CHOMA SULTANATE AND LUKWELE DYNASTY:

Introduction:

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 District in 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 District in 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 District in 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 District in 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 19^Th Century, and half Sovereign in the first half of 20^Th 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 26^Th 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 29^Th 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 09^Th 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 07^Th 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, the   H.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 09^Th 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.