Some Common Traditional Values among Ugandans

Abstract

The Uganda National Commission for UNESCO commissioned a study to establish common traditional values among Ugandan societies with overall aim of documenting common ones that could be enlisted as Ugandan ethos for guiding social behavior and attitudinal development. The study was carried out among twelve ethnic communities- the Baganda and the people of Kooki in the central region, the Basoga, Bamasaaba, the Iteso and Japadhola in the eastern region; the Langi, Acholi and the Alur in the northern region; and the Banyoro, Batooro and the Rwenzururu in the western region of Uganda. The study employed two key methods that is; ethno history and interview. A review of literature on the cultures of the twelve ethnic groups was done and key people interviewed. The study points out that in the present day Uganda, there is serious moral degeneration cutting across all communities regardless of sex, age or status so much so that it is not uncommon to hear of disrespect for elders and authorities, acts of mob justice, disrespect for human rights, theft of public resources, and so many other scandals. Such a situation has not only undermined achieving much faster economic growth and socio-economic transformation but also hindered the building of a culture of peace and sustainable development. This kind of situation has been attributed to neglect or erosion of the traditional values that determined and guided the nature of societal behavior and attitude towards life. The study identified common traditional values among communities that includes; sense of ommunity, respect for authority and elders, hard work, sacredness of human life, good human elations, hospitality, honesty and integrity, sense of time, and justice and fairness. These common values are believed to be critical in directing the communities towards good nurturing of the human being that brings dignity, respect, satisfaction, prosperity and happiness. The study established that in the selected communities, traditional values were and still is vital components for the proper performance of the society. Values were considered vital to the organized character of the community. The study concluded that, although there were traditional values cherished by the various communities and are still applicable today, very little is being done to inculcate these values particularly among the young people. The study therefore calls for reawakening of Ugandan traditional values to be able to promote human dignity and a cultured society whose foundation is built on respect, mutual understanding and dialogue. This study recommends that government of Uganda through its various Ministries, Departments and Agencies should support the various ethnic communities to inventory their cultural values; create awareness on the cherished values; coordinate activities that will determine the national value system for Uganda, mainstream the traditional values in the education system for the benefit of the young people and support research and capacity building initiatives for the preservation of this unique heritage. In the same way, Cultural/traditional institutions are called upon to develop mechanisms of documenting their traditional values, inculcating it among the young people and making sure that it remains viable to the future generations.