Bagwere in Uganda

Bagwere
Photo Source:  Tom Nelson Munghono 
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People Name: Bagwere
Country: Uganda
10/40 Window: No
Population: 864,000
World Population: 864,000
Primary Language: Gwere
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 95.00 %
Evangelicals: 32.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Bantu, Central-Lakes
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

800 years ago ancestors of the Bagwere people broke off from a clan of rainmakers (royal priests) tasked with reading the sky and predicting the present or absence of rain. Some stayed in Namibia and others moved upwards in the Nguni/Ngoni migration and assimilated with the people in the Shenzi: great lakes regions (land of lakes like Lake Victoria, Tanganyika, Kyoga, Albert) now called Eastern Africa.

The Bagwere people originally migrated from Western Uganda along Llake Kyoga, finally settling along the Mpologoma River in Uganda. They consist of about 86 clans that are headed by a tribal chief called Ikumbania.

They are located in eastern part of Uganda covering districts of Budaka, Kibuku, Pallisa and parts of Mbale. They current pitch camp around the swamps of Lake Kyoga in modern day Uganda.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are great rice farmers and excel in the education sector.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Bawere are Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

They need financial provisions. Professionally they were teachers but this has also been affected by removal of teachers colleges.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Bagwere will know what God has called them to do in the nation.
Pray for financial provision.
Pray they will put all their faith in Jesus Christ, and not in ancient spirits or witchcraft.
Pray for unity of purpose, and the return of prodigal sons to the faith.

Text Source:   Joshua Project