3 Occasions When Baganda Women
Kneel For Men In Uganda
Kneeling
before men is an age old tradition among the Baganda people of Uganda. It is a
display of respect and humility and the only display of affection and
appreciation that the Baganda elderly understand. We explore three occasions
when kneeling is considered mandatory.
Greetings
 |
| A woman greets a man while kneeling |
A few years ago, a photo of a Ugandan woman
receiving a phone call from someone, presumably her husband, while kneeling
went viral. Although traditionally, a woman in Uganda is expected to greet a
man while kneeling as a sign of respect. This happens on the grass, dust,
cement or beside the road. But kneeling to receive a phone call sounded
comical. Traditionally, if a man greeted a woman who is carrying a load, she would
respond, “I am unable to respond because I am carrying a load.”
When serving food
 |
| A Ugandan Woman Kneels to Serve Food |
As
a woman serves food, she ensures the man washes hands while she is kneeling.
Often the men would take their time, washing their hands slowly before sitting
to a meal of matoke and goat’s meat. The woman may kneel for as a long as five
minutes. In May, 2019, a Ugandan waiteress in Kiambu, Stella Mteyo, 23, send
men crazy after she reportedly served food on her knees. This king-like
treatment attracted many customers to her eatery.
Wedding Day
 |
| A Ugandan Bride Kneels Down for the Bridegroom |
Kneeling
to serve one’s husband is a part of the wedding ceremony widely practiced. It
is a much celebrated and awaited occasion as it proves that the woman is humble
and knows her place in the home. After cutting the cake, the groom sits on a
chair while the bride goes on the ground. She is given a plate with cake and
icing from which she picks a piece and feeds the groom. Guests acknowledge the
gesture with wild clapping and cheering.
Although highly esteemed among the elderly, the
tradition of kneeling is slowly changing especially with the new generation who
consider it as a violation of human rights. Many human rights groups oppose the
idea, claiming that it sustains inequalities in society.
Post a Comment