The Princess of Peace: The Story of the Villages of Motaba and Kiambiu

The villages of Motaba and Kiambiu laid opposite River Okanda on the southern province of Uganda. This river was the source of livelihood for the residents of these two villages. It was the source of water for both human and the livestock. Small-scale fishing was also done on this river. It was also a cultural site as ceremonies such as circumcision were performed on the shows on the river. Because this river was the boundary between the two villages, it brought many disputes as the two villages kept fighting over it. But people who saw it differently, though that it was a symbol of unity among the two tribes.

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During the era of Chief Opondo of Motaba Village, missionaries had started arriving in this area. Many people were astonished by the new color of people in the village. Chief Opondo welcomed the missionaries in his territory and even allowed them to build schools.

Chief Opondo was a darling of many people in Motaba Village. This was owed to his strong stand on the importance of education after the arrival of missionaries. His people also lauded his style of leadership which was seen to be more democratic as compared to Chief Oduor of Kiambiu Village. The two villages had engaged in several battles based on the fight for River Okanda. On the many battles that were held, Motaba always emerged the winner and retained their enormous benefit from the river.

Chief Oduor had two sons, Okiri and Obongo. Okiri, who was the elder son was a very brave boy and had on several occasions, tipped by the elders that he would succeed his father to be the chief of the Kiambiu Village. On the other hand, Obongo was always considered a weak boy in the family. The family of Chief Opondo was not blessed with a boy. He only had a daughter, Awili.

One day Awili had gone hiking along River Okanda. Her security guards accompanied her. Coincidentally, Obongo was also near the river when some boys attacked Awili and her guards. Upon seeing what was happening, Obongo ran and grabbed Awilis hand and ran with her and his in his fathers house in Motaba Village.

The Princes guard who went back to Kiambiu village reported to the chief that Obongo and his soldiers had attacked them and managed to kidnap the princess. This infuriated the chief who vowed to retaliate. He sent a messenger to Chief Opondo to inform him about the incident. Chief Opondo, whom by the time of receiving the message had no idea of what had happened, called his son to enquire about the incident. Much as the chief was disappointed by his sons behavior, he had no option but to protect him from the wrath of Chief Oduor. So he sent back the messenger with the news that his son had protected the princes from attack by unknown youths who wanted to kidnap her. The Chief then called for a meeting between the two villages that would also act as a ceremony for handing over the princess back to her family.

Chief Oduor agreed to have the meeting. But in his mind, he had sinister plans. He wanted to use the opportunity to inform the people how Chief Opondo had betrayed his people by collaborating with white visitors. Chief Oduor had on several occasions claimed that the missionaries had no real plans for the people living in their country. He believed that the white people came to still their lands and derogate their culture by introducing them to a new religion.

The meeting was arranged and the day came. Chief Oduor was given the chance to address the gathering. He started by giving a vivid history of the two community and the peaceful coexistence that they had enjoyed in the past. He then gave brief detail about River Okanda and how significant it was to the residents of the two villages. Upon mentioning the coming of the missionaries, the uproars that followed encouraged him to dig deep into the issue. The crowd was continuously getting charged, and Chief Oduor knew that he was about to achieve what he wanted.

The crowd expected Chief Opondo to take the stand and address the crowd. To their surprise, Awili, the daughter of Chief took the stand instead and addressed the crowd, It ponders my heart to see that we have to fight among ourselves. So many times, Motaba and Kiambiu have engaged in wars because of River Okanda, something that the two villages are proud of due to the benefits, they draw from it. After being saved by Opondo, the son of my fathers rival, I have realized that they are nothing more important than peace and tranquility among us. We have the chance to come together as a community and fight the real enemy between us. But we should not forget that we are of people, brought together by River Okanda that flows between us.

Awili agreed to marry Obongo and the two villages lived in peace after that.