he Iteso Society Of Uganda

The Iteso Society Of Uganda

The Iteso society was formed as a result of migration of people from northeastern direction into the present day TESO. The first major areas settled in by these immigrants Included Magoro, Tororo, Kapujan, Soroti, Kaberamaido, Ngola, Kumi, Serere and Bukedi
The new settlers were all cattle keepers by the 2nd half of the 19lh century. Iteso had spread almost the whole of present day Teso As they settled some form of social economic and political organisation was formed. Their institutions were more or less the same like those of pre-colonial non-centralised states in northern Uganda such as Langi. Acholi, Alur etc.
Political Organisation.
The clan units were the baSIC forms of social, political and economic organisation in Teso. This was supplemented by the age set and the lise of elders was quite useful on solving problems in Teso society There were clan heads responsible for day today affairs of clan members. These would be assisted by elders whenever they required. The clan heads used to convene meetings at regular intervals. In case of disputes between members of two or more clans, they were convened to settle them Leaders of clans were Involved In these disputes when called upon tv mediate' (settle down) upon them, since there was no central control (1.S that which appeared OIl Buganda.
The age group system \'\8S 1110'1 important in organisation of Iteso society In each clan people knew their responsibilities In terms cf age sets i.e. young ones and adults in different sexes had different roles to perform :nr the betterment of the whole society,
Initiation ceremonies marked the particular age set They were conducted by elders, clan heads and religious leaders in the lteso society.
The Iteso in their various clans had a common identity to be defended. In case of an invasion, a military leader was expected to lead the army join other village warriors to defence of the whole society Then the various village military leaders would come together and elect a supreme Aruwon to lead them through the war.
The Aruwons would at times train their men purposely to raid neighbounng societies Military action was always guided by foretellers. These would stop war preparations in case they foresaw or anticipated failure In the battlefield.
Social Organisation.
Socially. the lteso society greatly associated itself 10 terms of clan units. The elders were important as guides 10 social matters They were to conduct initiation' and marriage
ceremonies. They taught the young generation on social and political history of Iteso the also contributed much in educating the young ones on the expected lines of conduct in lteso society
An Emuron was another important figure in the social organisation of Iteso. The Emuron
system bad been introduced by Owolopom settlers at around 1850. By late 19th century the Emuron had become socially important among the Owolopom, Usulru and Bukedi people.
The rise of an Emuron in any clan was believed to be a gift from God. The Emurons .
Functions ranged from prescribing and carrying out rituals to help barren women conceive, foretell the fortunes of a hunt or war. Gifts were usually given to the Emurons in appreciation of their services to the community.
Economic Organisation.
By the 2nd half of the 19th century, Iteso had developed some economic organisation.
Internally, the people exchanged a variety of items especially between cattle keepers and
cultivators
The Iteso were also involved in trade with the neighbouring communities such as Busoga, Buganda. Bunyoro and Kwnam .
The Iteso mainly gave out cattle products in exchange of items like salt and iron
equipments from Bunyoro. The Baganda supplied barkcloth and bananas with Iteso in
exchange of cattle products such as milk, hides, meat and skins.
Iteso also survived through taxation and raising of revenues or tributes from the natives the and neighbouring controlled societies. These were very important in building the economy of Iteso clan units.
inconclusion therefore by the 2nd half of the 19th century the Iteso society had developed outstanding social, political and economic organizations. They were only disrupted by the
spread of colonialism in eastern Uganda which disrupted their progress.