Nngonge clan also written as ÷÷onge clan in Luganda, is also known as Engonge clan, Ngonge clan, Buganda Otter clan or Ekika ky'engonge (in Luganda) is among the . The Ngonge is known as the Otter in the English language. Kisolo is a title given to the Nngonge clan leader.
The Ngonge clan is one of the Banansangwa (five indigenous clans of Buganda Kingdom) and these are; Lugave clan, Ffumbe clan, Njaza clan and Nyonyi clan.
The Ngonge clan was initiated by Muwanga Ssebyoto during the time of Ssekabaka Kato Kintu, Omutaka Muwanga Sebyooto was the first Kisolo of the Ngonge clan and the first Katikkiro of Buganda.
According to the Buganda mythology, Mwanga Ssebootyo disappeared with Ssekabaka Kintu and it is believed that every night sounds were heard, leaving the people wondering what they kept hearing during the dark nights hence referring to the sounds as "Kintu oba Kisolo" and this is where the title of Kisolo was gotten from.
Omutaka Muwanga Ssebyooto gave birth to four (04) children that is one daughter and three sons who form the Amasiga of the Ngone clan. The three sons were Lutaaya of Bbongole in Busujju, Ssenkungu of Lumuli in Mawokota and Kinkumu Kitumba of Bweza in Busujju. The daughter was Najjemba Nabachwa Kwamagezi who became the wife of Wanema (father to Jajja Mukasa). Najjemba is the spirit said to head the Ngonge clan.
Kisolo Muwanga Ssebootyo was appointed to be the first Musigire (Next of Kin) of Buganda Kingdom during the reign of Ssekabaka Kintu and as the Ssekabaka went for battle, he left his trusted friend and Katikiro as the Kingdom's next of kin.(Omusigire).
Wamala Buyungo Kaboggoza, invented the bark cloth in 1374-1404 during the reign of Kabaka kimera and it become the most treasured cultural fabric during that time. it was reserved for the Royal family, spiritual purposes and burial ceremonies but as time passed chiefs and wealthy individuals also embraced the trend but after the introduction of cotton, silk and other textiles in the 19th century by Arab traders its vogue declined. The bark cloth has since endured as a symbol of identity when it comes to tradition and craftmanship.
The Kisolo of the Ngonge clan is responsible for dressing the Kabaka(the King) , making and maintaining the quality of bark cloth the Kabaka wears on different occasions.
The information below is supposed to be known by all Nnonge clan members.
The Ngonge clan is also known for the discovery of the bark cloth (Olubugo). It is its royal duty to produce the bark cloth for the Buganda royal family and the Buganda royal court including the bark cloth called Luyiira that is worn by the Kabaka on his coronation ceremonies.
Wamala of the Ngonge clan is believed to have invented the skill of making of bark cloth from the Mutuba tree while hunting in a forest in Mawokota county in Buganda using a wooden harmer (mallet). Wamala presented bark cloth he had made to Ssekabaka Kimera who gave the powers to the clan of Wamala to be manufacturing the bark cloth for the Buganda's royal court.
Ssekabaka Kiggala ordered the making of two royal ivory miniature mallets to symbolise the Ngonge clan's royal duty to make the bark cloth for Buganda kingdom.
Sources:
Sources:
The clans heads/leaders are also known as Abakasolya.