Birth rituals for newly born twins among the Baganda; a case of Kayunga sub-county, Kayunga district

Abstract

This study examined the practice of birth rituals for newly born twins among Baganda in Kayunga Subcounty, Kayunga District. Specific objectives were; to explore different forms of birth rituals for the newly born twins, analyze the beliefs, and assess the socio-cultural and economic effects of the practicing birth rituals among the Ganda Culture in Kayunga Sub-County. A qualitative case study design was adopted, data was collected using an interview-guide with fifteen participants and (4) focus group discussions (FGDs). Findings showed that different forms of practicing birth rituals existed and involved parents, grand-parents, newly born twins and family members and experienced traditional birth attendants. Herbs, songs, dance and newly born twins naming form part of the Buganda practicing birth rituals. Beliefs held to foster the smooth practice of the birth rituals, the effects for the practicing birth rituals were social, economic and cultural in nature and study found that birth rites carry a wealth of sociocultural and economic benefits, but there are risks associated with improper performance and acts marked by malice. It was concluded that Ganda Culture is rich and diverse with birth rituals, beliefs that reflect what Baganda do to improve and enrich cultural diversity and its management. The study recommended that Buganda Kingdom, Ministry Education and Sports and Ministry of Health-Uganda should work together with all stakeholders to conserve Buganda practicing birth rituals for the future generation.