King James

I have explained several times now how impressed I am with James and his IVN organization. Each day I spend out here in the village interacting with him provides me with a better idea of who this man is, but the story I heard last night is just absolutely phenomenal. Our volunteer was sitting around having a few beers with James’ oldest son Grace when the girls asked him why James had signed a receipt earlier in the day with a name other than Nadiope. Grace humbly explained that the family tries not to use the Nadiope name in public too often. We asked why and he said it is because Nadiope is a royal name, and that some people tend to make a big deal about it. We were shocked, “What do you mean royal?” we asked. Again, as humbly and nonchalantly as only a Ugandan can, Grace informed us that Nadiope is the family name of the Kings of Busoga.
Brief history lesson: Traditionally, Uganda has always been split between three regions or kingdoms: Ankole in the west, Buganda in middle and Busoga in the east. The kings of these regions held great power until the foreigners showed up with their bibles and their guns in the middle of the 19th century and proceeded to pit the kings against one another in a power struggle that has shaped the political climate ever since. At one point, post independence (1962), all powers and titles were officially stripped from the three kings. Museveni recently restored their titles, but there is very little power attached. However, the kings are still revered by most Ugandans today.
The story Grace was telling us was mind-boggling, as he explained that James would literally be the King of Busoga right now if he had not refused the position. Furthermore, Grace and his brothers are Princes who can ascend to the throne if they so chose. Grace and Tim, the two oldest, have also chosen not to get involved in politics, but their younger brother definitely has his sights set on ascending the throne someday. Right now James’ younger brother (brother does not always mean an actual sibling) is the King because James refused it. Much like his decision to not become a pastor, James simply felt that he would not be able to help the people of Uganda as effectively as he does now by getting caught up in the politics of being a figurehead King. He admirably choose to live and work in the communities he is striving to help instead of living the life of a King in the palace in Jinja that is rightfully his. What a remarkable role model for a struggling nation.