Yoramu K Bamunoba

The Cult of Spirits in Ankole Yoramu K Bamunoba

This book presents a detailed account of the traditional cult of spirits in Ankole as indicated in Emandwa and Emizimu and how these affected the lives of Banyankole and Bahima in south western Uganda in the past and are still very much manifest in their livelihoods and perceptions of life today. The book is a result of a Masters Thesis research conducted by Emeritus Bishop Yoramu Bamunoba while pursuing his Masters Degree at Makerere University in the late 1960s and early 70s. The book provides a nuanced and well researched description of what is involved in spirit cult and their religious relevance to the people of Ankole especially in todays' influences of modernity, Christianity, Islam and other Western religions. It sheds light on how and why Banyankole communicate with their ancestors and associate with spirit cult. The concept of Ruhanga and what it means to Banyankole is explained and the salient features of Ankole Traditional religion elaborated. Issues of health and wealth and the perception of orderliness of natural life among Banyankole and Bahima are described. The Cult of Spirit in Ankole is a major contribution to the scholarship of African Traditional Religion and provides original insights into the culture and traditions of the people of Ankole. It fills a gap in knowledge and is valuable reading to students, practitioners and researchers of religion, sociology and African Studies.