Illegitimate children among the Banyankole from pre-colonial to the president time

Abstract

The basic objectives of this study were to establish whether during the traditional days, there were children born to un married parents. If Yes, how often and how were they treated by society. If not I how society managed to guard against the birth of such children. This was in light of the present phenomenon of illegitimate children who are mistreated in various ways. The study compared the past and the present socioeconomic cultural and religious arrangements and how they affect people's sexual behaviors. This was aimed at establishing cause for the disparity between incidences of illegitimate child bearing in the past and today, Using interview guides, elders, religious leaders, illegitimate children and step-mothers were interviewed. Observation was also done in selected families in which there are illegitimate children and step-mothers. It was discovered that the traditional social structure, based on strong communal kinship ties, reinforced by a fanatic religious lifestyle was protective of the people against moral and spiritual harm. Traditional people were not adventurous and leisure activities were community building society erected stiff barriers and instituted a harsh code of norms and effectively administered punishment for sex abusers in word and/or action. With the introduction of 'Western culture' which glorified sex-based-love' and promoted socioeconomic individualism, gave extra time for/and variety of leisure based on material luxury I the ground for mass illegitimate child-bearing was prepared. The researcher recommended that family life and moral education be introduced and intensified in families and schools. The laws that protect and promote Children’s rights be strengthened I publicized in the language that the masses understand and implemented accordingly.