Basoga are commonly called the “Soga”, the eastern dwellers in Uganda that neighbor the great Baganda in central region. They are the main inhabitants around Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga with their current districts of Kamuli, Jinja and Iganga. Basoga make up about eight percent of the country’s population. These amazing people initially prior the arrival of the European practiced subsistence farming that included rearing goats, sheep and goats and in most cases kept their gardens within their homesteads. The ancient occupants of Busoga area were the Nilo Hamites tribes which was composed of the Langi, Iteso and Bagisu, however when the Basoga who immigrated from the East came, they were expelled and even they took over their traditional practices and lifestyles. Concerning their traditions, Basoga are defined in 3 legends pertaining their origins; the first is about the popular hunter Omukama from the Eastern part of Mount Elgon who then crossed through the current Bugishu and Budama, the second legend argues that mukuma didn’t surface in Busoga at all but only delegated his sons to rule Busoga since they had no strong leaders at a time whereas the 3rd legend talks about Kintu who came to Busoga from the East of Mount Elgon. This legend argues that Kintu left his sons in Busoga and went to Buganda. He is believed to have come back to Busoga and stayed in areas known as Buswikira which lies at Igombe. Kintu died and he was laid to rest in the same place which today his tomb that stands as a rock, is being worshiped by some people in Busoga region.
Before the Basoga were disunited group of people and that is why in a long run they were ruled by foreigners like Bunyoro and Buganda, however today the Basoga are proud to have their leader known as the “Isebantu Kyabazinga” of Busoga. His name denotes unity and it was derived from the expression and recognition by the Basoga that their leader was the ‘father of all people who brings all of them together’ and he also serves as a cultural leader of Basoga.