Drought, hunger and famine-stricken community

It was three moons (months) after the harvesting season. There came a great hunger which was locally called 'dira mukongo'. The impact of this disaster pushed the community below the poverty line as most could not afford a meal. The resulting effect caused injuries, displacement, destruction of property and livelihoods, among other effects. The community depended on pastoralism and agriculture for survival. These economic activities in turn depend on rainfall for water and pasture. The effect was so serious that no single crop survived. Even the drought resistant crops such as cassava were nowhere to be seen. There was a huge loss of animals due to lack of water and pasture. Asweda's family was not left behind. Asweda acquired considerably enough wealth in livestock keeping, he was among the most affected. The animals, especially cows and bulls, looked weary with bones protruding from the sides. There was no grass at all as everything had dried up, exposing grazers to risk of death.

Asweda, being a socially respected man, had to look for a way to protect his social status. Traditionally, a man was highly respected on the basis of having many wives, children and owning a sizable number of livestock. He decided to move, traveling long miles away in search of favorable weather conditions. Asweda, being a polygamous man, assembled all his two families, animals and children and left for an unknown place in search for greener pasture. They kicked off at noon armed with machetes and arrows. They were to pass through thick forest with dangerous wild animals, hence the need to be armed. Also, habitual thieves were a great threat to them.

After walking all night, they reached a place where they sat down to have a rest. They were thirsty, tired and feeling hungry. It was now the time for Suzana and her co-wife to cooperate and organize food for the family. Asweda was in the company of his two wives, eight children, his nephew and herders, or alternatively, gardeners. Having not any other food at their disposal, Asweda ordered 'Avayi' or, alternatively, his gardeners to slaughter one goat for food. They quickly grabbed one, tied it well before cutting its neck off. The helpless goat struggled as the collected blood eventually finalized the slaughtering process. It was roasted and eaten with boiled blood. There was no milk at all due to the health condition of the cows. After satisfactorily eating their meal, they now had to rest during the daytime. Sounds of birds were heard, signifying daytime was approaching.

Asweda sat, bending backward and supporting his head on a bull, flashing back memories filling his mind. He remembered his youthful life and laughed loudly. "What is so fun my husband?", Suzana inquired. Asweda ignored the question at first but later had to answer with Suzana insisting. The man thought about how he acquired his first wife, Regina. On his hunting mission, he came across a young lady who was extra beautiful. Her shining face, well-fitted necklaces and her admirable dark complexion really attracted Asweda. At first, Asweda had challenges of approaching the lady. The young man was slightly shy. The company boy's pressure made him approach the lady and express himself, although fear ran through his veins. His proposal was well accepted, and their relationship went well on. One day, Regina and all her family members had gone to the garden as usual. Because of the prior arrangement by the two lover birds to meet, Regina excused herself and went back home. They had agreed to meet at Regina's home place. The young man arrived in style and was welcomed well by Regina. He was welcome to 'Simba' as the community custom guided. 'Simba' could simply be translated as a hut for boys in a homestead. It was highly prohibited for any man with an intention of a relationship to be welcomed to the main hut, which usually belonged to the parent of the woman. Regina's father, having more questions, went back home in an attempt to find out why she excused herself.

Regina's father heard a deep voice and a soft soprano voice from the Simba. He ambushed them and found them ready handed. Asweda was tied with a rope to a tree as Regina's father made threats to slaughter him. Regina was forced to kneel down beside her boyfriend. This created tension as the community gathered to mock the young lover birds. Asweda's father was informed and in a blink of an eye he was at the scene. Contrary to real expectations, Asweda's father praised his son for being a competent person. He told his son that men really do extraordinary things. He then left the scene before the matter was solved. The rope loosened by chance, Asweda utilizing that chance to run and disappear into the thin air.

The situation bonded their relationship more. As time went by, they decided to get married. Asweda went to ask for a woman as it was the custom of the community. He was denied a chance based on his previous history. As we know, love is blind, and the two couples agreed to ensure they get married.

One day, Regina requested to be escorted for a short call in the middle of the night. As usual, the strict father escorted his daughter. By then people used to relieve themselves in bushes. Regina asked the father to wait for her at a distance as she went a distance to relieve herself. The strict father waited for a long time, but his daughter did not come. He took an initiative to search for her but in vain. The disappointed father returned to his muddy hut after much searching struggle. It was clear that Regina had escaped from marriage as it was the common practice for ladies in those days. That is how Asweda and Regina got married.

Asweda, after flashback memory, woke up and stretched his hands. He looked at his son Thishida and smiled. The child was very precious in his life as he was to inherit his father's property.