Songora in Congo, Democratic Republic of

Introduction / History

The Basongora, or Songora, live mainly in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Uganda, they are established in the plains surrounding the Imaramagambo forest in the western region. In the DRC, their presence is notable in the Rwenzori sector, Beni territory, North Kivu Province.

The Basongora, also known as the Songora, are a pastoralist people of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, primarily in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Their history is marked by a cultural tradition and challenges related to colonization and forced displacement. According to their oral tradition, the Songora are descended from the ancient Shenzi/Chwezi empires. Their traditional territory extended around the Rutshuru and Rwenzori mountains. They were organized into a confederation of several states, united by a parliament called the Muhabuzi and ruled by a constitutional monarchy composed of a dowager empress, a female ruler, and a male ruler.

In the early 20th century, the Songora faced major upheavals due to colonization. In 1906, King Kasigano, the last pre-colonial monarch of Songora, was deposed by British authorities. The territory of Songora was then partitioned between the Congo and the Uganda Protectorate, with the Ugandan portions annexed to the kingdoms of Toro and Nkore.

Between 1900 and 1955, under colonial rule, the Songora lost 90% of their land, in part due to the creation of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. They were expelled without any alternative housing being offered to them, leading many Songora to cross the border into the DRC and settle in the Virunga National Park. In 2006, the Congolese authorities expelled them, forcing them to return to Uganda, where they attempted to re-enter the Queen Elizabeth National Park, again facing eviction attempts.

Despite these challenges, the Songora have set about revitalizing their cultural heritage. On May 12, 2012, they reestablished their ancient kingdom, dissolved a century earlier during colonial rule. Bwebale Ivan Rutakirwa Rwigi IV was enthroned as King of Songora, claiming several sub-counties in Uganda as part of their ancestral territory.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Songora continue to fight for recognition of their territorial and cultural rights while preserving their unique traditions in a changing environment.

Their way of life is mainly based on cattle herding, a central activity in their economy and culture. They have adapted to environments of dry savannah, scrubland and mountainous terrain, particularly in the plains and foothills surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition to herding, the Songora were historically involved in salt production and the iron trade.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are traditionally monotheists, believing in a supreme god named Ruhanga. Today, some of the Songora have adopted Christianity or Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

The Songoras need better medical facilities and schools.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide for the Songoras in ways that will make it clear he should have their undivided worship.
Pray for the Lord to use healings and miracles to help them realize who Jesus is.
Pray for Songora disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for Songora family leaders to seek and find the Lord.

Text Source:   Joshua Project