Basimba people


The Basimba are a Bantu-speaking community in Uganda. The name "Basimba" is a label of shared identity that predates the 13th century. Basimba has been alternatively associated with the people or their place of origin. The early Ovambo people applied the name to the whole group of the leopard totem clan, known as Bena Ngo in Zambia and Abe Ngo in Uganda. The individuals referred to as Musimba, located on the western coast of Africa, are likely to belong to the same ethnic group. It can also be inferred that Wazimba is merely an alternative designation for Mazimba based on the observation that Ma and Wa appear to serve as common prefixes for the names of East African tribes. Thus, the original inhabitants of Madagascar were an offshoot of this common lineage.

The Basimba or Cimbebas tribe

One narrative, by American Sailer traveling northwards along the coast in 1828–1829, states that some ‘two leagues ' leagues’15 north-east of ‘Ogden’s Harbor ’ 16 of his expedition encountered ‘a small village, inhabited by about two hundred natives’ which he refers to as ‘of the Cimbebas tribe’. 17 ‘Cimbebas’ here is understood to invoke the name given for an inland ‘region between Cape Negro and Tropic of Capricorn’ on a 1591 Italian map of Africa by Filippo Pigafetta.
In the year 1890, Basimba were documented and mapped to be located on the right or Portuguese side of the Cunene River, showing the Basimba, as identified by the Cimbebas of Duparquet and other ethnologists. The year 1899 saw the documentation of the Basimba among the South West Bantu group. There are countless tribes worldwide, recorded in 1931, each with its unique culture, traditions, and history. Some well-known examples include the Basimba tribe.

Land of Basimba (Cimbebas) Ancestors

The kingdom of Mataman, especially the land of Cimbebas, which Jodocus Hondius wrote about and mapped in his Clear Description of the Cape of Good Hope of 1652. It lies in the north of the present Namibia, in the Kaokoveld, Ovamboland, and Damaraland, more or less in the middle of the Namib desert. The coastal area between Great Fish Bay and the English colony of the Cape of Good Hope is populated by different tribes, the most significant of which are the Cimbebas, who dwell in the territories referred to as Cimbebasia. On 5th day of October, 1993, in No. 259 Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia, gazetted Cimbebasia.
Cimbebasia, referred to as Simbeba, is a country positioned on the southwestern coast of Africa, lying between Cape Frio in South Guinea and the land of the Hottentots. The coastline is believed to be home to the Cimbebas tribe.

Basimba Kingdom

Basimba's kingship was first documented in 1670, when "the Kingdom of Mataman, commonly so called, took that denomination from its King, the proper name, according to Pigafetta, being Cimbebas, or Zembebas. The magnificent Kingdom of Mataman enjoyed independence and strength, sometimes maintaining amicable relations and at other times being in conflict with Angola. The ruler of Mataman practiced paganism. Mataman, or Cimbeba Kingdom, was recognized as the cultural institution and the steward of the cultural heritage of the Basimba people. This heritage was declared lost after the jaga or jagas invaded, resulting in the appropriation of Basimba land by the Imbangala.
The name of the Mataman Kingdom is attributed to a prince named Mataman, who belonged to the Basimba lineage.
In 1695, Angola comprised six main regions:
  • The Kingdom of Angola, specifically referred to as such
  • The Isle of Lovendo
  • The Kingdom of Quisama, also known as Quissima
  • The Province of Libolo
  • The Country of Benguela
  • The Kingdom of Mataman, or Cimbeba
Since the reign of King Matama in 1591, the Basimba people have been structured into agnatic and exogamous clans. All clans recognize the Matama as their supreme leader, with each clan tracing its historical lineage back to a common ancestral grandfather. Each clan has both a primary totem and a secondary totem. These totems are predominantly represented by plants and animals or their parts, although there are rare cases where they may include substances like water from specific sources or inanimate objects.
Originally, these totems were considered dangerous to the ancestors of the clan and its members; however, many Basimba view their totems as part of their family. Consequently, the Basimba take measures to protect their totems and refrain from consuming them as food. All clans within the Basimba community share a similar administrative framework akin to that of the traditional Basimba Clan Council.
Clan names hold significant importance in the social structure of the Basimba. As the father serves as a crucial link connecting each Musimba to their respective clan, Basimba individuals inherit names from their patrilineal clans and identify themselves accordingly.
All clans possess proverbial names as well as names of ancestral deities and spirits, yet each clan maintains a unique set of names that differentiates its members from those of other clans. At birth, an individual may be presumed to belong to a clan, but official membership is confirmed during the naming ceremony, at which point the individual receives a name from that clan. Once a person is initiated into the clan and assigned a clan name, they are permitted to participate in the official events of that clan.
While kinship and kingship among the Basimba are nearly indistinguishable, kinship generally encompasses matters related to ancestry and descent, familial connections and blood relations, personal identity and personhood, clan and group identity, social interactions and interdependence, gender roles, social hierarchy, blood brotherhood alliances, permanent residency, the coexistence of natural and supernatural realms, and historical context, among other aspects. Conversely, kingship primarily addresses issues of authority, royalty, hierarchy, and cultural rights and responsibilities, and history, among others. Note that the former category may pertain to kingship while the latter category may pertain to kinship.
The intimate and interconnected relationship between kinship and kinship serves as one of numerous instances of entities that express the diverse dualities central to the social organization of the Basimba people.
The recognition of the Basimba Community was of great significance regarding the 2017 Constitution of the Basimba People, which was officially registered in the Republic of Uganda under entry number 15783. This constitution was vital for the Basimba tribe, as it specified their governance framework, cultural practices, and community rights. It represented the aspirations of the Basimba people to uphold their cultural legacy while engaging with the modern state, thus ensuring that their unique identity was respected and preserved in contemporary society.
The Basimba Clan Council conducted its first election during a General Council meeting on August 29, 2019, in Busimba Village, located within the Busimba Zone of Mpogo, Sironko District. This important assembly resulted in the unanimous election of Katunku Joshua Steve as their cultural leader and Chairman of the Clan Council. This result highlighted the collective consensus and backing from the Basimba community, in accordance with the principles set forth in the 2017 Constitution of the Basimba people appearing on the List of current non-sovereign African monarchs
Article 10 of the 2017 Constitution of the Basimba people further recognized key historical figures within the community. The late Muzei Kabolesa Wilson is honored as the first Clan Chief of the Basimba associated with the Leopard totem, marking a significant milestone in the tribe's leadership history. Additionally, the late Tito Wajje was acknowledged as the inaugural Clan Chief linked to the Frog totem, while the late Mauwe is celebrated as the first Clan Chief associated with the Dog totem. These recognitions served to highlight the foundational leaders who had shaped the clan's identity and governance.
The Clan Chief of the Basimba Clan associated with the Frog totem was Kadukulu Solomon Wajje, who upheld the traditions and leadership legacy of his predecessors. His role was vital in maintaining the cultural continuity and community cohesion among the Basimba people. The honors bestowed upon past leaders and the current chief underscored the rich heritage and historical importance of the Basimba community, celebrating those who had significantly influenced their cultural identity and societal structure.
This constitutional recognition underscored the vital contributions made by these individuals to the Basimba community and the wider society. Katunku Nicholas's groundbreaking achievements in business served as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the Basimba people, while Katunku Joshua Steve's literary work has played a crucial role in documenting and promoting the tribe's rich heritage and culture through widely accessible platforms.
The appointments made during this assembly highlighted the Basimba tribe's commitment to safeguarding it’s cultural legacy and ensuring strong leadership within their community. By promoting collaboration and representation across different demographics, the Clan Council sought to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere that embodied the varied voices and requirements of the Basimba people. This dedication to effective leadership was crucial for fostering unity and advancement within the community, guaranteeing that all members had a role in shaping their shared future.
By honoring these distinguished figures, the Basimba people's Constitution not only commemorated their legacies but also served as an inspiration for future generations to pursue endeavors in commerce and cultural preservation. This acknowledgment emphasized the importance of safeguarding the history and accomplishments of the Basimba people, ensuring that their contributions are celebrated and remembered for years to come.
Article 10 of the 2017 Constitution of the Basimba people stipulated that the president or Chairman of the various Basimba or Bashimba communities situated abroad were granted membership in the Council solely under their official roles. This provision was significant as it formalized the inclusion of these leaders in the Council, ensuring that their voices and perspectives were represented within the governance framework of the Basimba community.
The inclusion of these overseas leaders in the Council was essential for fostering a sense of belonging and representation for the Basimba or Bashimba communities that exist outside their native region. By allowing these individuals to participate in the Council, the Constitution acknowledged the importance of their contributions and experiences, which enriched the decision-making processes and policies that affected both local and Diaspora communities.
Furthermore, the active involvement of the presidents or Chairmen from abroad played a vital role in sustaining a strong link between the Council and the Basimba or Bashimba tribe that is dispersed globally. This connection was crucial for ensuring that the interests and needs of these communities were addressed, thereby promoting unity and collaboration among all members of the Basimba people, regardless of their geographical location.
On January 22, 2023, Katunku Joshua Steve officially executed a Statutory Declaration, confirming his election as the traditional or cultural leader of the Basimba tribe and his role as Chairman of the Basimba Clan Council. This declaration was formally presented to Bikala Rogers, a Commissioner of Oaths, underscoring the significance of his position within the community and the recognition of his leadership. The act of executing this declaration served as a formal affirmation of his authority and responsibilities, which were deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the Basimba people. The participation of a Commissioner of Oaths added an extra layer of credibility and legal importance to the declaration, ensuring adherence to the necessary legal standards.