·CHOMA ULUGURU
ROYAL SYMPOSIUM ON TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (I.E. ANNUAL EVENT).
Environments:
·CHOMA ULUGURU
GREAT GREEN BELT (I.E. GENERAL ENVIROMENTAL PROJECT IN ULUGURU MOUNTAINS AND ITS HORSESHOE AREAS).
·CHOMA ULUGURU
ROYAL GUARDIANS OF FORESTS AWARD (ANNUAL EVENT).
Economic:
·CHOMA ULUGURU
LOWER DRY LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (I.E. TO HELP PASTORALISTS BUILD RESILIENCE TO
DROUGHT, GIVE THEM ACCESS TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION SERVICES, AND DEVELOP
LIVESTOCK AND CROPS).
· CHOMA ULUGURU MARKETING INITIATIVES (I.E. TO INVEST
IN BUILDING MARKET PLACES AND FIND MARKET FOR MOROGORO AGRICULTURE AND
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURES FROM FARMS TO THE MARKETS).
Social:
CHOMA ULUGURU ROYAL
MEDIA DEVELOPMENTS (ESTABLISHMENT OF TRADITIONAL PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA).
INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION: H.H. Mussa Bwakila Lukwele IV, met Consular General of Tanzania in
his office Dubai H.E. Ali Mwadini, when he visited U.A.E few years ago. H.E.
Mwadini latter work as Ambassador of Tanzania in Saudi Arabia, and Currently Ambassador of Tanzania in France.
H.H. Paramount Chief Lukwele IV, in Dubai U.A.E February 2024.
CONCLUSION:
Success of all Budgeted and non budgeted Near Future or Future
INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS, lies to a great extent on the ability and
sacrifice of the all parties on this works (i.e. our Royal subjects,
implementation agents, and all development stake holders, either in mobilizing
funds, engages into or to explore area of opportunities to cooperate with
others internally and externally).
CHOMA TRADITIONAL KINGDOM AS PART OF
GREAT ULUGURU TRADITIONAL KINGDOMS (STYLED CHIEFDOM'S)is highly optimistic
to development stake holders, who would target on social - economic
developments, as well as deepening relationships in development of all CULTURAL
BASED DEVELOPMENT SPHERES.
We are looking forward to your
positive consideration, towards enhancing best cultural based developments INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS running under
African Cultural point of views in every aspect of daily life.
FOR "NGOTO" (TRADITIONAL CONTRIBUTION) PLEASE GO TO "CHIEF LUWELE CBO" (CHIEF LUKWELE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION) WEBSITE, https://lukwelewachoma.or.tz/ OR DIRECT TO DONATIONPORTAL,https://donation.lukwelewachoma.or.tz/
ORTO DIRECT TO OUR ACCOUNT NAMELY: "KIKUNDI CHA KIJAMII CHIEF LUKWELE" ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0133000M55T00 CRDB BANK, MOROGORO BRANCH.
ACCORDING to
Traditions and Customs of the ancient Choma Sultanate (currently Choma Royal
Chiefdom) the Sultan (current titled His Highness Paramount Chief) marriage is
a legal and Religious bond between the two Royals (The Sayyid Sultan/His
Highness Paramount Chief and Sayyidat Sultana/Her Highness the Grand Queen) in
order to ensure physical and spiritual wellbeing, to preserve social order and
for the continuation of the Royal Family as well as human race in general.
The late Sayyidat Sultana and last Queen Dowager of Choma Royal Chiefdom Her Highness Mariam (the Mother of Both, the current Paramount Chief Lukwele IV and his Deputy).
----------
Purposes:
IN Lukwele Dynasty
the marriage is not limited to the gratification of physical and psychological
needs, but has various other purposes.
They compare the
security and peace experienced within marital union to a blossoming garden in
which one can seek refuge through the ups and downs of life.
Experience too shows
that the biggest asset of married-life is a sense of peace and comfort.
‘Mahari’ (Dowry):
THE powerful
tradition and custom of fixing ‘Mahari’ (Dowry) had been prevailing in Uluguru
for centuries in order to balance and strengthen relationship between a man and
his wife.
In Choma Royal
Chiefdom the Sultan proposes (marriage) to the woman from other Royal Family or
None Royals, and offering her a token (gift) of love and appreciation.
Note:
IF the one who get
married is Deputy Sayyid Sultan (currently titled His Highness Deputy Chief or “Lukwele Mdodo” in Luguru language) the
woman proposed will become Royal Queen Consort titled ‘SAYYIDAT SULTANA WA
PILI’ (Her Highness Second Queen).
She will be second
in power after the Traditional Grand Queen (Sayyidat Sultana) in the Royal
females of Lukwele Royal Clan, Royal family and Choma Royal Chiefdom.
Household Expenses:
ACCORDING to Uluguru
Traditional and Customs, just like dowry, the daily household expenses too,
have specific importance and laws.
The responsibility
of the daily household expenses as well as the personal expenses of the Queen
rests with the Ruler and Royal Palace. In no way is the woman responsible to
any extent regarding these expenses.
In fact, even if the
wife has a large amount of personal wealth, she doesn't need to contribute
anything towards the household expenses.
Besides, the
Traditional and Customs of Uluguru Tribe and Choma Royal Chiefdom (since it was
sovereign Sultanate) grants women the rights to personal property, as well as
the rights to earn and be financially independent; the man cannot exploit her
or force her into parting with any of her personal property.
According to Uluguru
Traditions, customs and family practical laws, if the husband doesn't give his
wife Household Expenses, she can complain to the legal authorities (The Office
of ‘Muhunga Mkulu’) and can claim her rights.
Thus we can see that
Luguru Tribe has given great importance to the financial and economic rights
for women.
Let us see why this aspect is given so much attention.
First of all,
the issues of social wellbeing and prosperity are approached very holistically.
Based on what we
mentioned earlier, Luguru people believes that, since ‘Mlungu’ (God Almighty)
has created man as having need for a woman, it would thereby only be natural
for him to take care of her and bear her expenses.
Secondly, a
woman is created delicate and sensitive; a man should keep this in mind, and
should consider that certain things that enhance the beauty and grace of a
woman are among her basic natural needs.
Besides, in order
for the woman to retain her freshness, feminine beauty, and self-respect, she
shouldn't be burdened with social and economic responsibilities beyond her own
choice.
Therefore,
it would be in the interest of the whole family that the woman not be forced to
take on unnecessary, stressful burdens of going out from the comforts of her
home in order to earn a livelihood.
The Roles of Sayyidat Sultana:
SAYYIDAT SULTANA (Her Highness the Grand Queen) of Choma Royal Chiefdom is first lady
of the Royal Chiefdom and first in power in women wing of Lukwele Royal Clan
and Royal family.
·The Traditional
Queen controlled the Royal females of Lukwele Royal Clan and Royal family to
maintain the hierarchy within the Lukwele Royal Palace and Choma Royal
Chiefdom.
·She is first
adviser of the Ruler of Choma Royal Chiefdom and member of the ‘Royal Court’
(the Cabinet / Royal Assistants or Traditional Ministers).
·Other role of
Sayyidat Sultana (Her Highness the Grand Queen) in the Choma Royal Chiefdom
Traditional Governing System, is to have an eye on the social conditions,
environmental spheres, and promoting peace and harmony in the general society.
Conclusion:
We can briefly conclude
that; the Sayyidat Sultana of Choma has power and prestige like the reigning
Paramount Chief in Lukwele Royal Family, Royal Clan, Choma Royal Chiefdom and
Uluguru in General; the same to Second Queen under Deputy Chief office.
1977 in
Morogoro: His Highness Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele III,
with Her Highness
Sultana Mariam and the young Prince His Royal Highness Idrissa.
LUGURU people or ‘People of the Hills’
(Majority Bantus) have started migration to Uluguru Mountains early on 1600’s
(from different parts of the world); while their Sultanates / Kingdoms
(currently called Chiefdom's) established in 1623 (with few Sultanates /
Kingdoms, but many Luguru States established between 1680's to 1850).
Choma and other Luguru Early Sultanates / Kingdoms:
Choma Sultanate area (currently Royal Chiefdom),
Uluguru Morogoro in 1906.
CHOMA Sultanate under Lukwele Dynasty
(its geographic area is some parts of rural areas of Morogoro District, some
parts of Mvomero Districts, and large part of Morogoro Municipality), is one
among the 10 early Uluguru Sultanates / Kingdoms, others are;
i.Mgeta
Kingdom: (All area of south western part of Mvomero
Districtin
Morogoro Region) under Mbago Dynasty (their legendary leader is Mbago
Mwana-Matotola). This is first Kingdom of the Luguru people dominated by
Wamwenda Clan, originated from Niger Congo.
ii.Tegetero
Kingdom: (Some parts of Morogoro Rural District in
Morogoro Region) under Magoma Dynasty (their legendary leader
iii.Kolero Kingdom: (large area of East and South East of
Morogoro Rural District in Morogoro Region) under Hega Dynasty.
iv.Bambalawe
Kingdom: (Small portion of Morogoro Rural District in
Morogoro Region) under Bambalawe Dynasty (their legendary leader is Bambalawe I
in Mbambabay - Ruvuma region and Nyasaland he known as “Bandawe”). He is the founding
father of Matombo Division in Morogoro Rural and uncle of Msumi -
Mwanakulinyangwa, originated from Zulu Kingdom - South Africa (coming through
Mozambique and Malawi).
v.Kibungo
Kingdom: (Small portion Morogoro Rural Districtin Morogoro Region) under Msumi
Dynasty (their legendary leader is Msumi Mwana-Kulinyangwa). He is the father
of first Kingalu or “Kingalungalu” or Mleke Mwana-Msumi, and Lukwele II
Mwana-Msumi. He is Nephew of Bambalawe I. He is coming from Malawi through
Mbambay and Songea in Ruvuma Region. His origin is Zulu tribe from South
Africa.
vi.Ukami (Kingalu) Kingdom: (large area of Morogoro Rural District and
smallest portion of Mvomero District in Morogoro region, as well as some parts
of Bagamoyo District in Coast Region) under Kingalu dynasty (their legendary
leader is revolutionary King Mleke Mwanasumi or Kingalu I). Mleke Mwana-Msumi
popular known “Kingalungalu I” or in short “Kingalu I” is the son of Sultan
Msumi-Mwanakulinyagwa I of Kibungo Sultanate.
vii.Magadu
Kingdom: (small portion of Morogoro Municipality and some
parts of Mvomero Districtin
Morogoro Region), under Mdeng’o Dynasty (their legendary leader was Mdeng’o
Mdeng’elawana I). His origin is Ngoni tribes from South Africa.
viii.Ulelengwe
Kingdom: (large part of Western Mvomero Districtin Morogoro Region) under Msimbe
Dynasty (their legendary leader is Msimbe I), originated from Mgeta Sultanate.
ix.Mbega Kingdom: (smallest portion of Morogoro Rural District
in Morogoro Region) under Mbega Dynasty (their legendary
leader is Sultan Mbega I). His origin is Ngoni tribes from South Africa.
There
are also other several smallest sub-chiefdom's under this Sultanates/ Kingdom in
several villages of Uluguru Mountains.
Choma Royal Family, its Root and Succession:
1800's Pic: His Majesty
Sultan Lukwele II Mdimang'ombe.
IN-FACT the beginning of the rule of
the Lukwele Royal Clan in Choma Sultanate / Kingdom (latter Choma Chiefdom)
started early 1850, which lasted as Sovereign Kingdom for second half of 19Th
Century, and half Sovereign in the first half of 20Th Century; while
lost its sovereignty completely from 1962 to current time.
The Choma Sultanate was established by
Sayyid Sultan Lukwele Mwanamzeru I or First Lukwele (Born. 1800, died 1865) who
leaded the Uluguru mountains based state from 1850 to 1865, and His Nephew
Sayyid Sultan Salum Bin Msumi (Lukwele II 'Mdimang'ombe' Mwana-Msumi
Mwanakulinyangwa) took the throne from 1865 to 1971.
His Majesty Sultan Salum Lukwele
‘Mdimang’ombe’ Mwana-Msumi Mwana-Kulinyangwa (Born. 1851, died. 6/7/1971).
He was the second and last Monarchy of
Sovereign Choma Kingdom, and Sunni Muslim (follower of ‘Imam Shafi School of
thoughts’).
He married in 1918 the 18 years old
Grand Princess of Ukami Sultanate (under Kingalu Dynasty) Her Majesty Sultana
Tamasha Bint Abdallah Mbilikila (‘Mama Mlali), Nephew of Sayyid Sultan Kingalu
Mwana Fuko.
With Sultana Tamasha, His Majesty
Sultan Salum Lukwele II has three sons and four daughters namely His Highness
Grand Prince Ally Salum ‘Bwakila’ (Chief Lukwele III), His Royal Highness Omar
Salum Lukwele, and His Royal Highness Khamis Salum Lukwele, Her Royal Highness
Chiku Salum Lukwele, Her Royal Highness Mwanini Salum Lukwele, Her Royal
Highness Tabu Salum Lukwele, and Her Royal Highness Aisha Salum Lukwele.
The rule of this Sultanate (latter
Chiefdom) is hereditary within the Lukwele Royal Family since 1850; only male
descendants of Lukwele can succeed ‘Sekolawangi’ (the throne).
As longtime custom of majority of
Luguru Sultanates and Chiefdom, in Choma Sultanate (and later Choma Chiefdom),
the Nephew succeeded his Uncle; Lukwele himself appoints the Heir Apparent, and
if the Sultan has no male Nephew, he choose his male offspring to succeed him;
and in-case he has no Prince; the Lukwele can appoint another male member of
the Royal family as his Heir Apparent.
But in 1971, Lukwele II (His Majesty
Salum Mwana Msumi) issued his last Royal Decree to change the oldest law for
appointing his fist born to be a Crown Prince.
When he dead, the Chiefdom was
interred the Interregnum period for almost 27 years, under Council of Guardians
leaded by three Segumba Brothers (i.e. H.R.H Athuman Segumba, H.R.H. Shaaban
Segumba, and H.R.H Omar Segumba 'Jino Pembe'), after the first born son H.R.H.
Bwakila (Sayyid Ally Salum Bwakila) rejected the throne.
The long served Crown Prince Sayyid
Ally Salum ‘Bwakila’ Lukwele Bin Msumi (Born. 1932, died 2004), agreed to lead
the Chiefdom as Chief Lukwele III from 1998 to 2004.
After the death of Chief Lukwele III,
Choma Chiefdom again interred in Interregnum (under Council of Guardians) from
2004 to 2015.
The Council of Guardians was chaired
by His Royal Highness (H.R.H) Khamis Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele (Grand Prince)
with Consultation Council of 25 Members.
On 26Th September 2015 the
Grand Prince Khamis passed away, and the extraordinary meeting of ‘Wandewa’
(Sub Chiefs), Wahunga (Judiciary Council) as well as Royal Clan, dissolves the
Council of Guardians after completed its 10 years term.
From 29Th September 2015,
the Royal Clan and Wandewa appointed His Highness Grand Prince Mussa Ally
Bwakila Lukwele to be the Fourth “Muharatwaga” (IV Regent) of Choma and His
Royal Highness Grand Prince Idrissa Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele to be his
Deputy.
Among their responsibilities is to
prepare Installation of the new Paramount Chief (the new Sultan or King) of
Choma within the period of three years (and extended to five years).
Finally, on 09Th January
2021 High Highness Mussa Bwakila Lukwele, officially took the throne as
Paramount Chief Lukwele IV of Choma.
Power
of the Sultan / King Lukwele:
THE Choma Sultanate / Kingdom by then
was the Sovereign Uluguru state with its own system of politics and governance
(i.e. the Monarchy Political System).
Before 1865, under Lukwele Mwanamzeru
I (uncle of H.M. Lukwele II) Choma was not a Sultanate with formal system of
leadership, it was like a small Chiefdom with less than one clan (Wazeru Clan)
leaded by Lukwele Mwana-Mzeru I and assisted by his ‘Wandewa’ (Sub Chiefs). They
use the word “Sultan” as official title name for Lukwele position.
But when Sayyid Sultan Lukwele II took
the throne of Choma (Before German colonize Uluguru states, from 1865 to 1885),
with directive of his government elders, he agree to establish formal governing
system.
He was above the law Head of the
State, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Armed Forces, the Commander of Royal
Guards and Chairman of Royal Intelligence Unit, as well as Head of Supreme
Royal Court.
In short Sultan Lukwele II was
absolute Monarchy, with ultimate powers in all matters of his Sovereign Kingdom.
He formulating the general policies of
his Kingdom in consultation of Elders, as well as issued or endorsing laws in
the consultation of Elders and Royal Assistants or Ministers (‘Wazigira’), Lawyers
(Wahunga), Traditionalists (Waghongo), Sub-Chiefs / Clan leaders (Wandewa),
Heads men (Washenga), and sometimes family leaders (Wakulu Jakaya).
He also issued Royal Decrees in
different state issues, as well as appointing and terminating military personnel’s,
Government officers and other civil personnel’s.
The Sultan has ultimate powers of
royal pardoning or reducing punishments of convicts.
He also accepting or rejecting the
credentials of diplomatic missions; Granting or withdrawing citizenship; Grant
any citizen and non-Citizen Royal Honors; Suspend and summon the Royal Elders
Council and Supreme Royal Court, and Organizing and disposing of the Royal
Armed Forces and Royal Guards.
Choma Leaders Title Style and Salutation:
THE ruler of Choma
use the name of their First Ruler “Lukwele” as their official title, and use
Salutation “Sayyid” before the Name or Position (The word with Arabic origin
were used in East African Cost since 07Th Century for some Kings including
the Sultans of Comoros, Kilwa, Mafia and Zanzibar; and the word “Sultan” is
Swahili world with Arabic origin stands for King).
The word “Sayyid”
(stands for His Majesty) used when Lukwele I and II was absolute Monarchy of
Choma, and it stand before “Lukwele”, example; “Sayyid Sultan Salum Bin Msumi,
Lukwele II of Choma”; while for his Queen the word “Sayyida” (Her Majesty)
stands before her title “Sultana”.
Currently salutation
“Sayyid” also styled for Paramount Chief as well as the Heir Apparent (stands
for ‘His Highness’), while the Royal Chiefdom Queen use “Sayyida Sultana”
before her name stands for ‘Her Highness’ (H.H).
Also used for all
Male Members of the Royal Family (e.g. Prince), stand for ‘His Royal Highness’
(H.R.H), while used for Female Members of the Royal Family (e.g. Princess)
stands for ‘Her Royal Highness’ (H.R.H).
The Choma rulers
styled “Sultan” from the Sultanate establishment in 1850 to 1918, and styled
"The Paramount Chief" from 1918 to date.
Lukwele
Royal Center of Power:
THE official residences of the Lukwele
Sultans (His Majesty Lukwele I and His Majesty Lukwele II) were the Lukwele
Royal Palace at Choma (Mbete area) from 1850 to 1918.
From 1918 to 1950 Lukwele II shifted
his Royal Residence at his private farm (currently Morogoro Municipality
Central Market), after his Grand Palace (LUKWELE ROYAL PALACE in Choma)
demolished by British soldiers in the world war I, when Lukwele II was fighting
in German side, and they are defeated.
But His Regents (‘Vikaliza’) continue
to live in Mbete for traditional activities up to 1986, when the last Regent
(Chikaliza) Iddi Lukwele Mwana-Mkude dead.
In 1950 he shifted his 'Chiefdom
Center of Power' to his private House in Kikundi, 'Sultan Area' ward, Morogoro
Municipality up to 1971 when he died; but continued to be used by Sayyida
Sultana and the Royal Family.
From 1971 to the end of her life in
1994, the ‘Kikundi House’ used by Her Majesty Sultana Tamasha Bint Abdallah
Mbilikila (the late Queen Dowager), as her residence and main center of power
(for the Royal Chiefdom, Royal Family and Royal Clan).
The third Lukwele, Sayyid Bwakila
(H.H. Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele Bin Msumi), uses Kikundi House also as his
center of power all the time when he was in the ‘Sekolawangi’ (Throne) from
1998 to 2004.
The House also used as the Center of
Power by Royal Council of Guardians in Interregnum period from 1971 to 1998,
and second Interregnum period from 2004 to September 2015.
From October 2015 to July 2021,
theH.H. MUSSA ALLY SALUM BWAKILA
LUKWELE IV shifted the Royal Chiefdom center of power to Bwakila House No.
567/BB (the late Lukwele III private house) in Uwanja wa Taifa Ward, Maelewano
'B' Street, Morogoro Municipality temporarily.
From August 2021 he shifted back the
center of power to the first area that Choma Sultanate / Kingdom was born
(Mbete area), and start to rebuild the ancient Grand Royal Palace of Choma. He
also resumed the position of ‘Regency’ for appointing Sayyid Bakari Issa
Kipenge to be ‘Chikaliza’ (Regent) of Choma. Sayyid Bakari is grandson of last
“Chikaliza” Sayyid Iddi Lukwele Mwana-Mkude (i.e. his mother Bint Iddi Lukwele
is first born of Sayyid Iddi Lukwele Mwana-Mkude).
The current Paramount Chief Sayyid
Mussa Bin Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele IV Mdimang'ombe.
Conclusion:
FROM 1885 Choma Sultanate became
non-sovereign state (and to date remain as Royal Traditional Chiefdom).
In 1885 Sultan Lukwele II himself and
his state was subjected to German authority (with minimum power as half
Sovereigns state).
In 1918 the British Empire officially
succeeded the German Empire up to 1961, when Tanganyika freed from Colonialism
as one Nation (for unifying all traditional Kingdoms as one Nation).
In1962 Tangayika become Republic under
democratic political system. His Excellency Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere,
the young Prince of Zanaki Tribe in Butiama Chiefdom (currently part of Mara
Region in Lake Victoria Basin), took the power through the Tanganyika African
National Union (TANU), and abolished traditional polities in Tanganyika
government system, when the country became a Republic on 09Th December
1962.
Although H.E. Mwalimu Nyerere
de-recognizes traditional Kingdoms and Chiefdom's in His Government system, the
traditional Monarchies is still survived, and continues with their Royal
traditions and customs to date, in the same geographical areas and the same
ethnic groups.
The Paramount Chief of Choma for
example, as well as other Chiefs in Uluguru and Tanzania in General, currently
does not have formal political power, but they continue to command respect, and
awesome influence from their people.
Currently, the male descendant of
Lukwele II stands as the Paramount Chief of Choma.
The current Ruler who maintain some of
the monarchical styles and titles of their sovereign ancestors, has work as
custodians of the ancient heritage of the Royal Family, Royal Clan and Uluguru
Tribe; as well as Guardian of Customs and Traditions of the Clan and Cultural
Affairs of Uluguru.
He also has traditional powers of
formulating the general policies of his Royal Clan, his Royal Family, his
Ethnic Group in his geographic area, with the consultation of Traditional
assistants regarding Social-Economic Affairs, as well as Environmental Spheres
in Cultural based ways.
The Choma traditional ruler also has
power of appointing and terminating officers of Lukwele Royal Palace and
Affiliated Institutions.
We can briefly conclude by list down
four main roles of modern Traditional Chief of Choma and Uluguru in development
spheres as follows;
i.He
is the custodians of natural resources like land and environments.
ii.Guardianship
of traditional heritage as norms, values and principles.
iii.Dealing
with dispute resolution and advocating peace and stability in the general
community.
iv.Fighting
for social - economic developments.
Unforgettable Song:
POPULAR MUSICIAN IN
AFRICA, THE LATE MBARAKA MWISHEHE MWARUKA SONG “TAMBIKO LA WAHENGA”(“REMEMBRANCE OF
ANCESTORS”),PRAISED HIS MAJESTY SULTAN LUKWELE
II OF CHOMA ROYAL CHIEFDOM AND OTHER LUGURU LEGENDS.
THE Uluguru
Mountains are a mountain range in eastern Tanzania, named after the Luguru
tribe. The mountains receive abundant rainfall, and with intensive agriculture
(upland rice, sorghum, corn, maize, cassava), Coffee is grown with some success
in the mountains. Some of the largest sisal estates in Tanzania are in lowlands
surrounding Uluguru lands.
The main portion of
the Uluguru Mountains is a ridge running roughly north-south and rising to
2,630 metres (8,600 ft) altitude at its highest point. Uluguru lands can
support upward of 800 people per square mile (300 per square kilometer) in some
places.
On the description
of ‘Bovill Diary’, Uluguru was scented as follows;
"THESE highlands are extraordinary beauty, and
have been compared to those of Kashmir, though lacking the floral luxuriance of
the east. Great rocks crop out on the floors of the valleys as well as on the
hill-sides; but nowhere does this ruggedness meet the eye, for the whole
landscape is clothed in dense tropical vegetation, through which only an
occasional gaunt peak rises above the general conformation of the hills. The
rising sun turns the brilliant green of the virgin forest to a wonderful medley
of soft shades of pink and mauve and violet; but during the heat of the day the
height are enveloped in a veil of soften blue. To the south, where the greatest
elevation is reached (Lukwangule, 8,900 feet), the Mountains rise to the 7,000
feet contour over a considerable area.”
Note:
The height of
Lukwangule is now recorded as 8,360 feet. On the main Uluguru Mountain range,
50 villages touch the forest boundary and over 151,000 people are found within
the mountain area, often at increasing densities at higher altitudes up to the
forest boundary.
Geography:
THE Ulugurus lie 200
km inland from the Indian Ocean. They are part of a chain of mountains in
eastern Africa collectively called the Eastern Arc Mountains, which include the
Taita Hills, Pare Mountains, Usambara Mountains, Nguru Mountains, Rubeho,
Ukaguru, Udzungwa Mountains and Mahenge Mountains.
Vegetation:
THE vegetation of
the Uluguru main ridge and the outlying blocks is extremely variable. It ranges
from drier lowland coastal forest habitats, to transitional rainforests, to
sub-montane, montane and upper montane forest types.
Climate:
CLIMATICALLY, the
Uluguru mountains capture moisture passing inland from the Indian Ocean and the
east facing slopes are especially wet, with rainfall estimated at over 3,000 millimeters (120 in) per year, with some rain falling in every month.
Biodiversity:
IN the Ulugurus are
home to more than 100 plants, two birds, two mammals, two reptiles and six
amphibians which are known from nowhere else in the world.
In addition to these
there are a large number of additional species which are only shared with one
or two other Eastern Arc mountains, and hence are globally rare.
The endemic species
include African Violets, Impatiens and Begonias which are popular pot-plants in
the rest of the world.
Water Catchments:
THE forests of the
mountains provide the water catchment areas for the streams and rivers. This
water flows mainly from the forest-capped peaks of the Ulugurus with the
streams joining to form the Ruvu River, which provides the water supply to the
city of Dar es Salaam.
Most of the
neighboring population, around Three million people, and the major industries
in Tanzania rely on this water supply for their continued survival.
The loss of the Uluguru
forests and any reduction in water supply potential of the mountains could
therefore have a drastic impact on the human well-being and the industrial
capacity of Tanzania.
Local People:
THE local people of
the Ulugurus (People of the Hills) are Waluguru tribe; the Bantu speaking
people who have been living in the mountains and coastal plains of East -
Central Tanzania for several hundred years.
They are mixing
groups coming from different parts of the world including Africa and outside
Africa. In the late 20Th Century the Luguru people numbered about 1.2 million.
The land ownership
is through the female line and women are powerful in village life, in contrast
to other tribes in Tanzania where men own the land and make most of the
decisions about its use and management.
Luguru Clans:
THE Luguru observe
matrilineal descent and recognize about 51 exogamous, no corporate clans
namely;
1.Wamwenda
2.Wabena,
3.Walelengwe,
4.Wabunga,
5.Wacheti,
6.Wachaga,
7.Wagweno,
8.Wabinga,
9.Wachiro,
10.Wachuma,
11.Wagonanzi,
12.Wahafigwa,
13.Wahimba,
14.Wamwingu
(Waingu),
15.Wakibago,
16.Wakiflagu,
17.Wakinoge,
18.Wakiraru,
19.Wakuruwa,
20.Wakonga,
21.Wakumburu,
22.Wakwama,
23.Walari,
24.Wamanga,
25.Wamasenga,
26.Wamangara,
27.Wamaze,
28.Wambiki
(Wangode),
29.Wambonde,
30.Wambega
(Wakiru),
31.Wanyani
(Wanyagatwa),
32.Wamlali,
33.Wamugera,
34.Wamwandike,
35.Wanambo,
36.Wangandi,
37.Wangozi,
38.Wangurumi,
39.Wangweku,
40.Wanyanga,
41.Wanzovu,
42.Waponera,
43.Wasikoni,
44.Wasinogi,
45.Watebe,
46.Watemaruge,
47.Watonga,
48.Wanzangazwa,
49.Wazeru,
50.Wazima,
51.Wazongo.
These clans are then
divided into some 800 lineages identified with lands, leaders, and insignia
(stools, staffs, drums).
Conclusion:
THE mountains
attract many tourists to the area, particularly due to the mountains' proximity
to the former capital and economic center of Tanzania, the city of Dar es
Salaam.
