's palace. During the collapse of the empire, the throne was usurped by the [[Bunyoro]] and Wamara was forced to flee to [[Ntusi]] where he formed his new capital with a group of Bahima followers. Ruhinda was left behind and disguised as the keeper of the royal drum. After a while, Ruhinda fled the capital with some [[regalia]] and joined his father in Ntusi.<ref name=":2" />
According to legend, the first (and semi-legendary)<ref name=":Early State" /> king of Ankole, [[Ruhinda of Ankole|Ruhinda Rwa Njunaki]], was born as the illegitimate<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Ruhinda and Foundation of Ankole and Karagwe – Bunyoro-Kitara USA |url=http://www.bunyorokitarausa.org/posts/the-legend-of-ruhinda-and-foundation-of-ankole-and-karagwe/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> son of Wamara<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Kasule |first=Joseph |title=Historical Dictionary of Uganda |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |year=2022 |isbn=9781538141755 |edition=2nd |pages=19}}</ref> (or Ndahura),<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Briggs |first1=Philip |title=Uganda |last2=Roberts |first2=Andrew |publisher=[[Bradt Travel Guides]] |year=2010 |isbn=9781841623092 |pages=9}}</ref> the last emperor of the [[Empire of Kitara]]. His mother was known as Njunaki and was a servant in the king's palace. During the collapse of the empire, the throne was usurped by the [[Bunyoro]] and Wamara was forced to flee to [[Ntusi]] where he formed his new capital with a group of Bahima followers. Ruhinda was left behind and disguised as the keeper of the royal drum. After a while, Ruhinda fled the capital with some [[regalia]] and joined his father in Ntusi.<ref name=":2" />


Eventually, Ruhinda left with a group of followers on an expedition to [[Buzinza]]<ref name=":2" /> and [[Karagwe District|Karagwe]],<ref name=":Early State" /><ref name=":2" /> where he, according to some sources, conquered pre-existing agricultural authorities, establishing the [[Kingdom of Karagwe]].<ref name=":Early State" /> While he was gone, Ntusi was raided by invaders (most likely the Bunyoro to get back the regalia), killing Wamara and most of the people living there. When Ruhinda returned, he found that only his mother and older brother were alive. He took them and escaped to what was to become Nkore.<ref name=":2" />
Eventually, Ruhinda left with a group of followers on an expedition to [[Buzinza]]<ref name=":2" /> and [[Karagwe District|Karagwe]],<ref name=":Early State" /><ref name=":2" /> where he, according to some sources, conquered pre-existing agricultural authorities, establishing the [[Kingdom of Karagwe]].<ref name=":Early State" /> While he was gone, Ntusi was raided by invaders (most likely the Bunyoro to get back the regalia), killing Wamara and most of the people living there. When Ruhinda returned, he found that only his mother and older brother were alive. He took them and escaped to what was to become Nkore.<ref name=":2" />
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=== Pre-colonial ethnic relations in Ankole ===
=== Pre-colonial ethnic relations in Ankole ===
⚫
The pastoralist [[Hima people|Hima]] (also known as Bahima) established dominion over the agricultural [[Iru people|Iru]] (also known as Bairu) some time before the nineteenth century.<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Uganda: a country study|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/92000513/|last=Byrnes|first=Rita M.|date=1992|editor-last=Byrnes|editor-first=Rita M.|edition=2nd|pages=59–60|isbn=0-8444-0749-6|oclc=25831693|postscript=. {{PD-notice}}|entry=Banyankole}}</ref> The Hima and Iru established close relations based on trade and symbolic recognition, but they were unequal partners in these relations.<ref name=":0" /> The Iru were legally and socially inferior to the Hima, and the symbol of this inequality was [[cattle]], which only the Hima could own.<ref name=":0" /> The two groups retained their separate identities through rules prohibiting intermarriage and, when such marriages occurred, making them invalid.<ref name=":0" />


⚫
The kingdom of Ankole expanded by annexing territory to the south and east.<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Uganda: a country study|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/92000513/|last=Byrnes|first=Rita M.|date=1992|editor-last=Byrnes|editor-first=Rita M.|edition=2nd|pages=59–60|isbn=0-8444-0749-6|oclc=25831693|postscript=. {{PD-notice}}|entry=Banyankole}}</ref> In many cases, conquered herders were incorporated into the dominant Hima stratum of society, and agricultural populations were adopted as Iru or slaves and treated as legal inferiors.<ref name=":0" /> Neither group could own cattle, and slaves could not herd cattle owned by the Hima.<ref name=":0" />
The Hima provided cattle products that otherwise would not have been available to Iru farmers.<ref name=":0" /> Because the Hima population was much smaller than the Iru population, gifts and tribute demanded by the Hima could be supplied fairly easily.<ref name=":0" /> These factors probably made Hima-Iru relations tolerable, but they were nonetheless reinforced by the superior military organization and training of the Hima.<ref name=":0" />

The kingdom of Ankole expanded by annexing territory to the south and east.<ref name=":0" /> In many cases, conquered herders were incorporated into the dominant Hima stratum of society, and agricultural populations were adopted as Iru or slaves and treated as legal inferiors.<ref name=":0" /> Neither group could own cattle, and slaves could not herd cattle owned by the Hima.<ref name=":0" />


Ankole society evolved into a system of ranked statuses, where even among the cattle-owning elite, patron-client ties were important in maintaining social order. Men gave cattle to the king (mugabe) to demonstrate their loyalty and to mark life-cycle changes or victories in [[cattle raiding]].<ref name=":0" /> This loyalty was often tested by the king's demands for cattle or for military service.<ref name=":0" /> In return for homage and military service, a man received protection from the king, both from external enemies and from factional disputes with other cattle owners.<ref name=":0" />
Ankole society evolved into a system of ranked statuses, where even among the cattle-owning elite, patron-client ties were important in maintaining social order. Men gave cattle to the king (mugabe) to demonstrate their loyalty and to mark life-cycle changes or victories in [[cattle raiding]].<ref name=":0" /> This loyalty was often tested by the king's demands for cattle or for military service.<ref name=":0" /> In return for homage and military service, a man received protection from the king, both from external enemies and from factional disputes with other cattle owners.<ref name=":0" />
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A number of social pressures worked to destroy Hima domination of Ankole.<ref name=":0" /> [[Miscegenation]] took place despite prohibitions on intermarriage, and children of these unions (abambari) often demanded their rights as cattle owners, leading to feuding and cattle-raiding.<ref name=":0" /> From what is present-day [[Rwanda]] groups launched repeated attacks against the Hima during the nineteenth century.<ref name=":0" /> To counteract these pressures, several Hima warlords recruited Iru men into their armies to protect the southern borders of Ankole.<ref name=":0" />
A number of social pressures worked to destroy Hima domination of Ankole.<ref name=":0" /> [[Miscegenation]] took place despite prohibitions on intermarriage, and children of these unions (abambari) often demanded their rights as cattle owners, leading to feuding and cattle-raiding.<ref name=":0" /> From what is present-day [[Rwanda]] groups launched repeated attacks against the Hima during the nineteenth century.<ref name=":0" /> To counteract these pressures, several Hima warlords recruited Iru men into their armies to protect the southern borders of Ankole.<ref name=":0" />


Banyankore trace their ancestors back to the Bairu and the Bahima subgroup.<ref name="Runyakore">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 January 2021|title=Runyakore History and Culture|url=https://nalrc.indiana.edu/doc/brochures/runyankore.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Runyakore L&C}}</ref>
Banyankore trace their ancestors back to the Bairu and the Bahima subgroup.<ref name="Runyakore">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 January 2021|title=Runyakore History and Culture|url=https://nalrc.indiana.edu/doc/brochures/runyankore.pdf|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Runyakore L&C}}</ref>


===Colonial and post-colonial periods===
===Colonial and post-colonial periods===
[[File:Royal Palace of Nkore 04.jpg|thumb|300px|Royal Palace of Nkore, abandoned in 1967]]


On 25 October 1901, the Kingdom of Nkore was incorporated into the British [[Uganda Protectorate|Protectorate of Uganda]] by the signing of the Ankole agreement.<ref>[http://www.kituochakatiba.org/sites/default/files/legal-resources/THE%20ANKOLE%20AGREEMENT%201901.pdf The Ankole Agreement 1901<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On 25 October 1901, the Kingdom of Nkore was incorporated into the British [[Uganda Protectorate|Protectorate of Uganda]] by the signing of the Ankole agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kituochakatiba.org/sites/default/files/legal-resources/THE%20ANKOLE%20AGREEMENT%201901.pdf |title=The Ankole Agreement 1901<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2014-10-12 |archive-date=2019-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112062245/http://www.kituochakatiba.org/sites/default/files/legal-resources/THE%20ANKOLE%20AGREEMENT%201901.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The kingdom was formally abolished in 1967 by the government of President [[Milton Obote]], and since then, the kingdom has not been restored officially.<ref>[http://www.ugandaobserver.com/new/archives/2005arch/features/interview/apr/int200503311.php The Observer Media Ltd. :: The Weekly Observer :: Uganda's Top Resource site<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203235759/http://www.ugandaobserver.com/new/archives/2005arch/features/interview/apr/int200503311.php | date=3 December 2007 }}</ref>
The kingdom was formally abolished in 1967 by the government of President [[Milton Obote]], and since then, the kingdom has not been restored officially.<ref>[http://www.ugandaobserver.com/new/archives/2005arch/features/interview/apr/int200503311.php The Observer Media Ltd. :: The Weekly Observer :: Uganda's Top Resource site<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203235759/http://www.ugandaobserver.com/new/archives/2005arch/features/interview/apr/int200503311.php | date=3 December 2007 }}</ref>
[[File:Mugaba Palace Heritage Site 05.jpg|thumb|The now renovated Palace of the Omugabe]]

Because of the reorganisation of the country by [[Idi Amin]], Ankole no longer exists as an administrative unit. It is divided into ten districts, namely: [[Bushenyi District]], [[Buhweju District]], [[Mitooma District]], [[Rubirizi District]], [[Sheema District]], [[Ntungamo District]], [[Mbarara District]], [[Kiruhura District]], [[Ibanda District]], and [[Isingiro District]].
Because of the reorganisation of the country by [[Idi Amin]], Ankole no longer exists as an administrative unit. It is divided into ten districts, namely: [[Bushenyi District]], [[Buhweju District]], [[Mitooma District]], [[Rubirizi District]], [[Sheema District]], [[Ntungamo District]], [[Mbarara District]], [[Kiruhura District]], [[Ibanda District]], and [[Isingiro District]].


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**Rwebishengye
**Rwebishengye
*Kayunga (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Gasiyonga I)
*Kayunga (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Gasiyonga I)
*Gasiyonga I (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Kayunga)
*Gasyonga I (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Kayunga)
*Mutambuka (c. 1839 - 1867)
*Mutambuka (c. 1839 - 1867)
*Ntare V (c. 1867 - 1895)
*Ntare V (c. 1867 - 1895)
**Monarchy placed under the [[Uganda Protectorate]] in 1896.<ref name="Stewart"/>
**Monarchy placed under the [[Uganda Protectorate]] in 1896.<ref name="Stewart"/>
*[[Kahaya II]] (1895 – 1944)
*[[Kahaya II]] (1895 – 1944)
*Gasiyonga II (1944 – 8 September 1967)
*Gasyonga II (1944 – 8 September 1967)
**Monarchy abolished in 1967.<ref name="Stewart"/>
**Monarchy abolished in 1967.<ref name="Stewart"/>
*[[Ntare VI of Ankole|Ntare VI/John Barigye]], 1993–2011 (Titular king)
*[[Ntare VI of Ankole|Ntare VI/John Barigye]], 1993–2011 (Titular king)
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==Nkole people==
==Nkole people==
[[File:Traditional kikooyi.jpg|thumb|150px|Nkote people]]

{{main|Nkole people}}
Nkole people are a Bantu ethnic group native to [[Uganda]]. They primarily inhabit Ankole. They are closely related to other [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] peoples of the region, namely the Nyoro, Kiga, Toro and Hema peoples. Their population is 4,187,445 (9.8% of [[Uganda]]).
Nkole people are a Bantu ethnic group native to [[Uganda]]. They primarily inhabit Ankole. They are closely related to other [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] peoples of the region, namely the Nyoro, Kiga, Tooro and Hema peoples. Their population is 4,187,445 (9.8% of [[Uganda]]).People from Ankole region are referred to as “Banyankore”.
There are several names they are referred to as. These include the following ones: Ankole, Ankori, Banyankole, Banyankore, Nkoles, Nkore, Nyankole, Nyankore, Ouanyankori, Runyankole, Runyankore, Uluyankole, Uluyankore.
The Nkole speak Orunyankore, a [[Great Lakes Bantu]] language. There were an estimated 2.3 million native speakers in 2002.
The Banyankore speak Orunyankore, a [[Great Lakes Bantu]] language. There were an estimated 12.3 million native speakers in 2014.


==Counties of Nkole (Amashaza)==
==Counties of Nkole (Amashaza)==
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*[[Igara]]
*[[Igara]]
*[[Buhweju]]
*[[Buhweju]]

*Mbarara.
*Bushenyi(kamwenge)


==Nkole calendar==
==Nkole calendar==
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* Museenene
* Museenene
* Muzimbezi
* Muzimbezi

== See also ==

* [[Ebyevugo]], Ankole poetry form


==References==
==References==
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{{Subnational monarchies of Uganda}}
{{Subnational monarchies of Uganda}}
{{coord missing|Uganda}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
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[[Category:Ugandan monarchies]]
[[Category:Ugandan monarchies]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Uganda]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Uganda]]
[[Category:Bantu peoples]]

Latest revision as of 20:01, 26 April 2024

For the cattle breeds, see Ankole-Watusi and Ankole (cattle).
Kingdom of Ankole
Obugabe Bw'Ankole (Nyankole)
1478–1967
Flag of Ankole
Flag
Coat of arms of Ankole
Coat of arms
Anthem: 'Ensi Nkore, Ensi Nkore'
Location of Ankole (red) in Uganda (pink).
Location of Ankole (red) in Uganda (pink).
StatusKingdom
CapitalMbarara[1]
0°36′47.999″S 30°39′29.999″E / 0.61333306°S 30.65833306°E / -0.61333306; 30.65833306
Common languagesRunyankole, English
Ethnic groups
Banyankole
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy
Omugabe 
• c. 1430–1446
Ruhinda (first)
• 1944–1967
Gasiyonga II (last)
• 2011–present
Charles Rwebishengye
Enganzi 
• ?–1967
James Kahigiriza (last)[2]
• ?–present
William Katatumba (unofficial)[2]
History 
• Established
1478
• Disestablished
1967
Area
• Total
16,104 km2 (6,218 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate
4.1 Million
CurrencyUganda Shillings (UGX)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
Calling code256
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Empire of Kitara
Uganda

Ankole was a traditional Bantu kingdom in Uganda and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in south-western Uganda, east of Lake Edward.[3][1]

History[edit]

Map depicting the Kingdom of Ankole

Ankole Kingdom is located in the South-Western region of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The kingdom was ruled by a monarch known as the Mugabe or Omugabe. The people of Ankole are called Banyankore (singular: Munyankore) in Runyankole language, a Bantu language.

Under the Empire of Kitara[edit]

Before the collapse of the Empire of Kitara, Ankole, or as it was known back then, Kaaro-Karungi ‘the good village’, was a small and remote area on the edges of the empire.[4]

Founding[edit]

According to legend, the first (and semi-legendary)[4] king of Ankole, Ruhinda Rwa Njunaki, was born as the illegitimate[5] son of Wamara[5][6] (or Ndahura),[7] the last emperor of the Empire of Kitara. His mother was known as Njunaki and was a servant in the king's palace. During the collapse of the empire, the throne was usurped by the Bunyoro and Wamara was forced to flee to Ntusi where he formed his new capital with a group of Bahima followers. Ruhinda was left behind and disguised as the keeper of the royal drum. After a while, Ruhinda fled the capital with some regalia and joined his father in Ntusi.[5]

Eventually, Ruhinda left with a group of followers on an expedition to Buzinza[5] and Karagwe,[4][5] where he, according to some sources, conquered pre-existing agricultural authorities, establishing the Kingdom of Karagwe.[4] While he was gone, Ntusi was raided by invaders (most likely the Bunyoro to get back the regalia), killing Wamara and most of the people living there. When Ruhinda returned, he found that only his mother and older brother were alive. He took them and escaped to what was to become Nkore.[5]

When he came to the area, he found that it was already ruled and forced the leader to flee and declared himself king, establishing the Kingdom of Karo-Karungi. The original area of the kingdom was a little larger than the modern-day Isingiro District.[4] He then built his capital at Mweruka but later moved it to Rurama where his first son would be born.[5]

Eventually, he would entrust the kingdom to his son Nkuba, leaving with a group of followers to return to Karagwe. However, other sources say this was when he actually conquered the area now known as the Kingdom of Karagwe.[5]

Pre-colonial ethnic relations in Ankole[edit]

The kingdom of Ankole expanded by annexing territory to the south and east.[8] In many cases, conquered herders were incorporated into the dominant Hima stratum of society, and agricultural populations were adopted as Iru or slaves and treated as legal inferiors.[8] Neither group could own cattle, and slaves could not herd cattle owned by the Hima.[8]

Ankole society evolved into a system of ranked statuses, where even among the cattle-owning elite, patron-client ties were important in maintaining social order. Men gave cattle to the king (mugabe) to demonstrate their loyalty and to mark life-cycle changes or victories in cattle raiding.[8] This loyalty was often tested by the king's demands for cattle or for military service.[8] In return for homage and military service, a man received protection from the king, both from external enemies and from factional disputes with other cattle owners.[8]

The mugabe authorized his most powerful chiefs to recruit and lead armies on his behalf, and these warrior bands were charged with protecting Ankole borders.[8] Only Hima men could serve in the army, however, and the prohibition on Iru military training almost eliminated the threat of Iru rebellion.[8] Iru legal inferiority was also symbolized in the legal prohibition against Iru owning cattle.[8] And, because marriages were legitimized through the exchange of cattle, this prohibition helped reinforce the ban on Hima-Iru intermarriage.[8] The Iru were also denied highlevel political appointments, although they were often appointed to assist local administrators in Iru villages.[8]

The Iru had a number of ways to redress grievances against Hima overlords, despite their legal inferiority.[8] Iru men could petition the king to end unfair treatment by a Hima patron.[8] Iru people could not be subjugated to Hima cattle-owners without entering into a patron-client contract.[8]

A number of social pressures worked to destroy Hima domination of Ankole.[8] Miscegenation took place despite prohibitions on intermarriage, and children of these unions (abambari) often demanded their rights as cattle owners, leading to feuding and cattle-raiding.[8] From what is present-day Rwanda groups launched repeated attacks against the Hima during the nineteenth century.[8] To counteract these pressures, several Hima warlords recruited Iru men into their armies to protect the southern borders of Ankole.[8]

Banyankore trace their ancestors back to the Bairu and the Bahima subgroup.[9]

Colonial and post-colonial periods[edit]

Royal Palace of Nkore, abandoned in 1967

On 25 October 1901, the Kingdom of Nkore was incorporated into the British Protectorate of Uganda by the signing of the Ankole agreement.[10]

The kingdom was formally abolished in 1967 by the government of President Milton Obote, and since then, the kingdom has not been restored officially.[11]

The now renovated Palace of the Omugabe

Because of the reorganisation of the country by Idi Amin, Ankole no longer exists as an administrative unit. It is divided into ten districts, namely: Bushenyi District, Buhweju District, Mitooma District, Rubirizi District, Sheema District, Ntungamo District, Mbarara District, Kiruhura District, Ibanda District, and Isingiro District.

List of Omugabe of Ankole[edit]

Omugabe Gasyonga of Ankore

Names and Dates taken from John Stewart's African States and Rulers (1989).[12]

  • Ruhinda (c. 1430 - 1446)
  • Nkuba (c. 1446 - 1475)
  • Nyaika (c. 1475 - 1503)
  • Nyabugaro Ntare I (c. 1503 - 1531)
  • Rushango (c. 1531 - 1559)
  • Ntare II Kagwejegyerera (c. 1559 - 1587)
  • Ntare III Rugamaba (c. 1587 - 1615)
  • Kasasira (c. 1615 - 1643)
  • Kitera (c. 1643 - 1671) (joint ruler with Kumongye)
  • Kumongye (c. 1643 - 1671) (joint ruler with Kitera)
  • Mirindi (c. 1671 - 1699)
  • Ntare IV Kitabanyoro (c. 1699 - 1727)
  • Macwa (c. 1727 - 1755)
  • Four joint rulers (c. 1755 - 1783)
    • Rwabirere
    • Karara I
    • Karaiga
    • Kahaya I
  • Three joint rulers (c. 1783 - 1811)
    • Nyakashaija
    • Bwarenga
    • Rwebishengye
  • Kayunga (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Gasiyonga I)
  • Gasyonga I (c. 1811 - 1839) (joint ruler with Kayunga)
  • Mutambuka (c. 1839 - 1867)
  • Ntare V (c. 1867 - 1895)
  • Kahaya II (1895 – 1944)
  • Gasyonga II (1944 – 8 September 1967)
    • Monarchy abolished in 1967.[12]
  • Ntare VI/John Barigye, 1993–2011 (Titular king)
  • Charles Rwebishengye, 2011–present (Titular king/crown prince)

Nkole people[edit]

Nkote people
Main article: Nkole people

Nkole people are a Bantu ethnic group native to Uganda. They primarily inhabit Ankole. They are closely related to other Bantu peoples of the region, namely the Nyoro, Kiga, Tooro and Hema peoples. Their population is 4,187,445 (9.8% of Uganda).People from Ankole region are referred to as “Banyankore”. The Banyankore speak Orunyankore, a Great Lakes Bantu language. There were an estimated 12.3 million native speakers in 2014.

Counties of Nkole (Amashaza)[edit]

Nkore Kingdom was divided into ten counties. These counties are now divided into various political constituencies. But the original ten counties of Nkore include:


Nkole calendar[edit]

Runyakore Calendar: English to Runyakore Translation

The Nkore calendar was divided into 12 months. They were named according to weather conditions and activities done in that period. They include:

  • Biruuru
  • Kaatambuga
  • Katumba
  • Nyeikoma
  • Kyabahezi
  • Kahingo
  • Nyeirurwe
  • Kamena
  • Kicuransi
  • Kashwa
  • Museenene
  • Muzimbezi

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Briggs, Philip; Roberts, Andrew (5 November 2016). Uganda. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 534. ISBN 9781784770228. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Ankole monarchists' two decade battle for restoration of kingdom". Monitor. 2021-02-02. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  3. ^ "THE BANYANKOLE | Uganda Travel Guide". 2014-08-06. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  4. ^ a b c d e The Early State. De Gruyter. 2011. pp. 132–134. ISBN 9783110813326.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "The Legend of Ruhinda and Foundation of Ankole and Karagwe – Bunyoro-Kitara USA". Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  6. ^ Kasule, Joseph (2022). Historical Dictionary of Uganda (2nd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield. p. 19. ISBN 9781538141755.
  7. ^ Briggs, Philip; Roberts, Andrew (2010). Uganda. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 9. ISBN 9781841623092.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Byrnes, Rita M. (1992). "Banyankole". In Byrnes, Rita M. (ed.). Uganda: a country study (2nd ed.). Washington, D.C.: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. pp. 59–60. ISBN 0-8444-0749-6. OCLC 25831693. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  9. ^ "Runyakore History and Culture" (PDF). Runyakore L&C. 26 January 2021.
  10. ^ "The Ankole Agreement 1901" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-01-12. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  11. ^ The Observer Media Ltd. :: The Weekly Observer :: Uganda's Top Resource site Archived 3 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ a b c Stewart, John (1989). African States and Rulers. London: McFarland. p. 201. ISBN 0-89950-390-X.

External links[edit]

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