Luhya, Saamia in Uganda

Introduction / History

Saamia Luhyas are an agricultural group living around Lake Victoria in both Kenya and Uganda. They also extend to the rocky hills of Tororo, where water is drawn mainly from the bore-holes and a few erratic streams, which often dry up. Their language is Saamya-Gwe.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their primary crops are Cassava, millet, maize, sweet potatoes, and beans. Fruits like mangoes, citrus, etc., grow wild. In addition, people keep poultry, sheep, and goats, although in small numbers, due to the prevalence of tsetse flies. In the past, the area had a sleeping sickness problem, but that is now under control. Among the Saamia, land ownership is communal. When a man marries, he inherits a portion of the land owned by his father. The size depends on the available quantity.

Marriage ceremonies have both traditional and Christian dimensions. Partners discover each other because arranged marriages are rare today. The bride price is paid in monetary terms or in kind as cattle. No special clothes are worn for a traditional marriage. However, for a Christian marriage, the English wedding gowns and other bridal fittings are used. The man dresses in a suit or a conventional "Kanzu".

For the marriage to succeed, children are a must. The average family size is seven per couple, but polygamy is common. Despite reduced death rates, resistance to family planning is still high.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Those who are Christians have a strong faith and are considering their futures.

What Are Their Needs?

God can use them to take Christ to those who need hope and a future. It is mainly a matter of will.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Saamia Luhya families and churches, giving them the willingness to take Christ to the nations.
Pray for the Lord to bless them physically and spiritually as a testimony of his power and goodness.
Pray for Saamia Luhya husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church.

Text Source:   Joshua Project