From Butikiro House to Namakomo: The Enduring Legacy of Kasalina Mbekeka Nsibirwa Lule

Early Life and Family Background

Kasalina Mbekeka Nsibirwa was born in 1914 to Mantene Luther Nsibirwa and Damali Mukubwa Nawaggi, who was later laid to rest in Namakomo. Her parents resided at the official Butikiro House, where Kasalina spent her early years. She was the fourth child and youngest daughter of Jajja Mukubwa³.

Education and Marriage

Kasalina received formal education and later married Mr. Lule. Family oral history recalls that at the time of her marriage, she displayed a confident and independent spirit, memorably bidding farewell to her family with the words, “Mwelaba, ngenze n’omutini gwange.” This expression has since been remembered as reflective of her self-assured and forward-looking character.

A Progressive Woman of Her Time

Affectionately known within the family as Senga Mbekeka¹, she was regarded as a progressive woman for her era. At a time when cultural norms discouraged certain forms of dress for women, Kasalina adopted modern attire, including trousers—an uncommon choice among Baganda women of her generation. She was generally elegant in appearance, and photographs from her prime years show that she embraced contemporary fashion, including modern hats worn at formal functions.

Modern Lifestyle and Pioneering Spirit

As part of this modern lifestyle, she owned and drove a motor vehicle, including a Land Rover, at a time when car ownership itself was rare. Family accounts recall that she was among the very few women who drove cars in Kampala and that, for a period, she and Mrs. Nsibambi, the mother of Apollo Nsibambi, were the only two women known to be driving cars in the city. This distinction further underscores Kasalina’s independence, confidence, and pioneering spirit. Consistent with her youthful self-image, she disliked being addressed as “Maama,” remarking that the title made her appear old, and preferred instead to be regarded as youthful, stylish, and full of life.

Family Influence and Namesake Legacy

Her influence and esteem within the family are reflected in the fact that several children were named in her honour. Notably, Nakato Mbekeka Kiwana, who later became her heir, was named after her. In addition, Charles Kasirye Nsibirwa named his firstborn daughter Nantale Mbekeka, thereby preserving her name across generations.

Children and Descendants

Kasalina was blessed with two children: Rachel Gwokyalya and John Lwasa. Through her daughter Rachel, she became the grandmother of Grace Namugalu, while her son John Lwasa had several children, including Lugolobi.

Residence, Land Ownership, and Enterprise

She lived in Kamwokya, Kampala, where she owned prime family land, consistent with the wider Nsibirwa family’s holdings. Kasalina was economically active and entrepreneurial, maintaining coffee and banana plantations in Kirindi and operating a maize mill, which contributed both to her household and to the surrounding community.

Character, Generosity, and Family Bonds

Throughout her life, Kasalina was known for her generosity and impartiality, extending care and affection to all relatives without discrimination. She maintained close ties with her extended family and regularly took her children to visit relatives in Mindi, thereby strengthening intergenerational and kinship bonds.

Later Years and Close Companionship

In her later years, she lived a quieter life, spending much of her time at home. Family recollections note that during this period she developed habits that affected her health, including a reduced appetite. Those who knew her closely recall her strong attachment to a grandson named Musisi, who frequently accompanied her and was a trusted companion. Although his later whereabouts are unknown, Musisi spent his early years under the care and close guidance of his grandmother.

Death and Enduring Legacy

Kasalina Mbekeka Nsibirwa passed away in 1975 and was buried in Namakomo. Her life reflects the values of enterprise, independence, and family cohesion that characterised the Nsibirwa lineage. Her legacy endures through her descendants, who continue to contribute to family and national development through productive activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, and poultry farming.

Footnotes

¹ Senga

Senga is a respected title in Buganda culture referring to a paternal aunt. Traditionally, a Senga plays an important role in mentoring younger family members, preserving clan values, and offering guidance on social and cultural matters. The affectionate use of Senga Mbekeka reflects both her familial role and the esteem in which she was held.

² Butikiro House

The Butikiro is the official residence of the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda. Butikiro House therefore denotes a residence of high political and cultural significance, associated with leadership, public service, and prestige within the Buganda Kingdom.

³ Mukubwa (Senior and Official Wife)

In this family context, Mukubwa refers to the senior and officially wedded wife in a polygamous household. She held formal recognition as the principal wife and occupied a position of authority and respect among the other wives and children. The reference to Jajja Mukubwa therefore signifies descent through the senior and formally married wife of the household.