Kiboye: The Story of the Saving Abasuba Warrior

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
The canoe violently rocked back and forth, and some water entered Kiboye’s eyes. He cursed under his breath as he looked into the waters that surrounded the canoe. The waves were rising and crashing against the canoe, startling its occupants and making them shiver with fear and cold. Kiboye was anxious, he knew that the lake was angry. And he knew that this was probably because of what he had done before he fled.

A few moons before, Kiboye had been in the kingdom of Buganda, when some interesting news reached him. Apparently, Semakooikoro, the brother of Kabaka Junju had returned from exile because he was the rightful heir to the kingdom and was going to take the Kabaka’s seat by force. Life was about to get exciting.

Kiboye formed a rebel army drawn from the Abakantu and joined Semakooikoro in his quest. The two planned an attack during which Kiboye killed Kabaka Jjunju. Further, drunk on the Abakantu victory, Kiboye severely mutilated the dead man’s body.

When he heard the news, Semakooikoro was horrified. Killing Jjunju was not part of the plan. As the newly appointed Kabaka, Jjunju’s death would tarnish his reputation. Therefore, he ordered for the Abakantu to be killed. However, when the Abakantu learned about this plan, they fled, led by Kiboye.

That was how they found themselves on the rocky waters of Lake Nalubaale, sailing away to an unknown destination.

After what seemed like days, they arrived at an island, called Mfangano. Kiboye’s brother, Wetewe, decided to stay on this island with part of the group.

Kiboye and the remaining people proceeded with the journey. They soon arrived at another island called Eluzinga.

However, as the two groups settled in their new homes, internal wars started between them. And so, for the four decades preceding colonial domination, the two groups constantly jostled for power over the two islands.

Many things have since changed. Eluzinga is now called Rusinga island, Lake Nalubaale has become Lake Victoria and the Abakantu have become known as the Abasuba.

However, the legend of Kiboye, the saviour warrior of the Abasuba, continues to linger from generation to generation.

Kiboye's legacy lives on
Islands such as Rusinga which are located within Lake Victoria are important nesting sites for migratory birds. They are also spawning grounds for fish. This may have played an important role in why the Suba people settled in such an area – nature would provide food and other essential services for them.