You ask any typical Ugandan about the Bakiga people and the first thing they will tell you is that the Bakiga are rough and strong by nature. Some will even say that it’s a proven fact that the Bakiga women beat up their husbands. True to some extent, but not entirely because depending on the situation we all have some Mukiganess in us.
Imagine a scenario where you catch someone reaching into your pocket for the 10,000 shilling note, your only financial support during the month of January (we all know how torturous that month is). Tell me: will you take it laying down and let him walk, regardless of his concocted explanations? Some words, most probably accompanied by some punches, will be exchanged.
Born a Mukiga (both parents) and a Muzigaaba by clan, I cannot say I am well versed with the whole Bakiga culture and traditions. However, I have made a big effort in learning more about my tribe through interactions with elders, reading cultural books and researching my origin. So I could say I know a thing or two about Bakiga, and being one also gives me an edge to clarify some of misconceptions about them.
First of all, don’t believe everything you hear about Bakiga. You will be disappointed or surprised, or both.
Yes, Bakiga can be tough, but not rough – there’s a difference. I speak for most of my tribe-mates when I say we like clarity and decisiveness from the people we interact with. When you approach a Mukiga, be direct about what you want or need and be audible when you speak. That’s why we can’t be trusted to whisper secretly, because we are kind of loud when we speak …. to be heard (that joke about growing up in hills could have some truth in it). We simply want to drive our point home.
Secondly, Bakiga are gentle and kind people, depending on how you approach them. Surely they will not wear that on their sleeves, but deep down they are. They are very friendly, always willing and ready to lend a helping hand. And when they love and care, they do it immensely. If, on the other hand, you are rude to a true Mukiga they will return the favor with 10 times more intensity.
Hard work and strength is one of the traits that Bakiga are known for. A Mukiga will not be comfortable without work. They have too much energy that needs to be put to use, that’s why they are always looking for challenges to overcome and things to do to better themselves.
The whole perception of Bakiga being arrogant is totally insane and untrue. Of course there is always a few bad apples, but the majority are just easy-going individuals. Bakiga will admit what they don’t know, and will resent anything that manifests in pretense. And those pretending will call this arrogance.
Bakiga don’t tolerate nonsense. Be straight with them and you will get along with them very well. Don’t try to play around with their intelligence or emotions, or else you’ll learn dealing with them the hard way.
Treat them like normal human beings; greeting them in their local language excites them because it shows you have made the effort to learn something about them. So the next time you meet a Mukiga be polite and say “nigahe?”. You may spark an exciting conversation and friendship with them, one that you will live to remember.
text: Justine Natukunda; featured image by Marcus Westberg