|
LIST OF MBUNDA CHIEFS
IN ZAMBIA

Mbunda people and their chiefs
migration from Mbundaland in the now Angola into the now Zambia,
since the latter part of the 18th Century

Mbunda chiefs location map in Zambia
Mbunda people started migrating to
Barotseland now Western Province of Zambia in the latter part of the
18th Century.[1]
The first Mbunda Chiefs to migrate were
Chief Mundu of the Mbalango dialect,
followed by his nephew Chief Kandala Viemba and then King Chitengi
Chingumbe Chiyengele, in frustration after his succession to his
father's throne, in opposition to the Mbunda custom of a nephew. The
three were all received by the Aluyi King Mulambwa.[2][3]
The fourth and
last chief to migrate into Barotseland voluntarily was Mwene Lindeho
Kanyanyu between 1878 and 1884. He was received by Aluyi King
Mulabwa’s successor, King Lubosi Liwanika.
Most of the Mbunda chiefs started migrating at the beginning of the
20th century due to the
Mbunda resistance to Portuguese colonial occupation, when the
Portuguese colonialists abducted the twenty first (21st) Mbunda
Monarch, King
Mwene Mbandu I Lyondthzi Kapova.[4]
Due to the Mbunda/Aluyi interaction since
the end of the 18th Century in Barotseland, the Mbunda named the
Aluyi King Lubosi "Litunga Liwanika lya mafuti, Njamba kalimi,
lifuti limulimina". This is a Mbunda name meaning, "Builder and
Uniter of Nations" and depicting an Elephant (Njamba in Mbunda), a
Mbunda monarch symbol. This was in recognition of King Lubosi's
justice on discovery of the concealment of Aluyi fighters who killed
Mbunda commanders after the Aluyi/Tonga war, for fear of the Mbunda
getting the credit for the victory over the Tonga, and after the
absorption of not only the conquered Makololo, but also the Mbunda
immigrants, the Ndebele raiders and the ever increasing European
presence in Barotseland since 1864.
Status of Mbunda Chiefs In Barotseland
Mbunda Chiefs and their people have
continued to be subjective to the Barotse Royal Establishment.
Negative reactions from different quarters between the two peoples
could be attributed to lack of correct information of subject
matters. Mbunda Chieftainships obtaining in Barotseland and else
where in Zambia are "Mbunda Institutions" which would not be
substituted, and will remain in existence even when a chief in a
person is dethroned, by replacement of another Mbunda from the same
royal family tree.
Interactive approaches by the 23rd Mbunda
Monarch, His Majesty King Mbandu III Mbandu Lifuti of Angola to his
counterpart the 24th King of Barotseland, His Majesty Lubosi Imwiko
II, in appreciating the time long co-existence with his people and
for the continued cordial relationship between the two peoples
indicate exemplary statesmanship. Whereas parallel structures of
introducing a Mbunda Royal Council or Establishment in Barotseland
has never been considered by the Mbunda Monarch in Angola, however,
the Mbunda Chiefs in Zambia and Barotseland in particular, having to
be installed by the Mbunda Monarch in Angola, while maintaining
their subjectivity to the Litunga, for those in Barotseland as
practiced in like manner by the Paramount Chief Undi of the Chewa
people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique would help preserve the
Mbunda culture and traditions.
Traditional Mbundaland in Angola recognize
chieftainship of all migrant ethnicity living in the land and
continue living with them all in harmony, while paying allegiance to
their central chieftainship in their countries of origin. Equally,
Mbunda people in the diaspora pay allegiance to the Mbunda Monarch
in Angola, while recognizing and being subjective, but not
subservient to authorities that be in the diaspora.
Following is a list of
Mbunda chiefs in
Zambia,
who ascribe to the 23rd
Mbunda monarch
His Majesty, King Mwene Mbandu III Mbandu Lifuti in Lumbala
Nguimbo,
Moxico,
Angola:
Chief Mwene Mundu Dynasty
[5]
The first
Mbunda Chiefs to settle in Bulozi were of the
Mbunda language (Vambalango). The ancestor of the Mbunda
Mbalango was a woman chief called Vamwene Nungu in Mbundaland now Angola.
Not all of the children succeeded to chieftainship. Sometimes the
succession followed Lozi custom as the Vambalango lived among the
Lozi and tended to adopt Lozi customs.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Mundu Man'ulumbe
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Bulozi |
1795 |
1800s |
Chief Mwene Mundu Man'ulumbe, the son of Chieftaines Vamwene
Mahongo was the first
Mbunda Chief to visit Bulozi in the 17th century to
interact with the Aluyi, King Yeta Twamona, a visit that
resulted in their establishing a friendship. Thus the name
Mwene Mundu is a title that is given to every
Mbunda-Mbalango chief at Liumba, in Kalabo District, who
succeeds to the chieftainship. After this visit, Chief Mwene
Mundu returned to Mbundaland and shifted from his former
palace and settled in Kapuyi. In his second visit to Bulozi
he found King Yeta Twamona had died, he this time he met
King Ngombala of the Aluyi people. Mbunda chief usually
visited Bulozi from Mbundaland now
Angola to visit Aluyi chiefs due to its proximity. When
King Mulambwa was on his throne he remembered this
Friendship which had existed between Chief Mwene Mundu and
King Yeta Twamona. Therefore he also decided to strengthen
the friendship between the Mbunda and the Aluyi. During the
time of King Mulambwa in Bulozi, Chief Mwene Mundu's fame
had grown so much that the King Mulambwa sent for him. Chief
Mwene Mundu brought along with him ministers or vimyata on
this third trip together with his sons and stayed for awhile
in a place called Kama in Bulozi. By this time Chief Mwene
Mundu had decided to shift from Kapuyi, a river in
Mbundaland now Angola into Bulozi. When he finally shifted
to Bulozi he wanted to settle in Kama but did not because
the soil was not good for agricultural purposes, thus he
settled in Ndoka. Because he had come with a very large
group of people they could not settle in one place; Chief
Mwene Kakinga ka Chompe settled in Mbunde, Chief Mwene
Nkando in Mayela, Chief Mwene Kalomo ka Chompe in Lukoela
and Chief Mwene Mbambi in Mbambi. Others settled at Kamonga,
Chisole, and some in Liande and even today there are remains
of settlements such as old agricultural ridges and canals. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Mundu Muthzanga
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Bulozi |
? |
? |
After the death of Chief Mwene Mundu Man'ulumbe, Chief Mwene
Mundu Muthzanga reigned in his stead and reigned for many
years and died. |
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe
|
His Palace was at Ndoka in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe who settled in Lukoela reigned
after Mwene Mundu Muzanga. During the reign of Mwene Mundu
Kalomo ka Chompe, Mwene Kandala Vyemba, nephew to Mwene
Mundu Man'ulumbe fled into Bulozi. When the Makololo went to
war with the Aluyi, Chief Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe went
back into Mbundaland to seek refuge and settled in Chishongo
at the boundary with the Nyengoland. Some of his people such
as Kavinga settled in N'inda and Kanyanyu settled in Lwati.
After the war, during the reign of King Lewanika, messengers
were sent to assure Chief Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe that
there was peace in the area and that he could go back. Soon
after this return he died. |
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Mundu Kaumba
|
His Palace was at Kalenga in Bulozi |
? |
? |
During the war between the Aluyi and the Shukulumbwe (Ila
and Tonga), Chief Mwene Mundu Kaumba was in Kalenga. He was
a courageous fighter and with a combined army of the Aluyi
had captured prisoners from the tribes of Tonga, Ila, Toka
and Ndundulu. They were brought to Chief Mwene Mundu
Kaumba's palace at Kalenga. Apart from being a great
fighter, Chief Mwene Mundu Kaumba was a great magician (chimbanda)
and he was well vested in magic arts. He died after the
Aluyi/Luvale war (Chiyazengombe war). |
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Mundu Chimboma
|
His Palace was at Lwenga-Liumba in Bulozi |
? |
1907 |
After his death of Chief Mwene Mundu Kaumba, Mwene Mundu
Chimboma was made Chief in his stead and he did not want to
continue dwelling in Kalenga, thus he requested the King
Lewanika to allow him shift from Kalenga to Lwenga-Lyumba.
Chief Mwene Mundu Chimboma reigned for many more years and
died. |
? |
|
6. Chief
Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe who settled in Lukoela reigned
after Mwene Mundu Muzanga. During the reign of Mwene Mundu
Kalomo ka Chompe, Mwene Kandala Vyemba, nephew to Mwene
Mundu Man'ulumbe fled into Bulozi. When the Makololo went to
war with the Aluyi, Chief Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe went
back into Mbundaland to seek refuge and settled in Chishongo
at the boundary with the Nyengoland. Some of his people such
as Kavinga settled in N'inda and Kanyanyu settled in Lwati.
After the war, during the reign of King Lewanika, messengers
were sent to assure Chief Mwene Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe that
there was peace in the area and that he could go back. Soon
after this return he died. |
? |
|
7. Chief
Mwene Mundu Chilindo
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Bulozi |
1907 |
1951 |
After his death, Chief Mundu Chilindo was made Chief Mundu
in his stead in 1907 the year people in Bulozi started
paying pole tax. Chief Mundu Chilindo reigned very well and
died in 1951. |
? |
|
8. Chief
Mwene Mundu Muyamba
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Bulozi |
1952 |
1992 |
In 1952 Chief Mwene Mundu Muyamba succeeded Chief Mwene
Mundu Chilindo. At the time Chief Mundu Muyamba succeeded,
he was already a nobleman (Induna) representing the Mbunda
by sitting on the Lozi court for settling disputes in the
Libonda court during King Imwiko’s reign (1946-48). However,
his installation as Chief Mundu remain controversial as to
being the rigtful successor. It is believed it was not Chief
Mundu Chilindo’s relative but a step son who came with the
mother in marriage. His choice was more influenced by the
Lozi Chieftainship, since he was the one who was always seen
accompanying Chief Mwene Mundu Chilindo at the Lozi Libonda
palace. This also influenced his choice as a nobleman
representing the Mbunda by sitting on the Lozi court for
settling disputes in the Libonda court during the reign of
King Imwiko. To date all the Mbunda Chiefs who reign with
the title Chief Mundu are permanently settled in Liumba.
Kalabo District in the Western Province of Zambia. |
? |
|
9. Chief
Mwene Mundu Likithi Kaunda
|
His Palace was at Liumba in Kalabo District of Western
Province of Zambia. |
1992 |
2008 |
After Chief Mwene Mundu Muyamba’s death, in 1992, Chief
Mundu Likithi Kaunda succeeded him and reigned until August
2008 when he died. Coincidentally, he died in the same month
and year when the Mbunda Monarch of
King Mbandu III Mbandu Lifuti was being installed. He
very much wanted to accompany the Zambian entourage going to
install the Mbunda people |
? |
Mwene Mundu Likithi, the 9th in the Chief
Mwene Mundu Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Kandala Dynasty
[6]
The second
Mbunda Chiefs to settle in Bulozi were also of the
Mbunda Mbalango dialect (Vambalango). During the reign of Chief
Mundu Kalomo ka Chompe, Chief Kandala Vyemba, nephew to Chief Mundu
Man'ulumbe fled into Bulozi. Chief Kandala had come into Bulozi to
seek asylum for he was being sought for by King Ngonga I Chiteta of
the Mbunda ya Mathzi after a domestic dispute between them which had
erupted from a theft case that involved the two Royalties in which
Chief Kandala's people had stolen an antelope from King Ngonga I
Chiteta's hunting trap. Sometimes the succession followed Lozi
custom as the Vambalango lived among the Lozi and tended to adopt
Lozi customs.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Kandala Viemba
|
His Palace was at Kanyonyo, Mongu in Bulozi |
1824 |
1800s |
Chief Mwene Kandala Vyemba was the second Mbunda-Mbalango
Mwene (Chief) to come into Bulozi. He was the nephew of
Chief Mundu Man’ulumbe, the first Mbunda Chief to settle in
Bulozi. His mother was Chieftainess Mbambi. After his
mother's death, he was made Chief in her stead and reigned
in his palace at Kalumana on the bank of Lwati river. Chief
Mwene Kandala Vyemba left his country for Bulozi because of
differences he had firstly with his brother Chungamalala
Kasavi and secondly with
King Ngonga I Chiteta. In both cases theft was involved
by Chief Kandala's subordinates who had, in the Fulumana
river area of Mbundaland now
Angola, stolen an antelope belonging to
King Ngonga I Chiteta. After these disputes and warnings
Chief Mwene Kandala decided to leave Mbundaland leaving his
brother Chungamalala Kasavi there as he departed for Bulozi.
When they reached Tushole his wife delivered a baby girl and
nicknamed the baby "Kashembe", Meaning: "We shall be mocked
at that we deliver whilst on the way." After that they came
to Lilengo and then proceeded to Kalamba. He was welcomed by
the Aluyi King Mulambwa. They were allowed to settle at
Kanyonyo. Before they finally settled at Kanyonyo, Chief
Mwene Kandala Vyemba was granted the status of Proselyte in
the Lozi chieftainship and was recognized as a son of the
King Mulambwa who gave him a herd of cattle for this
recognition. Chief Kandala lived many years during the rule
of King Mulambwa and died at his palace in Yuka and was
buried near the modern site of Mongu's Lewanika hospital. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Kalanda Kumba
|
His Palace was at Kanyonyo, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
After his death of Chief Mwene Kandala Vyemba, a great
controversy arose among the Mbunda during their
consideration of a successor. Some proposed that his son
Kasina should rule but this was not according to Mbunda
tradition which required that a matrilineal nephew be picked
for the Chieftainship. This contrast grew so sharp that they
referred the matter to the King Mulambwa for a solution but
he only advised them to observe their traditional customs.
They enthrned Kalanda Kumba as Chief but they did not give
him the title of Chief Mwene Kandala which they gave to
Chief Ngulungu Mushondo. Kalanda Kumba only ruled for a very
short period and was removed by his brothers for he was so
insolent. |
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Kandala Kasina
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Chief Mwene Kasina Kandala, succeeded his father's stead and
settled at Yuka in Mavumbu. He was made a Chief at Kabompo
at the tributary of the Kabompo river called Samatutu where
they fled the Makololo/Aluyi war. Prince Ngulungu Mushondo
settled in Nalinanga whereas most of the Mbunda people
settled at Lukwakwa all through the period of the
Makololo-Aluyi war. They returned after the war during the
reign of the Aluyi King Chipopa Lutangu Nosiku (Sipopa
Lutangu). When Chief Kandala Kasina returned from Lukwakwa
after the war, he shifted from Kanyonyo to settle at Yuka in
Mavumbu, at Kusina wa Livimba. To date Chief Mwene Kandala's
palace is still at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu district in the
Western Province of Zambia. His capital is called Yuka. |
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Kandala Mandandi
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Kandala Livimba
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
6. Chief
Mwene Kandala Kasina II
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
7. Chief
Mwene Kandala Vyemba II
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
8. Chief
Mwene Kandala Mubonda Liwena
|
His Palace was at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu District of Western
Province of Zambia. |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
9. Chief
Mwene Kandala Sakwiba Libimba
|
His Palace is at Yuka in Mavumbu, Mongu District of Western
Province of Zambia. |
? |
? |
The current by 2014 on the throne |
? |
Mwene Kandala Sakwiba Libimba, the 9th in
the Chief Mwene Kandala Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Chiyengele Dynasty
[7]
The third
Mbunda Chiefs to settle in Bulozi were from the central
Mbunda Mathzi Chieftainship, which left Mbundaland in
frustration due to violation of the Mbunda custom of a son
ascendance to the throne rather than a nephew.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Chitengi Chingumbe Chiyengele
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
1827 |
1800s |
Chief Mwene Chitengi Chiyengele was a son of
King Chingumbe with his Queen, Chieftainess Kakuhu of
Musholo. He succeeded his father King Chingumbe as the 15th
Mbunda monarch upon the deceased's decree, but because
of the earlier decree of nephew successors only, the
Mbunda scheemed to remove him. In frustration he
migrated to
Barotseland in the now
Zambia in 1827. King Mulambwa offered Chief mwene
Chitengi Chingumbe Chiyengele the area known as Namaya in
the plains east of Namuyowa for him to settle with the
people. But he declined that offer because the Mbunda were
not used to staying in the plain, but preferred forests
where they cultivate their staple food such as cassava,
millet family crops, beans, groundnuts and bush potatoes.
Thereafter he was offered another area called Nan'oko, in
Mongu where Chief Mwene Chitengi Chingumbe Chiyengele
built his Palace, and settled with a group of his Mbunda
followers. The Aluyi and their leader, the Litunga Mulambwa
especially prized the Mbunda for their ability to fight.
When the Luvale also known as
Lovale invaded
Barotseland from the north, the Mbunda countered the
invasion and were victorious, ending the Lovale invasions.[8]
King Mulambwa also cemented the bond of friendship between
the Aluyi and the Mbunda with a ten (10) point Mulambwa/
Chiyengele Treaty and ceremonially giving a sharp pointed
pole called mulombwe to Mwene Chitengi Chiyengele and
confirmed his stay in Barotseland as the Senior Chief of the
Mbunda. This and other factors earned the Mbunda to be
included on the Barotse National Council.[9][10]
These were later called the Chiyengele group or
Mbunda Xamuka.[11] |
best known son; Prince Munamwene Ngulungu (first born son of
Chief Mwene Chitengi Chiyengele) |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Mbinja
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Mulwalwa
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Litala
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Nyumbu
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
He later left the throne |
? |
|
6. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Likithi
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
7. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Nyumbu
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
He later succeeded the throne again after leaving it |
? |
|
8. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Chitengi
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
9. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe Likithi
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
10. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe Nyumbu
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Western Province of Zambia |
? |
? |
He was the grandson of Chief Mwene Chitengi Chiyengele the
first and son of King Chingumbe , King Yambayamba Kapanda’s
brother, one who was received by the Aluyi King Mulambwa
Santulu in Barotseland, upon his migration from Mbundaland, |
? |
Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe Nyumbu, the 10th
in the Chief Mwene Chiyengele Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
11. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Josiah Nyumbu
|
His Palace was at Nan'oko, in
Mongu in Western Province of Zambia |
21st August, 2007 |
15th October,2014 |
Dethroned by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE)[12]
Reinstated by High court ruling according to the Post
Newspaper report of 1st February 2016 |
? |
Mwene Chiyengele Nyumbu Josaih, the 11th in
the Chief Mwene Chiyengele Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Lindeho Dynasty
[13]
The fourth and last chief to migrate into Barotseland voluntarily
was Mwene Lindeho Kanyanyu between 1878 and 1884. He was received by
Aluyi King Mulabwa’s successor, King Lubosi Liwanika. The Mwene Lindeho chieftainship originates from Vamwene
Singisingi or Thingithingi, a daughter of Vamwene Ngambo Lyambayi.
The first Mwene Lindeho Kanyanyu came to Kalabo District from Nengu
in the district of Lumbala Ngimbu in Angola.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Lindeho Kanyanyu
|
His Palace was at Chamemba in Kalabo of Bulozi |
Between
1878
To
1884 |
? |
King Lubosi Lewanika received him well and gave him to rule
the area of Chamemba, Keta, Kashiyana, Tunjamba, Sanja and
Kate. A local court was established in his palace
headquarters with the required royal privileges intact:
mukupele drum, eland tail flyswitch, xylophones, court
messengers, attendants and councillors. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Lindeho Ngunga
|
His Palace was at Chamemba in Kalabo of Bulozi |
? |
? |
He inherited the royal privileges and court of his
predecessor. |
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Lindeho Katolo Chiputa
|
His Palace was at Chamemba in Kalabo Kalabo District,
Western Province of Zambia |
? |
1991 |
During the time of Mwene Lindeho Katolo Chiputa the royal
privileges and court were withdrawn by the Litunga in Lealui.
This was done due to his difficult personality, lack of self
dignity and unroyal ethics. He died in 1991 at Chamemba in
Kalabo District in the Western Province of Zambia. |
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Lindeho Ndilayi Kalipa
|
His Palace is at Chamemba in Kalabo Kalabo District, Western
Province of Zambia |
? |
The current by 2014 on the throne |
|
? |
Mwene
Lindeho Ndilayi Kalipa, the 4th in the
Chief Mwene Lindeho Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Chikufele Dynasty
[14]
After the death of King Mulambwa, the Makololo defeated and
occupied Bulozi. Some Aluyi and Mbundas migrated from Bulozi to
other places. The Mbunda who had supported Prince Mubukwanu, one of
Mulambwa's sons left for the now Kabompo. Most of them went to
Nakalomo in present day Lukulu. Here they abandoned their stockade
due to Makololo attacks. When Nxaba (Ngabe) in his pursuance to
invade the Makololo came to Kakenge's area, (ruler of the Luvale) in
the north, he failed to break through the Mbunda fortress at
Nakalomo. He then negotiated and tried to persuade the Mbunda to
join him and his group, in an alliance against the Kololo. The
Mbunda however remained suspicious and merely supplied the Mandebele
with guides who took them across the Zambezi westwards in the
direction of the Kololo who at that time were pursuing the Luyana
fleeing to Nyengo. Those Mandebele were all killed in the valley
which was named after them as “Matebele Valley”. Those Mbunda who in
1830 had, due to Makololo invasion, abandoned Nakalomo went to
settle east of Manyinga river finding there only a few Nkoya
villages. Prior to 1920 the now Kabompo District was uninhabited.
Amongst those that migrated to Manyinga, were Prince Namiluko the
son of Mulambwa with his son Chikufele. They took the Nkoya under
control and established the headquarters of their leader Chikufele
(Sikufele) at what came to be known as Lukwakwa. Prince Namiluko and
his son Prince Chikufele established the Mbunda Chieftainship at
Kabompo, after the expulsion of the Kalolo inversion. After that,
many of the Mbundas returned to Barotseland but the Chikufele family
remained at Lukwakwa. In those years the Chokwes, the Luvales and
the Luchazis had not yet migrated to Kabompo. Though there were some
Lozi rulers who were allowed to the Lukwakwa throne, it basically
remained under the control of the Mbunda. Sikufele became the main
chief of all the Manyinga Native Authorities and the Administrative
Court remained under the Mbunda after it was restored from the
Lunda. While power was being firmly wrestled by the Mbunda in
Manyinga area their influence at the Central Throne of the Lozi
Kingdom was still felt. After Lubosi Lewanika fled the throne at the
insurrection by Mataa and Numwa in 1884, Tatila Akufuna, one who
knew not a single word in Luyana nor in Chikololo (Sikololouthe new
Lozi), but spoke Mbunda,[15]
was called upon to take up the central throne. Tatila Akufuna (son
of Imbue) was a direct product of the Mbunda at Lukwakwa.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Chikufele
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga. |
1830 |
1916 |
Chief Mwene Chikufele became the first Chief at Lukwakwa in
Manyinga. He died in 1916 from lightning |
|
|
2. Chief
Mwene Chikufele Namiluko
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
1916 |
1928 |
Chikufele Namiluko succeeded Chief Mwene Chikufele but his
reign was short lived when he was exiled into Angola where
he died in 1928. |
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Chikufele Njamba Ilukuyi
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
? |
? |
After Sikufele Namiluko had been exiled, a Lozi appointee by
the name of Njamba Ilukuyi succeeded him but he reigned for
a short period and he died. Njamba Ilukuyi was a cousin of
the King Yeta III of the Lozi. The name of Sikufele became
the official title to the throne of the Lukwakwa established
Mbunda chieftainship around the Manyinga area. |
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Sikufele Imasiku
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
? |
? |
After the reign of Chief Mwene Njamba Ilukuyi, Chief Mwene
Imasiku was enthroned but the Mbunda soon got tired of his
reign and sent for Imbua from Nyengo to come and rule over
them but they rejected him as soon as he arrived and instead
restored the throne back to Chief Mwene Imasiku. Imasiku
also did not reign for long . He was assassinated by his
relatives. |
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Chikufele Muviwa
|
|
? |
? |
Chief Chikufele Muviwa succeeded Imasiku, but he was shortly
dethroned by the Lozi King at Lealuyi. He was recalled to
Bulozi |
? |
|
6. Nobleman
Induna Imasiku
|
At Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
? |
? |
Induna Imasiku was sent to preside over Chief Chikufele
Muviwa local court on a caretaker basis. The time Induna
Imasiku was presiding over Chief Chikufele’s local court, he
appointed Kalunga Samusandi to be a junior Induna in Chief
Chikufele’s local court. Shortly thereafter, Induna Imasiku
appointed and enthroned Kalunga Samusandi as the first Chief
of the Luchazi tribe in the Manyinga area. |
? |
|
7. Chief
Mwene Chikufele Muviwa
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
1935 |
? |
In 1932, Chief Mwene Chikufele Muviwa returned to Katuba, in
Manyinga area but as an ordinary person, without royal
powers. In 1935, the Lozi King at Lealuyi, in agreement with
Mbundas at Lukwakwa, reinstalled Chief Chikufele Muviwa on
his Throne. Later, groups of Luchazi started moving further
East from Chief Shinde’s area, where they settled earlier
and were welcomed and given land in the Upper Mumbeji, by
Chief Chikufele, under the Manyinga Native Authorities. This
was followed by groups of Chokwes, Luvales and Lundas (not
in any sequence). In 1941, before Kabompo Boma came into
existence, the Government separated Zambezi from
Barotseland. Chief Chikufele had two other Mbunda
subordinated chiefs namely Chiengele, Vulamitata and two
others: a Nkoya called Mutinginyi and a Luchazi called
Kalunga. In 1944 recognition was withdrawn from Mutinginyi
and Vulamitata. In 1945 Induna Imasiku was recalled to
Barotseland. The Mbunda in Manyinga resolved never again to
be preided by a Barotseland Indunas. Chief Shinde of Zambezi
wanted to control Manyinga in order to include it to his
Zambezi areas. However, Manyinga people and village headmen
rejected th Chief Shinde’s move, contending that; the
Chikufele chieftainship is the earlier and most senior in
Manyinga, and that the first local court in Manyinga was his
at his palace. An election was therefore organized,
comprising more than 300 village headmen and all chiefs in
the area, and Chief Chikufele was elected the Senior Chief
of Manyinga Native Authority. Manyinga Native Aothority was
at his palace. Senior Chief Chikufele then decreed that; he
had broken away from Barotseland and that he would remain
independent at Manyinga with the Mbunda chieftainship and
that, it should be known that he was a Mbunda. Chief Mwene
Chikufele remained a supreme power in the political
administration of the whole Manyinga area and was seen as a
symbol of the British administrative system. He was to be
helped by the Council whose powers he could not to overrule.
There were administrative villages called Ndandanda (or
ndandanga) which consisted of membo (villages) |
? |
|
8. Chief
Mwene Sikufele Akatoka
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
1958 |
1959 |
By 1958, Chief Mwene Sikufele Akatoka became the Senior
Chief of Kabompo District. However his reign was short
lived. |
|
|
9. Senior Chief
Mwene Sikufele Lyamungongo
|
His Palace was at Lukwakwa in Manyinga |
1959 |
? |
Chief Mwene Sikufele Lyamungongo was installed as the next
Mwene Sikufele in 1959. |
? |
|
10. Senior Chief
Mwene Sikufele Akatoka Thompson
|
His Palace is at Lukwakwa in Manyinga, Kabompo District,
Northwestern Province of Zambia |
? |
The current by 2014 on the throne |
After Sikufele Lyamungongo, came Sikufele Akatoka Thompson,
the son of the previous Sikufele Akatoka whose recognition
as chief had been withdrawn in 1959 by the colonial
governor. Senior Chief Mwene Chikufele (Sikufele) Akatoka is
the current senior chief of Kabompo District in the
North-Western Province of Zambia. |
? |
Mwene Sikufele Akatoka Thompson, the 10th in
the Chief Mwene Sikufele Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Kathimba Dynasty
[16]
This is a Mbunda Chieftainship related to Chief Chitengi
Chingumbe Chiyengele, which was later recognised after the
Kaonde/Lozi war, which the Lozis won with the help of the Mbunda war
machinery, resulting in the Mbunda Chieftainship of Chief Mwene
Kathimba having firmly been established at the confluence of the
Lalafuta and Kyamenge in 1893, opposite Chief Mushima Njivumina of
the Kaonde. The chieftainship of the Chief Mwene Kathimba brought
peace to the area. It is said that when the first Mwene Kathimba
arrived, Nkoya inhabiitants of the area were forced to live in
stockaded villages for fear of the Kaonde who were their enemies at
that time. But today all three peoples co-exist with mutual respect
in Kaoma District of the Western Province of Zambia.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Kafunya
|
His Palace was near the confluence of the Lalafuta and
Kyamenge in Bulozi |
1893 |
1916 |
The first Mwene Kathimba was Kathimba Kafunya. He was
related to Mwene Chitengi Chingumbe Chiyengele and like him,
was a great hunter of elephants and buffaloes. Mwene
Kathimba Kafunya left Nakalomo in Bulozi to hunt for game in
the Kaonde areas of Chiefs Kasempa, Kasonso and Chief
Mushima. Later, the Lozi Paramout Chief recognized him as
chief and he was installed as chief at the confluence of the
Lalafuta and Kyamenge in 1893, opposite Chief Mushima
Njivumina of the Kaonde. After some time he moved to Nyango
where he died in 1916. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Lyuma Mukeya
|
His Palace was near the confluence of the Lalafuta and
Kyamenge in Bulozi |
1916 |
1927 |
Chief Mwene Kathimba Lyuma Mukeya who was nicknamed "Mbimbya
ya Chipitha Mema" took over as the second Chief Mwene
Kathimba. He died in 1927. |
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Kakao
|
His Palace was near the confluence of the Lalafuta and
Kyamenge in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Following the death of Mwene Kathimba Lyuma Mukeya, Mwene
Kathimba Kakao was installed as the third Mwene Kathimba. |
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Joshua Mboma
|
His Palace was near the confluence of the Lalafuta and
Kyamenge in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Later, Chief Mwene Kathimba Joshua Mboma shifted from
Lalafuta to Kalumwange where he died. |
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Maxwell Kafunya
|
His Palace was at Kalumwange, near the confluence of the
Lalafuta and Kyamenge in Bulozi |
? |
? |
Mwene Kathimba Maxwell Kafunya, a son of Mwene Kathimba
Kakao took over the chieftainship in Kalumwange where he
died as the fifth Mwene Kathimba. |
? |
|
6. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Johnson Mbindo
|
His Palace was at Kalumwange, near the confluence of the
Lalafuta and Kyamenge in Kaoma District, Western Province of
Zambia |
1993 |
2007 |
In 1993 Chief Mwene Kathimba Johnson Mbindo, another son of
Mwene Kathimba Kakao, was chosen to take over as chief. In
the year 2007, Chief Mwene Kathimba Johnson Mbindo was
dethroned by the Lozi Chieftainship at Naliyele Palace due
to his difficult personality, lack of self dignity and
unroyal ethics. |
? |
Mwene Kathimba Johnson Mbindo, the 6th in
the Chief Mwene Kathimba Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
7. Chief
Mwene Kathimba Chikambo
|
His Palace is at Kalumwange, near the confluence of the
Lalafuta and Kyamenge in Kaoma District, Western Province of
Zambia |
2008 |
The current by 2015 on the throne |
He is currently reigning on the throne. The chieftainship of
Chief Mwene Kathimba has brought peace to the area. It is
said that when the first Chief Kathimba arrived, the Nkoya
inhabitants of the area were forced to live in stockaded
villages for fear of the Kaonde who were their enemies at
that time. But today all three peoples co-exist with mutual
respect in Kaoma District of the Western Province of Zambia. |
? |
Mwene Kathimba Chikambo, the 7th in the
Chief Mwene Kathimba Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe Dynasty
[17]
This is a Mbunda Chieftainship from
King Mwene Chingumbe Chingumbe Cha Choola and related to
Chief Chiyengele Chitenge Chingumbe the 15th Mbunda monarch, who
migrated to Kayombo in the now Kabompo District. The succession list
though is not complete, more data will be added in future.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
3. Chief
Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe III
|
His Palace was at Kayombo, on the northern border of Zambia
and Angola, in Kapombo District, North Western Province of
Zambia |
? |
2011 |
He was one of the subordinated chiefs to Senior Chief
Sikufele in Kabompo District, the other being Chief Kalunga
of the Luchazi people at Kakenge palace in his area called
Upper Mumbeji. He died in 2011 and he is yet to be
succeeded. |
? |
Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe III, the 3rd in
the Chief Mwene Chiyengele Chingumbe Dynasty of
the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Kandombwe Dynasty
[18]
The Mwene Kandombwe chieftainship originates from the central
Mbunda royal line (Mbunda-Mathzi). The first Mwene Kandombwe was the
son of Chieftainess Vamwene Machalo, one of the three sisters of
King Mwene Yambayamba and
King Mwene Chingumbe with the Luvale prince-consort named
Chivinda cha Nkoshi, in Angola.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Kandombwe Mumbwala
|
His Palace was at an area between Luvuji and Kahuli rivers
in nakalomo, now Lukulu of Bulozi |
1915 |
? |
Before migrating to Bulozi now
Zambia, Chief Mwene Kandombwe Mumbwala he used to visit
the Aluyi King Ngombala. He migrated to Bulozi during the
reign of Aluyi King Yeta, and was given land to settle with
his people by the Aluyi King's Nobleman, Induna Imusunga
Malamo. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Kandombwe Mbundu Kayawe
|
His Palace was at an area between Luvuji and Kahuli rivers
in Lukulu of Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Kandombwe Chifwelu Kakoma
|
His Palace was at an area between Luvuji and Kahuli rivers
in Lukulu of Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Kandombwe Kahuma Mulejima
|
His Palace was at an area between Luvuji and Kahuli rivers
in Lukulu of Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Kandombwe Ka Machalo
|
His Palace is at an area between Luvuji and Kahuli rivers in
Lukulu District, Western Province of Zambia |
? |
The current by 2015 on the throne |
His local court on which he sits is at Luvuji in Lukulu
District, Western Province of Zambia. |
? |
Mwene Kandombwe Ka Machalo, the 5th in the
Chief Mwene Kandombwe Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
Chief Mwene Kasavi Dynasty
[19]
The Mwene Kasavi chieftainship originates from the central Mbunda
royal line (Mbunda-Mathzi). The first Chief Mwene Kasavi was the son
of
King Mwene Nyumbu Luputa (one of the nephews of
King Mwene Yambayamba and
King Mwene Chingumbe) whose mother Queen Valishano Chikanda was
from the Mbunda - Mbalango branch of the Mbunda chieftainship.
Name
|
Lifespan
|
Reign start
|
Reign end
|
Notes
|
Family
|
Image
|
1. Chief
Mwene Kasavi ka Chikanda
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya of Bulozi |
1918 |
? |
Mwene Kasavi ka Chikanda had his palace at Mbakala in
Mushuma,
Angola. Later he migrated to Bulozi with his people in
1918. |
? |
|
2. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kayawe
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya of Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
3. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kakoma
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya of Bulozi |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
4. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kambili
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya, now Kaoma District
of Western Province in
Zambia |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
5. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kapitango
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya, now Kaoma District
of Western Province in
Zambia |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
6. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Makayi
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya, now Kaoma District
of Western Province in
Zambia |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
7. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kamuwanga
|
His Palace was at Lukute, then Mankoya, now Kaoma District
of Western Province in
Zambia |
? |
? |
|
? |
|
8. Chief
Mwene Kasavi Kajila
|
His Palace is at Lukute, then Mankoya, now Kaoma District of
Western Province in
Zambia |
? |
The current by 2015 on the throne |
Controversy rages that the current Chief Mwene Kasavi Kajila
hijacked the chieftainship. He does not hail from the Mbunda
chieftainship but that, he is a
Luvale |
? |
Mwene Kasavi Kajila, the 8th in the Chief
Mwene Kasavi Dynasty of the
Mbunda people in Zambia
|
References
[1]
The elites of Barotseland, 1878-1969: a
political history of Zambia's Western Province: a. Gerald L. Caplan
ISBN 0900966386 Publisher: C. Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd, 1970
[2]
Mwene&pg=PA106#v=onepage&q=Bo Mwene&f=false Mupatu, Y. Mulambwa
Santulu Uamuhela Bo Mwene, London, 1954
[3]
Bantu-Languages.com, citing Maniacky 1997
[4]
René Pélissier,
La révolte des Bunda
(1916-1917), pp. 408 - 412 (French for "the Mbunda revolt"),
section footnotes citing sources: Luís Figueira, Princesa Negra:
O preço da civilização em África, Coimbra
Edição do autor, 1932.
[5]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[6]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[7]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[8]
Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and Middle East, Facts On
File library of world history, Facts On File, Incorporated,
Social Science, Infobase Publishing, 2009, ISBN 143812676X,
9781438126760
[9]
Mupatu, Y. Mulambwa Santulu Uamuhela Bo
Mwene, London, 1954
[10]
Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and Middle East, Facts On
File library of world history, Facts On File, Incorporated,
Social Science, Infobase Publishing, 2009, ISBN 143812676X,
9781438126760
[11]
Bantu-Languages.com, citing Maniacky 1997
[12]
BRE dethrones Chief Mwene Chiyengele Nyumbu Josais
[13]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The
History and Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People,
pages 41-44, Lusaka Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[14]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[15]
https://books.google.co.zm/books?id=nvq19UbIgZwC&pg=PA117&lpg=PA137&ots=
WuDq6xYOrv&focus=viewport&dq=lewanika+mbunda&output=html_text
Bulozi Under the Luyana Kings: Political Evolution and State
Formation in ... By Mutumba Mainga, Mutumba Mainga Bull page 117
[16]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[17]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[18]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
[19]
Robert Papstein, 1994, The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, pages 41-44, Lusaka
Cheke Cultural Writers Association,
ISBN 99 820 3006X
Further reading
- Almanac of African Peoples & Nations
page 523, Social Science By Muḥammad Zuhdī Yakan, Transaction
Publishers, Putgers - The State University, New Jersey,
ISBN 978-1-56000-433-2
- Robert Papstein The History and
Cultural Life of the Mbunda Speaking People, Lusaka Cheke
Cultural Writers Association, 1994,
ISBN 998203006X
- Terms of Trade and Terms of Trust: The
History and Contexts of Pre-colonial ...By Achim von Oppen, page
113]
- Abshire, D.M. and Michael Samuels, eds,
Angola Handbook, London, 1965,
- Bull, M.M. Bulozi Under the Luyana
Kings, London, 1973
- Davidson, Basil, In the Eye of the
Storm: Angola's People, New York, 1973,
- Duffy, J. Portuguese West Africa,
Cambridge, 1961,
- White, C.M.N. Notes on the Political
Organisation of the Kabompo District and its Inhabitants,
African Studies, IX, (1950), pp. 185–93.
- José Redinha, Etnias e Culturas de
Angola, Luanda: Instituto de Investigação Científica, 1975;
reprinted fac-simile by the Associação das Universidades de
Língua Portuguesa, 2009,
ISBN 978 989 8271 00 6
Follow Us On
 
|
|