Gwere people
The Gwere (plural Bagwere ) are a Bantu people of Uganda.
The Bagwere make a most appreciated about 3 % of the population of Uganda, where they live in the eastern parts of the country, especially in Pallisa district and Kibuku - District, where they represent about 80 % of the population. The Mbale town, once known as the cleanest city of Uganda, is home to the Bagwere.
Cultural structure
The social system of the Bagwere relies primarily on membership of a particular clan, which has a head. Altogether the following Gwere clans:
- Baloki clan
- Balalaka clan
- Baikomba clan
- Bakomolo clan
- Balangira clan
- Baganza clan
- Badaka clan
- Baumo clan
- Banaminto Clan
- Bapalaa clan
- Banyekero clan
- Batoloyi clan
Traditionally, marriages are prohibited among members of the same clan, which is typical for most Bantu cultures.
Music
The traditional music of the Gwere is called Tongoli, after the namesake achtsaitigen shell lyre. More musical instruments are drums, the lamellophones Congo and the one-stringed fiddle Dingidi.
Education
The Bagwere are usually very proud of their cultural heritage, especially since it numerically small, but has always been to have a high standard of education. Her most famous representative is the late Balaki Kebba Kirya, one of the founders of the independent Uganda, who died in 1994.
Economic structure
The main economic activity of the Bagwere is the Substistenzwirtschaft including breeding and cultivation of crops and livestock.
To a lesser extent, fishing, fish farming and beekeeping are increasingly being operated under the Bagwere.