Historical, Sociocultural, and Political Contexts of Indigenous Dance Practices in Uganda

Abstract

Indigenous dances in Uganda have undergone changes and continuities since the precolonial period. Before colonialism, the dances were part of the traditions and identities of individuals and communities. Through ceremonies, rituals, festivals, competitions, and social gatherings, communities created, shared, performed, and learned Indigenous dance knowledge and skills. During the colonial period, Indigenous dance practices were disrupted. The introduction of Christianity entrenched a mindset among local people that diminished the value, relevance, and position of Indigenous dances. Missionaries and colonial administrators prohibited people in the local communities from practicing dances under the guise of the Victorian morality. After gaining independence, local communities embarked on the process of reviving the Indigenous dances in the postcolonial contexts such as schools, churches, dance troupes, universities, and nongovernmental organizations, among others. Individuals and communities have continued to apply Indigenous dances and music to socially, culturally, spiritually, politically, and economically empower local people by teaching, learning, creating, and performing these dances.