THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE
CASE STUDY OF NTENJERU COUNTY IN KAYUNGA
DISTRICT
BY RHAMULA NABATTE
BMC/0818/21/DU
Supervised by:
DR. SWAIBU , ph.d
DISSERTATION SUBMITTED AS PARTIALREQUIREMENT
FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELORS IN MASS
COMMUNICATION AT KAMPALA IMNTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
NOVEMBER 2005 II
MOTO
Suffering is not the end of life
AND
Allah is the medicine of every thing lJl
DEDICATION
This desseration is dedicated to my parents, Hajji Sekandi Sulaiman and Mrs. Nagadya
Nakafeero Nuulu Sekandi, , my sisters, Nanyanzi Ruicia, Basemera Prossy, Namuleme
Jane, Mutesi Sarah and Nantambi Zuhura. Also to my brothers Wagaba Ben, Sekandi
Sulaiman, Kikomeko Twaha, Bukenya Abe, Kanyike George William and Kigongo
Bernard. Not forgetting Mr. Buyondo Abudubast, who always gave suppo11 whenever called upon. You are thanked \'ery much. IV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I Rhamula ~abatte, here by declare that this piece of academic work is sorely a result of personal toil and sweat, to the best of my knowledge it has never been presented to any other University or higher Institution of learning for academic purpose. The work is as a result of my creativity and struggle, with the assistance of my supervisor
DR. Swaib .ph.d for his skills displayed t:or · . I they have been duly acknowledged~ ~
KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ••
NOVEMBER 2005 v
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the media in cultural deYelopment in Kayunga District, Ntenjeru County.
Data was collected critically by seeking views from the population by use of an inter-dew guide.
The study was guided by three objectives which focused on county and district changes.
Data was later collected in view of the objectives and analysis tables were used from which conclusions were drawn. VI
DECLARATION
My gratitude goes to the Almighty Allah Subuhana Watahala for the gift of life he has given me, protection and continuous providence, this work has become a reality not a dream.
I \\·ish to express with great pleasure my sincere gratitude to the managing director Kampala
International University MR. NASER BASAJABALABA for giving me the opportunity to pursue my degree at Kampala International University and also for panly financing my course.
I am also grateful to my supervisor for this untiring guidance and encouragement to me in this work. I have learnt a lot from his experience and competence in research work and not forgetting Kayunga District Local Government you sent me to University.
Special thanks go to my lectures Dr. Ongora Jerome, Prief Ongodia Simon Peter, Miss
Byamukama Sylvia, Mr. Mudoola Roberi and all my other teachers from primary up to my
University education. You were all necessary factors for the achievement of all that I have achieved. Thanks very much for grooming me.
I am also very grateful to all the good people who assisted me financially for the completion of this work and people who heartedly responded to my interviews. Your response greatly accounts for the completion of this work.
Finally Allah thank you foi· having paved way for me whenever it looked impassable to me, ne\·er will I depart from you God.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY. Vll
TABLE OF CONTENT
Pages
TOPIC ...... i
MOTO ...... ii
DEDICATION ...... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... iv
DECLARATION ...... v
ABSTRACT ...... vi
TABLE OF CONTENT ...... vii-
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background ...... I - 4
1.2 Statement of the problem ...... 4
1.3 Purpose of the study ...... 4
1.4 Objectives ...... 5
1.5 Scope of the study ...... 5
1.6 Significance of the study ...... 6
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review 2.0 Introduction
2.1 Kenneth Feder's Frauds, Myths & Mysteries, VIII
2.1 Kenneth Feder's Frauds, Myths & Mysteries,
Forth Edition ...... 7
2.2 MC Grauryerso in many cultures many heritages, 2000 ...... 8
2.3 Echkard Breitinger, in the seasons of Ugandan politics
and culture 2000 ...... 8- 9
2.4 Echard Breitinger in the cultural landscape, topic
regional or national culture ...... 9 - 10
2.5 Margaret Macdherson in "The place of the early sunrise" ...... 10
2.6 Josephine Maseruka of"The New Vision, March 2, 2005 ...... 11
2.7 Andrew Nda\Vl.tla Kalema in "The Sunday Magazine
Feb, 29'\ 2004 titled "The God's must be lazy ...... 12
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design ...... 13
3.2 Population sample ...... 13 - 14
3.3 Sample selection ...... 14
3.4 Sample size ...... 14 - 17
3.5 Instruments used ...... 17- 18
3.6 Study procedure ...... 18
3.7 MethodsofDataAnalysis ...... 18-19 !X
CHAPTER FOUR:
Presentation And Analysis
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Research question II...... 20 - 23
4.2 Research question III ...... 23
4.3 Research question IV ...... 23- 24
4.4 Research question V & VI...... 24- 27
4.5 Research question VII & VIII ...... 27 X
CHAPTER FIVE:
Discussions, Conclusion And Recommendations
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Summary ...... 28- 30
5.2 Conclusion ...... 31 - 33
5.3 Recommendations ...... 34- 36
APPENDICES
Appendix I Interview guide ...... 37
Appendix II Letter of Introduction ...... 38
Appendix III Photographs for the home of the JJAJAS ...... 39
5.4 References
...... 40 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction
The study about "The role of the media in development of culture" was catTied out
in Ntenjeru County, Kayunga District. It was conducted among a number of
respondents which included cultural leaders, men women, and students in order to
capture their views, opinions and experiences about cultural development by media.
The research was conducted in Kayunga District because of the neamess of the
researcher·s home area and her being familiar with area residents who in the end
had to be the respondents. This reduced on the transpoti costs which the researcher
had to spend when traveling to look for the respondents.
L I Background
Culhtre is a principle source of morals in which people live or conduct
themselves. Traditionally people believed very much in culture but due to
the rapid changes in political social and economic spheres of life, much of
culhtral morals are neglected. When practicing culture, there different
aspects which we have to look at for ex;ample the ways of dressing, ways of
greetings, traditional crops, traditional values among many more. There a
number of tribes and cultures in Uganda. Different tribes in Uganda have
different cultural practices for example the Banyankole in westem Uganda
practice Cattle rearing and believe that ha\·ing more cows is having more
wealthy. The Baganda in the central take the ideal of having more land as having more wealth in their tradition. With culture still, you find that different tribes in Uganda have different cultural wears to potray their tradition or culture for example the Banyakole would prefer putting on
"OMUSHANANA" for most of their culture gatherings or occasion.
The Baganda would also prefer putting on a "GOMASI" for a woman and
"KANZU" for a man for their cultural occasions to potray their cultural image. Putting clothes aside different cultures also have different traditional leaders forestance the Baganda have the "KABAKA" who always came from the royal family, the Banyakole have "Oiv!UGABE" the "BATOORO" have
"LUKILABASHIZA", the Banoro have "OMUKAMA" among other tribes.
Such heads are taken to be the presidents in their culture and honoured so much.
Looking at media, its role to cultural development should be apprt>ciated.
Media more so print or the printed word has always been there to motivate culture. Many miicles, stories and features have always been w1itten by journalists about culture which in the end have led to cultural development.
Cultural centers have always been directed to people throw media for example the KASUBI TOMBS, Busaabale Landing site where the Jjaja's dwell among many more. These have acted as tourist attractions hence development.
2 Showing the urgency of the problem, some year back Buganda had a Federal
System of govemment in which the "Kabaka" was the president in the
Kingdom with all the powers to guide his chiefs on what to do. This is no more and that issue raised dust and made the media and the
Baganda/Buganda region to combine hands and claim for what belonged them for example Kampala city, the nine thousand square miles of land among others. In this situation the Baganda being great lovers of land in their culture could not keep quiet but continued and combined with the media to agitate for their lost things.
Culturally, traditional leaders were not supposed to be tempered with by political leaders and if was only the royal family to decide who to be the king.
Check out the disrespect in the white paper where it was put forward that if a cultural leader involves him self in any act related to politics, parliament has a right to put him off chair as if parliament has been tumed to be the royal family.
Thus when all said and done, media came up and criticized such acts which do not favour cultural development to enhance cultural development.
3 Therefore, the research or study has been carried out to being out both
reported and un reported cases of views, opinions, understandings and results
of the role of media in the development of cultures.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
Although media has tried to criticize and sensitize people about culture,
cultural negligence and deteriation has been seen rampant 111 that people
more so ladies ha\'e continued mo\·ing half neckade both in the rural and
urban areas of the country. Cultural wears are seen as signs for maturity
which people hate more so ladies.
Despite the procedures in fighting cultural detoriation, through media
sensitization, the problem is increasing more so in the area where the
research "as conducted, therefore the research was intended to find out what
really the problem was in that area as some people referred to media it self as
the sole cause for cultural detoriation in their perception.
L3. Purpose Of The Study
The research intended to find out the altitudes about the role of media 111
development of culture.
4 1.4 Objectives Of The Study
To find out the altitudes about the role of media in the development of
culture.
To establish the positive altitudes which people have about media role in
cultural development.
To examine whether people with the negative altitude have access to
infonnation or not.
1.5 Scope of the study
The study was limited to Ntenjeru County covering Kayunga town council,
Kay1mga sub-county and Busaana sub-county respectively. If focused on a
number of respondents among which included cultural leaders, men, women
and students. The content of the study was basically on the people towards cultural dewlopment by media. The sample size corr:prised of 100 respondents of which 10 v:ere cultural leaders, 30 were from Kayunga town council, 30 from Kayunga sub-county and 30 from Busaana sub-county making a total of 100 respondents. Background characteristics of respondents included their age, marital status, education level, number of children among others. 5 1.6 Significance/justification The study came at the time when government and parliament were discussing about how to handle cultural leaders in case they tempered within political issues and at the same time government ordered broadcasting council to counsel the licence of any F.M station and Newspaper which tempered with govemment by criticizing its operations. The study in this case was useful to policy makers in the course of enacting reforms so that people could have positive altitudes about culture to reduce moral delay and cultural negligence among the people. The study was also academically helpful to develop ethical guided views, ideas and cultural theories. Being an academic paper/subject, the research was carried out in fulfillment for the award of a degree in mass communication. The study was also conducted to enable the researcher get equipped with research methods for future purposes and also expose her to issues concerning culture and how to handle them. 6 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 IntroduCtion In this chapter, the researcher has presented different works o different scholars right from the seasons of Ugandan Politics and culture to many more as they follow. The literature below is to show the need for cultural development by media in 1\!tenjeru county (Kayunga District) as presented. 2.1 Kenneth feder's in his book "frauds, myths and mystedes" "Fomih Edition, argues that, culture reflects the hypothesis" "do people still take culture serious?" He goes ahead and says that the past never ceases to surprise, fascinate, intrigue and amaze people. He further suggests that many people reveal the constructions of what happened and what it was like to live in the time that preceded our own and that its this built in interest that makes so many of us susceptible to frauds and myths. He further suggests that there are still plenty of mysteries and some en01mously interesting. Open questions about what has gone before, for such examples of genuine mysteries of the past related to caves, de\·elopment and fall of civilization. the stone age period and the identify of man. 7 2.2 Me grauryerso. m this book many cultures many heritages, 2000, suggests that we achie1·e our place by combining basic and relevant aspects of our traditional may of life, with those aspects of a different culture in a way that pennits us to establish a meaningful identity in a changing world. It is our responsibility to detennine that relevancy. He further says that your culh1re that is to no traditionalists is not the culh1re of your ancestors of one or five hundred years ago. Nor is ours. Upon us both impinge cultural forces which our traditional societies ha1·e not prepared us to face teclmological advances in all areas, though modern communications, cultural forces from very many different societies ::~1! over the world. Our identify must be clear, our clear is creative. We are developing a twenty and twenty-first cenhlry culture. And it is and will be our culture as he concluded. 2.3 Eckhard breitinger. m his writing, about "the seasons of ugandan politics and culture" 2000 - Kampala in fountain publishers goes ahead to say that the period of independence/cultural nationalism in Uganda reveals an unusually strong transnational trend. He continues to say that one of the sig{pificant event of that period was the 1962 conference of 8 African writers of English in which Makerere University was established the African center in cultnral development. During that time, Ugandan Literatnre and cultnre enjoyed high intemational visibility not only through opinion leading Transition but also in many critical appreciation in scholarly and cultural journals. This made a tremendous intemational input into the Uganda cultural scene and at the same time ensured that this new cultural ridness radiated back into the whole of the East African region. 2.4 Eckhard breitiner. in his book "the cultural landscape" topic "regional or national cultnre, says that the political frame also detem1ines the scope and concept of Ugandan cultnre as it is reflected in this collection of infmmation. He further says that one of the reasons for embarking on this project was the dominant role of the "published works" that create the image of Uganda today as it is perceived in the intemational scientific community comparing East Africa in general and Uganda in particular with the criticism of modern culture in Western Africa. More still, he says that there seems to be an urgent need to end the "Drought" of literacy criticism and also mentioned that the political conditions made the case of Uganda so special that the comprehensive East African approach seems no longer ade!ijp~te. 9 Looking at critical writings on cultural or literacy analysis, different categories of critical approach have been looked at by Eckhard. The first books to appear were the monographs by cultural anthropologists who investigated different ethnic cultures from a conservation and retrogressive segregationists in the sense that they emphasise the cultural specifics and reemphasize cultural interaction between different ethnic groups, retrogressive in the sense that they were trying to capture the five essence of pre-colonial culture, with the implication that "traditional culture' was static and fixed. 2.5 Margaret macpherson in the book the place of the early sunrise, goes ahead and explains how culture and cultural leaders got a name for the very known Cniversity of Uganda. It is said that the Kabaka climbed the hill early one moming and when he reached the summit, found that the sun had already risen although he had climbed in shadow. He was late and the place name comes from at word meaning "to delay" that is Makerere. The Kabaka was later than he thought. By this time, Makerere was a cultural center when Kabaka Semakokiro had his palace on the hill. over looking lake Victoria. It is said that perhaps some shreds of that earlier culture still remain to today. 10 2.6 Josephine maseruka of "the new vision", March 2, 2005 reports "Buganda MPs meet Katikkiro" to find ways of developing culture. She reported that Buganda MPs agreed to work as a team to defend the Kingdoms issues in parliament as Katikkiro Joseph Semwogerere asked them to forget their differences and defend the Kingdom. Among the defences which these members of parliament put across Buganda Kingdom included the proposal to the parliamentary legal committee amendments on the agreed Federal position. MPs Birimumaso also handed over to Ssemwogerere a document with the amendments he wanted on lhe position agreed on by Mengo and the central govemment. "The document was not read to the meeting which was closed to journalists", says Josephine. She also goes ahead : repmis that the Katild J.W. Katende and Ministers Peter Mayiga for youth, Apollo Makubuya for the royal treasury, Apollonia Lugemwa and Arihur Bagunya for local go\·ernment who briefed the MPs on the issues so far agreed upon between Mengo and the central government. Still in the same report Mukasa said the people of Nakasongola had some reservations on the proposed Federal arrangement. 1 1 2.7 Andrew Ndawula Kalema in The Sunday magazine Feb 29, 2004 titled "the gods must be lazy". Reports that few places in Uganda beat Busabala in tourist potential. He says that its beautiful scenery, the natural green vegetation on the way and the grassy picnic sites at the water are unbeatable. No wonder the Boy scouts and Girl guides found them ideal camping sites. Like Kasubi Tombs, it can be developed into a popular destination for cultural tourists. what with a whole neighborhood occupied by gods. He further says that Busabala's biggest asset however, remains its sheltered waters, ideal for water spmis like boat-racing, spot fishing, water skiling and sailing. But apmi from the sailing club at Kaazi, which has persisted through thick and thin, several similar facitities have been abandoned, after their owners were frustrated either by lack of infrastructure, or by the hostile locals. 12 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3.0 Intmduction This chapter shows the vanous trends the researcher went through during her study. I! shows the design of the study undertaken. The methodology used in this work is systematic in gathering information to ensure coherent, accurate and consistent infonnation. 3.1 Research Design The researcher used a descriptive research design involving the use of interviews, library works such as textbooks, Newspapers, magazmes among others and personal observation. The design accessed infonnation about the role of the print media in development of culture in the District. This enabled the respondents to express freely their opinion and experiences and were to help the researcher in drawing differences from the facts sun·eyed. 3.2 Population Sample The researcher used a gender-balanced population of balanced marital status age of 18 years. men, women, students, literates and illiterates. 13 Particular attention was paid to the rural areas where most of the population is based. 3.3 Sample Selection The researcher used purposive random sampling where by she looked at people who are likely to give her clear and enough information to achieYe her goal. This method was systematic, simple and the researcher believes that with it she achieved the intended objectives. 3.4 Sample Size The researcher sample constituted I 00 respondents, which were interviewed. The respondents selected and interviewed were taken as representative sample of the entire population under the area of study. The table below shows the actual respondents in comparison to estimated numbers of respondents. TABLE 1 Interview Respondents Population 1Estimated Actual Sample Est. Percentage Samnle I Kayunga S/County 30 26 32% Kayunga T/council 30 28 I 34% I Busaana S/County 30 20 ! 25% I Cultural leaders i 10 8 9% I I Total 100 82 I OO'Yt, I Sources : Primary data 14 In the above table, out of the 100 respondents only 82 were able to respond. Out of the 82 respondents 32% were from Kayunga Sub-county, 34% were from Kayunga Town council, 25% were from Busaana sub- county and 9% were the cultural leaders in the District. The researcher was therefore able to base her results from the data collected which was 82%. TABLE 2 Interviews respondents in kayunga sub-county [ Population I Estimated Actual Sample Percentage I Sample :\1en 10 8 27% Women 10 6 20% [ Students 10 8 27% 1 Total 30 22 I 74% Sources: Pnmary data In the table above, out of the 30 respondents estimated in Kayunga sub- county, 22 were able to respond to interviews which indicates 74% of \\·hich 27% were men, 20% were women, 27% were students. The 74% response from the interview was able to base her findings. 15 TABLE3 Interview respondents in Kayunga Town Council Population Estimated Actual Sample I Percentage I Sample Men 10 7 24% Women 10 8 26% I Students 10 8 26% Total 30 23 I 76'X, ' I' Sources: Pnmary data From the above table of the estimated 30 respondents, 23 were able to be reached to interviews which indicates 76% response of which 24% were men, 26% were women and 26% were students. This indicates 76% response interview technique on which it was releYant and possible for the researcher to base her findings. TABLE4 Interview respondents in Busaana Sub-County Population Estimated Actual Sample Percentage Sample Men 10 9 30% Women 10 8 ,I 26% i Students 10 7 24% Total 30 24 80'Yo i' Sources: Pnmary data 16 Looking at the above table, of the estimated 30 respondents, 24 were able to respond to the interviews, which indicates 80% response of which 30% were men, 26% were women and 24% were students. It was on such response that the researcher based her findings possible. TABLE 5 Cultural leaders who 1·esponded Population I Estimated Actual Sample Percentage I I Sample I Men I 5 3 30% I vVomen 5 3 30~'0 Total 10 6 60% Sources: Pnmary data From the above table, among the estimated 10 respondents, 6 were able to be reached by the researcher for interviews which indicates 60% response of which 30% were men and 30% were women. Thus it was technique that the researcher was able to base her findings. 3.5 Instruments Used The researcher used a face-to-face interview to get first hand and quality data where she had to consider gestures among other expressions from respondents. In this case, even people who did not know how to read and write were able to give their views. More still, the researcher used library 17 research where she had to read textbooks, Newspapers which gave her clear and relevant data about her research topic. The researcher was also able to move up to Kangulumira site where she had to look and observe with her own eyes the home of the Jjajas and she was able to get photos from there. The type of data collected depended on the infonnation most relevant to the study. 3.6 Study Procedure Before the actual research commenced the research got the official letter from the Dean of Studies to the relevant authorities that helped the researcher to reach the places of interest in the area of study. After this, the sequence of data collection was as follows:- Conducted interviews m three sub-counties of Kayunga District. Interacted with men, women, cultural leaders and students who were scheduled dates for interviews. 3. 7 Method Of Data Analysis The researcher used quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Quantitative data was analysed in categories of frequencies and percentages from the groups of the respondents in the same line. Items 18 were tabulated and distributed according to tables with observed references. Percentages of each item was later calculated to determine the trend of findings that was used as a basis for drawing conclusions. This type of analysis enabled the researcher to organize data systematically in reference to the population and determining majority and minority views. Qualitatively interviews were used to identify categories of expectations, values, opinions, strength and weakness of the problem understood from respondents. After the results were summarized, organized and presented in descriptive form from which the researcher got general views of her respondents that supplemented the quantitative instrument. 19 CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS In this chapter the researcher presented the views which she got from the field from the respondents and these are as follows:- 4.1 Research question two Has media led to cultural development? To what extent has it done so or not done so? Media has done more harm than good to cultural development. This is so in a way that media has instead encouraged moral decadence in society. People more so ladies and youths have used media to do away from culture. This has been seen in away that the ladies have always copied funny styles of dressing, hair styling among others from the western world through media that is both the print and electronic. Looking at the electronic media, ladies have always thought out that the ones shown on television in very funny clothes are the modem ones hence rushing to do so and doing away from our own which used to portray our culture. Likewise the youths both boys and girls have continued copying funny styles of dressing and hair making thinking that its modernization. They always copy such styles from magazines, televisions among other forms of media. Years back before the introduction of the present technology, children used to behave culturally just because they used to know each and every thing at the right time. Grand's, uncles and aunts used to have talks with children who had reached the age of 20 maturity and ready to marry or get married. That business now days is time wastage just because children as early s the age of 14 have access to computer services search for whatever they feel like and end on ponographicmaterial most of the time, which seems interesting to them. After seeing or watching such things these children already knew what to do at any one moment. Some have ended up trying to practice what they watch as early as their age which was not there during our cultural years. For God's sake what has not media done to detoriate culture increase moral decadence. When we take a walk to reach our media reporters who are role models in the community, its always difficult to find women reporters in the field gently dressed. Trousers are the order of the day as they pretend to be so first in trousers than in any other type of cloth. The young ones who tresure journalism also grow up thinking that to be a good and first journalist you always supposed to be on trousers thus when all is said and done, media role has instead detoriated culture than develop it. Thus respondent in Kayunga district (Ntenjem county saw that media has to a large extent done no job to develop culture instead detoriate it as they responded above. However some respondents did not agree with the hypothesis hence saying media has done more harm than good as shows below: 21 Truly media has done a great job to develop culture. Referring to the Kangulumira falls in Kayunga district, respondents said that if it was not for media, such good cultural places would not be known. Kangulumira is a place where some of the Jjajja's like that is there homes are there. Media has always infonned people about such cultural places which have in the end turned to be tourist attractions which are only visited after paying some money and in the end that money is used to maintain those cultural places. Why not appreciated media for that good work. Looking at the recent scandals where government was trying to put it across that parliament will always have a right to work upon any cultural leader who tempered with political activities, media,really played a great role to inform the public, translate fro them what they meant in full white paper and in the end it was media role which helped to retain our cultural practice which is in away that its always the royal family responsible for the KABAKA's activities whether wrong or right. Not to forget is the recent act where by Buganda as a Kingdom wanted a Federal fmm of government. Respondents argued that if was not for media to play a great role of informing the people about what the Buganda govemment wanted, it would not be easy for all the people in the central region and the country over to make Federal a song. Through media that is through papers and any other kind of media, they always informed people about what was going on in the central government and after getting information they had to do in hands, request the central government as a team to accord 22 Buganda a Federal system of government. Thus when all said and done, a number of respondents argued that media has really done a lot to develop culture. 4.2 Research question three What altitudes do you have on cultural practices? Respondents in Kayunga Ntenjeru County replied as follows on the above hypothesis Cultural practices are good because they are attached to practices of our fore fathers. They also symbolize and give a sense of belonging in our communities. Practices such as initiation into different age groups, with the help of elders imparts special knowledge to the people involved.• Cultural practices such as Bride pnce and introduction/Giveaway also signify respect and responsibility of the concerned parties. I would however not advise anybody to carry out practices that posse health threats such as fathers in law sleeping with their daughters in law as was in some cultures. I am also against parties that are out to get rich from cultural practice for example B1ide price. 4.3 Research question four To what extent does traditional culture prepared an individual to fit in society today? Respondents had to reply as below on the above question 23 Traditional culture will model you into a respectable woman or man tomorrow. In the Bagisu, before you are circumcised, you are not considered a man, therefore to fit in society according to the Bagisu, you have to be circumcised. Look at introduction ceremonies; you need the traditional culture to make this day a success. Therefore traditional culture prepares an individual to fit in society today to very large extent. We should not forget that what was there in the past still exists today. He first brings. 4.4 Research question five What attempts have been put to revive and renovate culture? Respondents had a good discussion with the researcher and replied as below:- There has been a search for African Kingdoms Western style education and Western values are being gradually replaced by indigenous education and indigenous values for example in Tanzania there has been an emphasis on traditional values like respect for manual labour, concern for community, self sacrifice, Egalitarianism and providing job makers other than job seekers As far as education is concerned there has been a tendency to drift a way from the curriculum left by the colonial administration towards the one that serves African needs. Research institutions have been established with an aim of finding out more about our past and about our traditional values. In Uganda for example, the institute of social research at Makerere (MISER). 24 Experts in pedagogy (teachers of Africa cultures) have been trained and employed by the African governments this have been given the responsibilities of carrying out research on how best to inculcate and revive the Africa culture. There has also been a move to indigenous Christianity. In the Catholic Church for example traditional musical instruments have been accepted for e.g. the long drum, flutes etc when conducting the mass. Africa creative arts have been encouraged by Africa govemment for e.g. Schools of fire art have been established for e.g. at Makerere, Nairobi and Kyambogo Universities etc. with an aim of renovating Africa arts and cultures. In an attempt to revive and renovate African cultures theaters and informal club have received a lot of encouragement from the govemment for e.g. Jimmy Katumba, Bakayimbira Drama Actors etc. Afiica writer have been accorded special positior;s in modem Africa for e.g. Chinua Achebe, Okot P'bitek, Ngugi wa thiongo etc. Language revival. Local languages have been encouraged and there has been an attempt to replace foreign languages with indigenous ones as national language for e.g. in Tanzania and Kenya, Swahili has replaced English, in Northem Nigeria Hausa has replaced English e.g. "Things fall Apart" has been successfully translated into Luganda and many other African Local languages. There is also a move to encourage traditional healers and birth attendance to promote Africa medicine and midwifery. 25 African governments have fully pledged to set up ministry of culture of departments to encourage the promotion of Africa culture for e.g. Ministry of Education, youth culture in Uganda. 4.5 Research question six and seven In what ways is African culture eroded today? Respondents had the following to say. Af1ican culture today is eroded by our code of dressing the fact that we want to copy the western code of dressing has eroded our culture. Also the search for greener pastures has eroded our culture. Today every young person's dream is to go to the UK, US and other European counties. Once such people reach there, they endeavour to stay and produce children from there. These children will have nothing to do with African culture, they will consider it useless. The so called modernity 4.6 Qn seven What are the causes of cultural negligence in society today? The researcher was replied as below:- There are several causes of cultural negligence in society today but the most important ones are; society suffering from brain drain. They consider this as modernity and so opt 26 for western culture especially as far as the dress code is considered. Society has a tendency of considering every thing Western trendy which is not true. People also lack the time and opportunity to impart cultural knowledge considering that the youth have flocked to towns and left the elders in rural areas. The youth and the elders alike are trying to cope with changing times thus; finding no reason for embarking on promoting their own culture. 4.7 Research question eight What are the hinderances of media role to develop culture? About the above hypothesis, respondents had the following to say:- The major hinderance of the media's role to develop culture is concentrating on the west, what we may call civilization. It is wiping out all the good conservative values of the old. The media is btinging out an evolution in culture and soon in the future culture will be just a word but no practice shall be in existence. This is because of the competition with the different media houses to present what they think is in public interest. 27 CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS 5.0 Introduction In this chapter the researcher had to summarize, discuss and recommend about the topic "has media led to cultural development" 5.1 Summary Before discussing culture, there is need to know what culture is and how culture is learned. T his will therefore help us know how to develop our culture by all means and know how to pass it on to the next generations. A culture is a group of people who live together with common bond of customs, language and life style, people who recognize amongst themselves a kind of unity which is a result of shared similar experiences and backgrounds. What items should we include in a "life style"? we might start with dress, or home, or habits, entertainments, beliefs or speech. The term culture also refers to the way people get along with each other. We have probably heard the term youth culture". Let us try to define it. We could define it as the way of life for the youths. Their habits, dressing among others. The term "Race" is sometimes used as a synonym for culture. This is not only inaccurate, but can be dangerous. Anthropologists have divided all people into races based on physical characteristics. Members of the same race share inherited physical 28 traits, which they pass on to their off springs. Racial differences do not reveal anything about a persons culture. The term race is only relevant when looking at our many cultures and many heritages when it has affected the adjustment of a group in Kayunga District or a country at large. Religion can be included in a definition of culture. Religion helps determine many altitudes and customs. In sub-counties where the great majority of the population follow one religion, the culture is deeply affected by the religion of such a sub-county. Conclusively after looking at all the above we can say that culture is the acceptable way of living of a particular human group. How to pass on a culture There is no mystery for passing on a culture from one generation to another. Culture is learned, unconsciously. We "pick up" the accepted habits of speech, dress, thought and behavior from over chopsticks or knives and forks, in early childhood in our own homes. We develop a taste for Raw fish or spiced meat or curdled milk or even ground up meat seared and placed between tow halves of a bun. We pick u the elements of an exciting game with a pick or a ball or a club. We play it on ice or grass or in the water or perhaps even on horse backs. 29 We see parents and friends usmg gestures or express emotions as they talk or we absence that certain feelings are kept inside rather than revealed. We speak English, Swahili, Arabic, French or vernacular because we pick it up from these around us. Learning also takes place in schools, where both practical and idealistic values of a society are passed on. Ways of the society, and the civic rights are responsibilities of the citizens in general not the media alone. Thus when we get to know that, we shall be able to develop culture as a group effectively without looking at media or cultural leaders alone. 30 5.2 Conclusion According to research, obstacles to hmmonious co existence of culture are mainly based on moral decadence in our societies today. Types of moral decadence like dressing the "see me through clothes rather than the traditional ones such as Kanzu 's, Gomes (Busuti) and bark clothes, preferring the western styles of dance for example break dance, R & B hits, finding it a shaming to participate in traditional dances like dingi-dingi, Amaggunju extra, preferring western names to Sir names, looking at traditional religious values as paganism instead of integrating like contemporary religion, finding it prestigious to use foreign languages like English, Fresh other than the traditional ones among others should all be fought against by concerned people and a fellow-up to ensnr~ that strategies are adopted, implementation should be carried out. The people should be sensitized on the geed about cultural inheritance and how it shapes a person well in society today if carried on as required. Its also good for the people to know that culture is something learned consciously and unconsciously from the accepted habits of speech dress, thought and behaviour from our environment and therefore it should be upon you an individual to go or make with the accepted dressing habits among others so as to maintain our culture. 31 Its also noted that lack of sufficient information, lack of transparence and free debates to discuss about the problem facing cultural development are likely to lead to moral decadence in our societies today. The people should be invited to take pa1i in various debates about their daily life. This will change their understanding and much of what is considered as moral delay or cultural detoriation like wearing of the "see me through clothes" will be dropped slowly but surely due to frequent criticism. Cultural leaders at all levels should also play their part to emphasis cultural development as they are always role models in society. Also during the research, the researcher recognized that cultural leaders stop at the parish level. This is not effective for cultural work. To me, they should be starting from the district level, sub-county level, to the parish, village and down to the cell for effective work. Its depressing to note that the people in some areas of the district do not know the cultural leaders at the district. This should also be worked upon in such away that the district cultural leaders should start visiting their people all over the district monthly. 32 The population should be sensitized to stand and fight for their rights in tolerance and truth and leaders particularly cultural leaders should support tern in this exercise. We achieve our culture by combining basic and relevant aspects of our traditional way of life with those aspects of a different culture in away that permits us to establish a meaningful African identity in a changing world. Its therefore our responsibility to determine the relevancy of our culture and there by go on with it for a better society. 33 5.3 Recommendation Developing our culture is likely to be a long time process in Kayunga District (Ntenjeru county). It is therefore with this effect that media houses should play a greater role than the previous one in the process of instigating into people's mind the cultural ideology. If some people blame media for moral decadence, why should it fail to develop our morals (culture)? It should therefore be media to act as a role model in the process of developing culture in Ntenjeru county and the county at large. As a general recommendation drawn from the research study, the researcher insisted that- Teachings appealing to people to know and make by their culture should be encouraged in the country. This will help us receive and renovute culture. Cultural research centers should be put in place at least each and every district for future researchers to have access to information concerning culture. Ministries, various institutions, associations and organization should go down close to the people in order to:- Explain the values of culture in society so as to make that public get to know and move by culture to gain such values. Sensitize the people on the role they should play to fight moral decadence in society and hence develop culture. 34 T~e ministry of Education should introduce cultural lessons on their curriculum from primary level to the higher institutions of learning so as to make the aware of their cultural values since childhood. Thus when all said and done, this will develop culture. Media should also initiate different cultural programmes at least once a week in order to infonn and educate the people about culture hence its development. There should also be cultural leaders right from the district level, sub-county, parish village up to the cell to fasten or for good and easy information flow. Cultural places for example Kangulumira falls where the Jjajas swell should be well maintained as they some times bring or increase on the countties incomes /revenue Strict laws abut ladies and youths who move three quarters nekcade should be put, emphasized and enacted to avoid moral decadence in our societies. Govemment should also take part in developing culture by putting an office in charge of cultural office in each and every district, send a cultural officer paid by govemment who will always solve cultural problems like it has always been for the probation, gender among other departments. • There should also be a move to encourage traditional healers and birth attendants so as to promote African medicine and midwifery. • Experts in pedagogy (teachers of African cultures) should be trained more and employed by African govemments. They should be given the responsibilities of carrying out research on how best to revive our culture. 35 To develop our culture, we need to appreciate it first and also feel the need and agency to develop it our selves not government or any association. We should do this starting right away from our homes, encouraging children to move by their culture as well as parents doing he same not just talking about it. We all know that developing our culture will be along time process but once we (the people) appreciate it and feel the need to have it developed in each generation, then the long way will be cut short. Secondly government should also give a hand in the process of developing our culture. In this case it should encourage cultural lesson in all government schools, set cultural offices in each district, and all levels which fight moral decadence among others. Conclusively, cultural teachers should put at all levels and have a proper flow of information for instance they should be at the district level, county sub-county, parish, village and ciel. This will effect the development of culture in our society. 36 APPENDIX INTERVIEW GUIDE Dear participants I am Rhamula Nabatte offering a bachelors degree in Mass Communication at Kampala International University. I am doing a research on the "ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE' in Kayunga District (case study Ntenjeru county). I beg you to allow me ask you the following questions. 1. Please may I know your Name Age Place of Residence Marital level 2. Has media led to cultural development? To what extent has it done so ro not done so? 3. What altitudes do you have on cultural practices? 4. To what extent does traditional culture prepared an individual to fit in society today? 5. What attempts have been put to revive and renovate culture? 6. In what ways is African culture eroded today? 7. \Vhat are the causes of cultural negligence in society today? 8. What are the hinderances of media role to develop culture? 37 PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE HOMES OF THE JJAJAS AT KANGULUMIRA KAYUNGA DISTRICT AS OBSERVED BY THE RESEARCHER 38 j,IU KAMPALA I INTERNATIONAL Ggaba Road, Kansanga • PO BOX 20000 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 (0) 41- 266 813 • Fax: +256 (0) 41 - 501 974 HW*r:!4='liMIB . UNIVERSITY E-mail: [email protected] • Website: http://www.kiu.ac.ug Faculty of Social Sciences and Law To: ...... . . . d M /M' IIJt.'.f?YfjJ)£ J)__ /-7..o/7:•c/~~ T h1s 1s to mtro uce to you r. 1ss ..1 .:.. ... ~..•...... - .... ; ...... •...... who is a bona fide student of Kampala International University, He/She is working on a research project, which is a partial requirement for the award of a degree. I hereby kindly r~quest you in the name of the University to accord him/h)=r_;_~th'ElK~~~ssary assistance required for this work. I '-' ,, "· (/-1 ' Tha~k_·l{;u vel?ffiiJch ·.ih~\ivance. I,;:-' L~f~~~ i ~~ :·~~! .::~~:r~. ~~1 :. "'~t.\i'- f')~·- Y OF SOC I "Exploring the Heights"