THE UNGA TRIBE AND LAND TENURE

THE UNGA TRIBE AND LAND TENURE

It is interesting to note how “land” is methodically demarcated on and around Lunga islands. Every bit of the canal, lagoon, river or land of each island belong to some clan with one person in charge. A well-defined territory either belongs to Bena Mumba, Bena Mfula, Bena Ng’oma, Bena Mbushi or so clan. The ultimate familial landlord is called a Chipupila with full authority and tenure rights. S/he is sometimes referred to as Kapepa.

 Chipupila is typically the intercessor between the chief and ancestral spirits of the land. He is the de facto sub-chief believed to possess spiritual powers to bless or curse his “land.” S/he performs rituals that maintain the people's relationship with nature.. S/he inherits this office at the death of the family appointed representative.

He or she must be as conversant as the past Chipupila about the history and borders of the region. They also assume the role of custodians of totems known as inshipa, a respected symbol through which they communicate with the familial spirits.

The area over which a Chipupila has authority would have been, initially, inhabited by his/her ancestors. Often, they would have been rewarded by the chief in recognition for some special achievement. This could be courage, trade mastery, community service, etc.! Once the area has been marked to belong to a particular clan, it remains so forever.

The Chipupila will collect tribute from anyone conducting any business or anything materially profitable from the area on behalf of the chief in whose chiefdom the business is conducted. The Chipupila is therefore responsible for monitoring the activities of everyone who lives or works within the boundaries of his area of jurisdiction and ascertains residents’ full identity.

I knew two of these landlords. My father, who controlled Kalyamalaka and Kampalaba deltas of Chief Nsamba and my maternal grandfather who ruled over Nsenya fishing territory in Chief Bwalya Mponda which had plenty of fish. These areas were rich in a variety of fish stocks and attracted hundreds of fishermen. Some came from as far as Ng’umbo and Kabende of Samfya district to fish from these waters.

Both men were given the respect by fishermen who worked within their territories. They had powers to curse or bless these territories so that the fishermen could either have a high or low yield from their efforts. If one went against their word, they had authority to banish that person from the area without question.

Likewise, those who reign over farm land ( where it has not been leached and fertile) behave in a similar fashion. To grow your cassava, you get a portion of land from a distinct territory belonging to a known clan. No one farms in an area which is communal for there is no such thing as common piece of land. Every centimeter of land belongs to a fraternity of clearly identifiable persons.

While a village headman presides over a small village which may just be a few square meters, A Chipupila controls a vast span of territory with several hundreds of people at times. This is more so during the flood and winter fishing seasons of Kapalwe and Kabwele, the fish breeding and peak times.

A Chipupila’s office is therefore senior to that of the headman by virtue of functions performed.  Unless he doubles as Headman and Chipupila. He holds this office on behalf of the entire clan such that he is not allowed to sell any part of this territory without full consent of kinsmen.

Should you be interested in living with the ba-unga, do not expect land concessions from anybody as there is surely no land for sale. Only in special cases will the chief give a piece of land to deserving community development programs.