By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
RUKUNGIRI
The 17th annual meeting of the Bashaaki clan held on 29th December,2025 at their ancestral grounds in Rwakirungura, Buyanja, was marked by powerful speeches on family unity, responsible leadership and the importance of income-generating activities for sustainable livelihoods. Clan leaders and members gathered in large numbers to reflect on challenges facing families and communities, while charting a path forward for collective prosperity.
Clan leader Kabareebe Eliot congratulated members for turning up in large numbers and thanked them for their commitment. He reminded the Bashaaki to know their roots and reconnect with clans men and women especially during the annual General Meeting.
Kabareebe criticized those who avoid clan responsibilities yet seek support during bereavements, saying, “We cannot continue waking up people that pretend to be asleep.” He emphasized the importance of cooperation and belonging.
Neema Jane, Secretary for Women’s Affairs on the Executive Committee, urged women to respect their husbands and preserve family unity. She highlighted the struggles men face in providing for their households, including paying school fees, only to be undermined when wives portray them as irresponsible after failing to provide upkeep for their children at school.
She cautioned women against separating their husbands from siblings and parents, stressing that families should remain united. At the same time, she reminded men of their responsibility, noting that some resort to alcohol and neglect their homes, fueling domestic violence.
Neema also challenged parents to rethink education, encouraging them to embrace vocational and skills-based training instead of clinging to the idea that success only comes through university degrees and white-collar jobs.
Clan member Samson Bakutana who is also the provincial president Father’s Union, emphasized the need for leaders to add value to meetings and understand why members fail to attend. He introduced the “3Cs” of leadership: Competence – Leaders must be skilled and knowledgeable, Connection – Leaders should build strong ties with their subordinates.
Character – Leaders must lead by example, as followers emulate their actions.
Bakutana warned against superficial solutions, urging leaders to address root causes of disunity. He called for renewed love, transparency and trust within families, remarking, “If you can’t practice those three things, just know you are two singles staying in one house.”
The theme of the year, “Every able-minded person to have an income-generating activity,” resonated strongly throughout the meeting. Families were encouraged to work together on long-term projects such as coffee planting, which can provide financial security in old age and reduce dependence on children struggling with today’s economic challenges.
The meeting underscored the clan’s commitment to unity, responsible leadership, and economic empowerment. With renewed focus on family cohesion and sustainable livelihoods, the Bashaaki clan looks ahead to a future where tradition and modern challenges are met with resilience and cooperation.
The Bashaaki clan, originating from Kashaaki, a son of Kagahe and a branch of Bagahe, traces its roots back to Lake Bunyonyi (Ahangyezi) in Kigezi. They later settled in Nyakishenyi before they finally established themselves in Kyamakanda, formerly known as Rujumbura. The clan’s totem is a cow (Ente Ngoobe), and the eagle is regarded as their animal friend.
