Mwami

This article is about a title for a chief or king in parts of Central or East Africa. For other uses, seeMwami (disambiguation).

Mwami(pronounced[mwɑmi,mŋɑmi]) is anhonorifictitle common in parts ofCentralandEast Africa.The title meanschiefortribal chiefin several Bantu languages. It was historically used by kings in several African nations, and is still used for traditional kings or rulers of regions within several African nation-states.

Tribal chief

In several Bantu languages − includingKirundi,Kinyarwanda,Nande,Lega,Luhya,andChitonga− the wordmwamimeans "tribal chief".It is used as a title for the leader oftribal societiesorchiefdomsin areas where those languages are spoken.

In addition,mwamimeans either "chief" or "husband"inLuganda.It is used as a title for administrative chief in Luganda-speaking chiefdoms around theAfrican Great Lakesregion, though it can also be used as a general honorific for men, similar to EnglishMr.

Traditional chiefs of theLenjeand theIla peopleofZambia,and theTonga people of Zambia and Zimbabwealso use the honorific.

Etymology

Mwami comes from the Proto-Bantu word"jámí"which meant chief, master, or king.

King

In theKingdom of Rwanda,theKing of Rwandawas known asmwami(pluralabami). Since 1961, the nation has been led by thepresident of Rwanda.

TheKingdom of Burundiwas ruled bykingstitledmwami,followed by one of fourregnal namesthat followed a repeating cycle. ThePresident of Burundihas ruled since the start of the republic in 1966.

As of 2020the current Buha Kingdom in theKigoma Regionof WesternTanzaniais led by a regionalmwami.

Traditional kingdoms in theNorth Kivu,South Kivu,andManiemaprovinces in theDemocratic Republic of the Congocall their traditional leadersmwami.

TheLuhya peopleof WesternKenyarefer to their supreme ruler asMwami.