ABSTRACT
The role of the 'world religions' in urban social, political, and economic processes has always received attention, but statements upon traditional religious beliefs in African towns are often at best very brief, and at worst highly impressionistic. Such difficulties do indeed beset the student of 'traditional' religion in urban Africa. The consultation, propitiation, and possession of lubaale and mayembe spirits dominate modern Kiganda religion in urban and peri-urban Kampala. For the 'man in the street' in Kampala, whether he be Christian or Muslim, traditional religious beliefs and practices have always been a part of his everyday life and 'world view', even if considerably modified in form. In many ways, Kiganda society and culture are unique in their ability to adapt to new conditions and still retain 'Kigandaness’. The misambwa are practically irrelevant to the practice of Kiganda religion in the urban areas. Misambwa are associated with the natural features of Buganda, such as hills, trees, rivers, animals, and reptiles.
