My host family gave me my Lugandan name last week! I am
Ndagire (pronounced N-da-ge-ray) and I belong to the Mamba (lung fish) clan.
How appropriate that my clan is represented by a fish! A good number of my
coworkers now refer to me as Ndagire only, although I’m pretty sure it’s because
most Ugandans find my name difficult to pronounce and remember. My host sister
announced to me that we are truly family now and that made me feel quite
welcome. Apparently clans are a very big deal here and govern relationships.
You are forbidden to marry someone from your own clan as you are seen as
brother/sister. Members of your mother’s clan are your aunts and uncles,
regardless of any actual blood relation. I’m sure it can get to be a little
complex but it’s interesting nonetheless!
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