Some of the readers of my article on “Why Bahima will not marry Bairu women” and Ms. Phionah Kesaasi’s response titled “Bahima-Bairu theory is short on evidence” have advised that we forget Bahima-Bairu antagonism and move on. Others including Kesaasi have wondered “why a highly educated man like Kashambuzi” should spend time on minor issues like intermarriage. Here are some reasons why I have difficulties forgetting the past which has crept into the present.
First, in 1863, John Hanning Speke, a British explorer, wrote that he was told by Bahima (Wahuma) that all the people who occupied their land bordering Victoria Lake were given the name of Wiru (Bairu) or slaves. Bairu had to supply Bahima with food and clothing etc. Speke’s book was reprinted in 2006 and has become a text book in schools and universities around the world.
Because of comprehensive intermarriages (both ways) between Bahima and Bairu in Bunyoro, Toro and Buganda the ethnic differences have disappeared and people in these areas are living in relative peace with one another. Sadly in southwest Uganda (in former Ankole and Rujumbura of Rukungiri district where the limited intermarriage has been one way, the inter-ethnic or inter-tribal antagonism has remained very strong – let us be honest about it.
Second, not too long ago, a senior official in Ntungamo district is reported to have said at a public gathering that he is worth more than 1000 (or 100) Bairu. To the best of my knowledge, nobody condemned him.
Third, Ms. Kesaasi has just repeated what Europeans wrote and preached about namely Bahima (and their cousins Batutsi, Bahororo and Banyamulenge) women are beautiful, implying two things. There is no reason why Bahima men should marry ugly Bairu women when there are beautiful Bahima women, and Bairu men should not be blamed for marrying Bahima women because they are more beautiful than Bairu women anyway.
Third, we have heard stories that Bairu are stupid (that is why many Bairu are not taken seriously regardless of their education and experience). They are only good at menial work (like moles scratching the soil to earn a miserable living) and have no capacity for leadership – in the past, today and in the future. This has been put in practice in Rujumbura since Bahororo entered the area in 1800. Watch the candidates for 2011 elections and you will see what I am saying.
Fourth, the above developments have had a devastating impact on Bairu in southwest Uganda where Bairu are suffering in silence. That is why I have taken on this challenge on behalf of Bairu, who by the way did not ask me to do so. In fact some are uncomfortable about what I am doing. Being “highly educated” has perhaps given me the courage to do so. I am fully aware of the risks involved.