VIRTUOUS LIVING - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

that keep the community motivated in their participations and effectivein their contribution to the development of the community.(iii)Nyinente tahunga (Rukiga-Runyankole – Uganda)Translation: The owner of the cattle does not fleeInterpretation: Facing responsibility and hardship is a necessaryquality of a true leaderInterpretive note: In the face of danger, a good leader does notabandon his people. They depend on him/her for their defence,direction and well-being. He/she may have to put his life in danger inorder to protect the lives of the led.b) The helpfulness of leaders(i) Omukama okukunda akutuma owanyu (Rukiga-Runyankole –Uganda).Translation: A chief who likes you sends you as a messenger to yourhome village.Interpretation: A good leader is known by his gift of practicalwisdom.Interpretive note: This is a commendation of the leader’s ability tomatch tasks with abilities. Although the proverb appears to beperpetuating favouritism, it in fact implies the employment of peopleaccording to their capacity much with socio-political conduciveness inorder to maximise their effectiveness.(ii)Omukama n’ okukamireTranslation: A chief is one who gives you milkHere is a play on wordsInterpretation: The word “omukama” carries within it the sound ofmilking. It also suggests that indeed a “omukama” is one who has cowsto milk. For the subjects of such a chief, the “meaning” of theexistence and lordship of this “Omukama” is when such leader shareshis/her wealth for the benefit of his people.272