Reconciling Pre-Colonial and Post-Independence Identities in African: An Analysis of Fred Ssebatta’s Song “Ggwanga Mujje” (“Mobilization Drums”)

Abstract

The problem at hand is that even after Uganda gained independence, Buganda still maintains its ambitions, to preserve its pre-colonial status despite Uganda’s dominant position over the kingdom. It is this situation that puts the Baganda into a dilemma as to which of the two entities the individual Muganda’s identity should be defined. This article examines how a Luganda popular singer- Fred Ssebatta presents a view that it is possible to reconcile Bugandan and Ugandan nationalism so as to create a better identity which will enable the Baganda and other Ugandans to live in harmony as citizens of Uganda. The study applied an interpretive textual critical and analytical methodological approach to relate the message with the prevailing circumstances of the Baganda. In addition, the researcher held an interview with the singer to correlate his views with those expressed in the song. The study also employed the concept of counter-ideology as advanced by Macridis (1986), which is related to the theory of ideology propounded by Karl Marx (1932; 1959; 1990) and Louis Althusser (1989:239- 50). Macridis presents a view that ideology is oftentimes used as a tool of manipulation by those in power against their opponents, and therefore, there are always counter-ideologies that emerge to establish transformative change within the system so as to do away with perceived forms of oppression. The literature review comprised of information about the history of Buganda and Uganda, nationalism, the Luganda popular song and the theory of ideology. The justification for the study is that since there are many other African countries facing a similar situation like that of Uganda, the solutions suggested may also apply to them. The findings from the analysis of the song and interview is that reconciliation has already started. The conclusion is that Ssebatta is already influenced by the counter-ideology of republicanism and employs the media of popular song to urge the Baganda and all other Ugandans to embrace it so as to forge a new national identity bonding all Ugandans.