Bakenyi People Face Identity Crisis Amidst Shrinking Livelihoods

The Bakenyi people, who first settled in the Teso region between the 1700s and 1800s, are facing significant challenges in preserving their unique identity. Historically migrating from Buganda and primarily establishing themselves around the Lake Kyoga belts, their traditional livelihood has been fishing. This has led them to be considered the third tribe of Teso, coexisting with the predominantly pastoralist and farming Iteso community.

Elders like Gerald Mwanika Baligajo, 82, lament that while their ancestors lived in harmony with the Iteso, the current generation experiences segregation. This shift is attributed to changing times and a decline in traditional fishing practices due to government crackdowns on illegal fishing methods on Lake Kyoga. Consequently, the Bakenyi are increasingly turning to farming, despite often having limited access to land.

Jamilah Nabwire notes that the Bakenyi often face discrimination when it comes to government development projects. Pascal Waswa, also 82, recalls that the Iteso originally learned fishing from the Bakenyi and would trade crops for fish, highlighting a historical interdependence now strained.

Racheal Mwanika expresses concern that Bakenyi children are adopting the Ateso language and even changing their names to assimilate into the dominant culture. Vinadi Musana points out that while the Bakenyi are courted during election periods, they are often overlooked for development initiatives like PDM and Emyooga.

The community, also known historically as Bakunta or Balunnyanja, seeks government support, such as the establishment of fishponds and cages, to revive their traditional fishing economy. They are also considering bringing their concerns to the Equal Opportunities Commission to address the visible segregation they face.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/bakenyi-struggle-to-preserve-identity-as-livelihoods-shrink—5505952