The Theology of The Umbilical Cord With Particular Reference to The Bagwere
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Date
2003
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The Blood friendship or umbilical cord which is also known as Pact Blood
brotherhood or sisterhood, evolved among the Bagwere people over Centuries. As a
matter of fact, the practice is said to have been as old as the ethnic group of the
Bagwere people themselves. However, it is quite difficult for one to be certain in the
real dating of this practice. This is due to the very fact that there are no written
documents or records to refer to this phenomenon. As a result of this, the
information is based on interviews conducted among the elders who are regarded as
the moving libraries among the Bagwere people. This brings the aspect that the
elders are highly valued in the community. However, this in its self has limitations
and consequently this will in one-way or another affect the research.
The Bagwere people are believed to have been very friendly right from the
beginning. Nagwere who is believed to have been the ancestral father of the Bagwere
is said to have been very friendly. The legend says, "when Nagwere first landed in
the Eastern part of Uganda, he entered into the Blood friendship or covenant with the
local chief who in turn saw him as a blood brother. This relationship did not only
affect Nagwere and the local chief but also their children who treated each other as
brothers and sisters. This covenant later came to be known as Umbilical cord relationship. Nagwere was no longer a foreigner but a real citizen of the land. He
enjoyed all the rights of the royal family since he was seen as a real brother to the
chief.- I Hence, this so called Blood brotherhood marked the humble settlement of
Nagwere in the Eastern uganda.
The ancestors of the Bagwere who later in turn slowly after seeing its richness and
values that were attached to it passed on to their descendants who kept it jealously
and later on adapted this practice. Because of the values and uniqueness, it has
managed to be preserved among the Bagwere People. It came to be seen as a sacred
practice.
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Keywords
Umbilical Cord, Bagwere