Luganda Society
Encyclopedia
The Luganda Society is a non-governmental organization
dedicated to the teaching and promotion of the Luganda language
.
, known as “The Father of Ganda
literature.” Observing the detrimental effects of colonialism on Uganda
society and culture, and the neglect and loss of local customs, language and culture, Nsimbi joined with other likeminded nationals to form the society, with the key goals of preserving, popularising and promoting the use of Luganda to both Baganda
and non-Baganda.
in Kampala
, highlighting Uganda's many cultures.
The Society eventually gained government recognition for their cause, and from the 1970s worked together to produce a Luganda language curriculum at Makerere University
, the country’s only university at the time, in 1976. Nsimbi and fellow Society member Dr. Livingstone Walusimbi were instrumental in this process, which also saw the creation of a high school curriculum in 1979, and a curriculum for the National Teachers' Colleges in 1984. The Society also worked to establish the Luganda Teachers Association in 1988, and a curriculum for Teacher Training Colleges in 1994.
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
dedicated to the teaching and promotion of the Luganda language
Luganda language
Ganda, or Luganda , is the major language of Uganda, spoken by over sixteen million Ganda and other people mainly in Southern Uganda, including the capital Kampala. It belongs to the Bantu branch of the Niger–Congo language family...
.
Founding
The Luganda Society was established in 1950 through the efforts of Michael B. NsimbiMichael B. Nsimbi
Dr. Michael Bazzebulala Nsimbi, MBE, , considered the Father of Ganda literature, was a pioneer of Luganda language, culture and written forms....
, known as “The Father of Ganda
Ganda
Ganda may refer to:* Ganda, Tibet, China* Ganda people of Uganda** Ganda language* Ganda Sirait, one of the big ethnic groups in Indonesia* Ganda, Angola* Ganda, the ancient Latin name of Ghent, a city in BelgiumPeople with the given name Ganda:...
literature.” Observing the detrimental effects of colonialism on Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
society and culture, and the neglect and loss of local customs, language and culture, Nsimbi joined with other likeminded nationals to form the society, with the key goals of preserving, popularising and promoting the use of Luganda to both Baganda
Baganda
The Ganda are an ethnic group native to Buganda, a subnational kingdom within Uganda. Traditionally comprising 52 tribes the Ganda have a rich history and culture...
and non-Baganda.
Society Aims
Since its establishment the specific aims of the Society have been:- To promote proper use of the Luganda language and popularize Luganda literature
- To promote proper Luganda orthography among both Baganda and non-Baganda
- To promote research about Luganda words and idioms
- To encourage translation of foreign language literature into Luganda
- To organize Luganda language courses and competitions in schools
- To organize festivals highlighting the local language and culture through music and drama
Achievements
The Luganda Society became a catalyst for inspiring and resourcing a number of writers in the Luganda language, including Solomon Mpalanyi, Phoebe Mukasa, Hugo Ssematimba, C. Kalinda, Dr. Livingstone Walusimbi and Michael B. Nsimbi himself. In 1958 the society began a regular program on Radio Uganda to promote teaching and learning of Luganda and various aspects of Buganda's culture, and organise on-air Luganda language competitions. In 1959 the society began organising competitions in schools, and in 1965 began offering scholarships to the best students in Luganda, known today as the Dr. Nsimbi Scholarship Scheme. In 1963 the society organized the first Pageant of Uganda, a cultural festival held at Uganda's National TheaterUganda National Cultural Centre
The Uganda National Cultural Centre is a Ugandan statutory body that was established by the Uganda National Cultural Centre Act, a 1959 Act of Parliament...
in Kampala
Kampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, highlighting Uganda's many cultures.
The Society eventually gained government recognition for their cause, and from the 1970s worked together to produce a Luganda language curriculum at Makerere University
Makerere University
Makerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
, the country’s only university at the time, in 1976. Nsimbi and fellow Society member Dr. Livingstone Walusimbi were instrumental in this process, which also saw the creation of a high school curriculum in 1979, and a curriculum for the National Teachers' Colleges in 1984. The Society also worked to establish the Luganda Teachers Association in 1988, and a curriculum for Teacher Training Colleges in 1994.
Chairpersons of Luganda Society
- Prince Earnest Kayima Mpadwa, 1950 - 1953 (Ssaabalangira at the time)
- J.S. Kasirye, 1953 - 1953
- Princess Irene Ndagire, 1953 - 1963 (Nnaalinya at the time)
- Dr. Michael B. Nsimbi, 1963 - 1987
- Dr. Livingstone Walusimbi, 1987 -
- Mr. Arthur Bagunywa - Current