In this article, we’ll explore an ancient African legend, one specific to Eastern Africa, in a subregion of Rwanda and Uganda, where an intriguing population called Ancient Cwezi, also known as the Bachwezi people once dwelled.

Historical Context of the Cwezi People

According to historical accounts, the Cwezi people were thought to have governed the vast empire of the Sun, or KITARA, from as early as 10,000 BC up to the year 1500 AD. Following the dissolution of Kitara, this realm evolved into Bunyoro-Kitara around 500 C.E., undergoing a transformation into a conglomeration of smaller kingdoms overseen by siblings and family members.

Other historical references also state that Cwezi dynasty reigned at a site in Uganda known as Bigi bya Mugyenyi around the 1000AD and 1500AD. This place is a site which exists till recent times, it’s a cultural and archaeological site which is located in the western part of Uganda. It is characterized with huge curved rocks surrounding the location and thatched huts with sharp-pointed spears at their entrance. The Bigo bya Mugyenyi site also consists of Bachwezi caves and praying spots for believers of the Cwezi spirits, this praying spot has baskets where people put monetary offerings which are dedicated to the gods so that the visitors remain safe on entering the shrines and sites.

The Cwezi were described as extraordinary beings with distinctive physical features, such as unusual height and head shapes, leading some to attribute their appearance to evidence of being demigods or even ancient extraterrestrials.

While the origin of these people remains a topic of debate, the Tutsi oral tradition is often used as a source of information. Some believe that the Cwezi people could have been the ancestors of the prominent rulers of Kush, Nubia, and Khamiti, or they may have belonged to the Sudanic and Kamitic gods group, rather than being solely ancient Ugandans. However, it’s said that the Ugandan people still invoke them for assistance during times of crisis, worshipping them as powerful beings. In Rwandan and Burundi culture, they are known as Ibimanuka, which loosely translates to "those who descended as gods."

The Cwezi, despite their extinction, are still revered by various tribes in Ankole, Toro, Buganda, East Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. Contemporary scholars, on the other hand, depend on ancient artifacts to confirm the existence of these unearthly entities. Therefore, current theories suggest that the Cwezi arrived in the western region of Uganda around 500 C.E. from the northern part of the Nile, establishing a foundation for leadership and introducing more structured kingdoms in the East African area. In comparison, Gakondo, an unconventional and somewhat contentious African author, disputes this hypothesis, asserting that the Cwezi emerged during the colonial period, characterized by significant Western impact. He recounts an alternative narrative of historical events – stating that the Cwezi community was not confined to the vicinity of Lake George and Lake Albert as posited by Western narratives, but rather held dominion over the ancient Kitara Empire which encompassed a vast expanse including present-day Rwanda, Burundi, Karagwe, Eastern Congo, certain areas of Uganda, and the Kano plains in Kenya.

Furthermore, he extends his argument by asserting that the Cwezi lineage traces back to a multitude of contemporary African monarchies such as Toro, Ankole, Buganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, alongside certain civilizations that have faded into obscurity like the Kongo and Zanj.

Although not much was written about the Cwezi people and their dynasty with only three kings having been documented in their history, their roots in Ankole only told of Ndahura as the first king and Mulindwa as well as Wamara as the final two. The empire began to disintegrate into numerous autonomous states in the 1300s, as a consequence of the belief among the populace that the demise of a sacred cow, Bihogo, would signal the demise of the empire.

Mythical Attributes of the Cwezi People

According to oral tradition, the Bachwezi were believed to possess a dual nature, being half divine and half human. Some accounts by scholars depict them as entities straddling the realms of the earthly and the astral, thereby blending an otherworldly essence with a terrestrial one.

They were described as physically striking, they were said to have been extremely tall, with black to dark-brown skin, with supernatural abilities, and practiced teleportation and telekinesis.

The Cwezi were also well-reputed for their possession of supernatural abilities and laser technology that facilitated large-scale masonry projects. Some theorists posit that an aspect that is proof of the Cwezi's possession of extraordinary powers is the erection of the pyramids. These structures were built using 30-ton rock blocks, which were moved over a vast distance from their South Sudanese domain to Cairo. Alternative explanations for this phenomenon include the utilization of forced labour, such as Israelite captives or local inhabitants, or a large workforce. Advocates of the hypothesis positing the Cwezi as supernatural entities argue that the massive stone blocks were not transported manually over vast distances but rather manipulated into position through telekinesis. Furthermore, they contend that these blocks were not extracted from quarries and shaped with rudimentary tools, but instead were effortlessly sculpted into precise forms utilizing sophisticated or mystical technologies accessible to the Cwezi civilization, the details of which have since been lost to history.

The Cwezi people were also characterized as possessing clairvoyant powers which in turn enabled them to intuitively perceive thoughts and anticipate future occurrences. According to oral legends, it is believed that the Cwezi had the ability to vanish and materialize instantaneously, a phenomenon often observed before their demise or in the face of imminent danger or when embarking on long journeys. Such accounts hint at the possibility of their influence extending beyond their immediate surroundings to other regions of Africa or even globally, perhaps reaching Mali or southern Africa, as indicated by similar narratives within the oral traditions of the Bambara people, Ife of West Africa, and San peoples of the Kalahari.

As for the phenomenon of air travel, such abilities were documented among the Cwezi people, the ability to levitate, defy gravity, and engage in air travel using a Mat to distant locations was observed among the inhabitants of Gisaka (Kibungo) in Rwanda and Karagwe until the late 1980s. It can be demonstrated that the practice of unusual air travel in Africa had already been recognised among specific ethnic groups long before the advent of aerodynamics in the Western world. This ability to travel without reliance on modern technology may have assisted ancient migrations to distant regions on Earth and perhaps even to outer space.

It was also a common belief that only certain royal bloodlines possessed paranormal abilities, such as those attributed to the Cwezi. King Rwabugiri IV, a prominent figure in Rwandan history, was believed to have possessed paranormal abilities along with one of his wives, Muhumuza. Rwabugiri was the first Rwandan king to meet with Europeans, and he resisted the slave trade and preserved the integrity of the Rwandan borders during the scramble for Africa. Subsequently, many custodians of this traditional knowledge of paranormal capabilities were targeted and killed during the Rwandan genocide of 1994.

Cultural Heritage of the Cwezi People

Despite the many tales of the enigmatic stories of the Cwezi people, they were more than beings with supernatural abilities, the Cwezi were a remarkable society, and it is likely that they would have been considered advanced for their era.

Sources state that the long-horned Ankole Cows, a species which are indigenous to the region at the source of the River Nile are said to have been introduced to the area, as they were extremely skilled cattle keepers and although they engaged in the practice of cattle raising, the individuals predominantly adhered to a vegetarian diet, primarily utilizing the cows for their dairy production. In addition to their livestock activities, they also dedicated efforts to the cultivation of various plants, establishing themselves as highly skilled agricultural practitioners.

They also derived pleasure from engaging in a diverse array of athletic pursuits including archery, javelin throwing, and wrestling. They presented and participated in a traditional board game named Omweeso (alternatively referred to as ekisoro or igisoro), a game that continues to be widely enjoyed in Africa to this day. As they were also quite incredible sportsmen, they are said to have enjoyed archery, high jump, spear throwing (Javelin), sprinting, and wrestling.

The warriors were highly skilled in combat, yet they prioritized peace, leading them to vanish to a tranquil region whenever conflict arose, only to reemerge unnoticed later. Within Ankole culture, it is believed that the voices of the CWEZI individuals who disappeared can still be perceived as they carry out their daily routines invisibly.

The Cwezi Cult

The actions of the Cwezi group have given rise to a well-established religious sect referred to as ABALANGA, ABARUNGI, or ABALANGI deities.

The disappearance of the Cwezi populace from historical records during the 16th Century remains a topic of debate, with reasons varying. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the Bachwezi remain unknown. With regard to the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, there is a plethora of fanciful legends. One legend posits that they migrated westward and disappeared into Lake Mwitanzige (Albert). Another legend suggests that they disappeared into Lake Wamala, which is named after the last king of the dynasty. A prevalent hypothesis among scholars is that the Bachwezi simply integrated into the indigenous population, with their descendants today comprising tribal groups such as the Bahima of Ankole and the Batutsi of Rwanda. The Bahima and Batutsi share a similar physical appearance to the Bachwezi, with an elegant, tall build and light complexion.

While some, such as the Ankole, argue that they still exist but are hidden, a more practical explanation suggests that they were overtaken by the indigenous Luo people of the Nile Valley due to weakened conditions caused by famine and illness.

The numerous extraordinary assertions and myths linked to the Cwezi, along with their enigmatic vanishing act from historical accounts, have understandably drawn a fervent following. Referred to as the Cwezi Cult, this group is characterized as both a 'cult of affliction' and a 'spirit society'. Although largely disregarded by mainstream sources, they are recognized locally for their unconventional beliefs and connections to occult practices.

Members of the Sukuma community in the African Great Lakes area label followers of the Cwezi Cult as Balogi, meaning 'witches', and they are shrouded in hearsay and speculations. The group is linked to the extensive use of dark magic, extreme secrecy, unconventional sexual rituals during initiation ceremonies, and cursed objects and symbols. Legend has it that any thief who comes into possession of the Shishingo diadem, a symbol of the Cwezi Cult, will succumb to its powers and meet a fatal fate.

The Cwezi Cult, despite its controversial reputation linked with witchcraft, is highly esteemed for its healing abilities. Unlike other traditional African cults, they focus on communicating with the dead rather than offering sacrifice. By singing an anthem at night during their sessions, they reassure the public of the purity of their actions, and convey their benevolent intentions as healers, and explain how recognizing angry spirits can lead to healing. The effectiveness of their ceremonies lies in their unique approach of directly communicating with spirits, leading to possession for effective healing.

The Cwezi Cult’s healing ceremonies last for five days, during which the cult members perform songs and dance. However, it is not only the afflicted person who is possessed by a spirit during this time; members can also become possessed. This state is known as ‘being reached by the ancestor’ and is at the heart of the Cwezi Cult. The Cwezi Cult venerates the ancestors who established the great Cwezi empire. They believe that their ancestors are either physically present but invisible, or are observing them as gods from another realm.

Conclusively, whilst the true identity of the original Cwezi people remains uncertain, their influence on the folklore of Africa is profound. It appears that all those with whom they came into contact believed they possessed supernatural abilities and were held in high regard for their distinctive talents. For those who continue to believe that the Cwezi were superhuman beings, whether gods, aliens, or spirits, being "reached by an ancestor" must be regarded as a privilege that inspires devotion to a cult with a dark reputation.

The true origin of the Cwezi clan remains a matter of contention. While European writers ascribe all paranormal activities to what science can readily explain, African historical writers believe that much of African history can only be told by Africans. Therefore, the Cwezi clan existed and they had powers that predate the birth of science in modern times.

References

1. SwaliAfrica, “Cwezi Cult of Africa: Humans, Extra-terrestrials or Demi-gods ?,” SwaliAfrica Magazine, November 4, 2016, [https://blog.swaliafrica.com/cwezi-cult-of-africa-humans-extra-terrestrials-or-demi-gods/.](https://blog.swaliafrica.com/cwezi-cult-of-africa-humans-extra-terrestrials-or-demi-gods/)
2. Sarah P. Young, “The Cwezi: Ancient Race of Mystical People and the Modern-Day Cwezi Cult Accused of Black Magic,” Ancient Origins Reconstructing the Story of Humanity’s Past, July 1, 2019, [https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-africa/cwezi-cult-0012220#google_vignette.](https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-africa/cwezi-cult-0012220%23google_vignette.)
3. Jollie. “Bachwezi Spirts.” Elephant Whispers Safaris | Uganda Safaris Tours | Uganda Safaris | Uganda Tours | Safaris Uganda, April 21, 2022. [https://whisperssafarisuganda.com/bachwezi-spirts/.](https://whisperssafarisuganda.com/bachwezi-spirts/)
4. Arkbk, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom; “Dynasties - Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (Rep. Uganda) - The most powerful Kingdom in East Africa!,” n.d. http://www.bunyoro-kitara.org/