Kevin Kezabu Lubuulwa

Rites of Passage in Kiganda Orature and Literature Kevin Kezabu Lubuulwa

This research was a study into the rites of passage in Kiganda orature and literature. The term Rites of passage means the ceremonies that are performed for an individual to mark his entry into another stage in life. The purpose of this study was to examine the relevant orature and literature with the objective of establishing the nature of the orature and literary products around the rites of passage. The findings establish that a lot of orature has been generated around the rites of passage. It also establishes that there are several similarities and differences in the portrayal of the rites in the orature and the literary texts, respectively. Regarding the nature of the oral and literary products, the researcher observes that beyond their literariness, there are certain societal and moral values contained in these products. A central value is that of imparting knowledge, and this often takes the form of advice to the candidates. The researcher also establishes that there are certain modifications to the rites, in form of innovations, as a result of modernity and religion.