The Abayaduya Jewish Community is a minority religious group in the eastern part of Uganda. The word Abayudaya is a local word that means ‘People of Judah,’ and has existed for over a century now. The Abayudaya Jewish Community has existed in eastern Uganda since 1919. The community is devoted to practicing Judaism in their villages, located near Mbale City.
Who established the Abayudaya in eastern Uganda?
Semei Kakungulu was a Ugandan chief who shifted focus away from his military roles to that of religion in 1913. At this time, with immense influence from Yusufu, a merchant and Jewish settler, he gained knowledge about the Torah. Following his conversion, he started a Hebrew Bible-based congregation dubbed ‘Kibina kya Bayudaya Abeesiga Katonda.’ The translation for this is ‘Jews who trust in the Lord.’
Semei Kakungulu exhorted the congregation to adhere to the biblical laws, such as all males to be circumcised. As time passed, the Abayudaya learnt customary Jewish blessings. They also practiced traditional head coverings. The community also adopted the Jewish diet of Kosher food. In the 1960s, the Abayudaya had started linking with Jewish communities from all around the world, thus adopting internationally recognized standards of Jewish practice.
How the Abayudaya Jewish Community in eastern Uganda has survived?
Following their connection with other Jewish communities globally, the Abayudaya were given books and some financial support. They also started hosting conservative Rabbis, who came to perform conversions and other Jewish ceremonies. In 2002, half of the community was formally Jewish. The Abayudaya community is composed of around 2,000 people. They are led by Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the Member of Parliament from Bungokho North in 2016/21.
The Abayudaya Jewish community in eastern Uganda has made a tremendous impact among their neighbors, including Muslims and Christians. The Abayudaya, the Jewish community in eastern Uganda, has enhanced the livelihoods of the local people around them. The Abayudaya Jewish community has formed lucrative coffee cooperatives, good business practices, and healthcare initiatives (Tobin Health Center).
What other religious customs of the Abayudaya community in eastern Uganda?
Some of the Jewish customs followed by the Abayudaya have been mentioned above, including Kosher food and male circumcision. There are at least 11 Synagogues belonging to the Abayudaya in Uganda. The members of the Abayudaya attend Sabbath services every week from Friday at dusk to nightfall on Saturday. During the services in the Synagogue, the members take off their shoes before entering.
Challenges faced by the Abayudaya Jewish Community in eastern Uganda?
The Abayudaya in eastern Uganda have faced and are still facing threats to the survival of their religion. One of the first ones was in the form of a ban by President Idi Amin Dada in 1971. He outlawed Jewish practice to the point that they were indirectly forced to convert to other existing religions. However, some 300 people did not convert to other religions and practiced their faith in secrecy. The Abayudaya Jewish communities are also mostly peasants and poor.
Another challenge the Abayudaya have faced is the availability of marriage partners. Their numbers are quite small, and some ladies decide to get married to men from other religions. Among the Jewish, it is not allowed to mix faiths. This leads to the loss of some members to other religions during marriage. Also, some schools were built by the Abayudaya and funded by Jews from other countries. These are not easy to maintain.
How to travel to see the Abayudaya Jewish Community in eastern Uganda?
The best way of travelling to see the Abayudaya Jewish Community in eastern Uganda is by road transport. Some of the most preferred places near Mbale city where to find them are in Nabugoye, where there is a new Synagogue. This is situated around 243.6 km from Kampala city. Travel time is 5 – 6 hours. This is a scenic trip along Jinja highway and offers views of tea and sugarcane plantations and forest.
Best time to visit the Abayudaya Jewish Community in eastern Uganda?
The Abayudaya Jewish Community can be visited at any time of the year, regardless of prevailing weather conditions. However, since the Synagogue is situated on Nabugoye hill, it is critical to understand the local weather conditions before you consider traveling. Nabugoye is near Mbale City, which experiences a humid tropical climate. This is characterized by bimodal rainfall, which falls from March to June and from September to November.
Dry seasons fall from December to February and July. Temperature patterns remain largely the same throughout the year, with an average of 23 degrees Celsius. The average quantity of rainfall per year is 1,500 mm. Therefore, you will have an idea of when you can navigate the hilly terrain more easily. Thus, the dry season is much more suited if you prefer driving on less muddy and less slippery road surfaces. This is also good if you want to explore other destinations, including Sipi Falls and Mount. Elgon.
