- Ankole had a centralized system of administration.
- Omugabe was the political head of the kingdom.
- The Omugabe’s position was hereditary with absolute powers.
- The Omugabe, Queen mother, Princes and princesses formed the royal family and resided in the royal palace.
- The Omugabe was assisted by the Nganzi (Prime minister) who was the most important of all chiefs.
- Ankole was divided into 10 districts each headed by Omukungu (chief).
- Some of the districts included Mbarara, Ibanda, Nyabushozi, Bunyaruguru and Kashari.
- The Omugabe and Nganzi came from the upper class of the Hima and always kept large herds of cattle and estates.
- The Abakungu also kept cattle and were in charge of keeping peace and sending beer and millet to the royal palace.
- Ankole had royal regalia that included spears, a crown and the royal drum. (Bagyendanwa).
- Ankole also had a “royal fire” that was never allowed to go out until the reigning Omugabe died.
- Ankole had no standing army but in case of war, all able bodied men were supposed to gather at the Omugabe’s palace with spears, bows, arrows and shields.
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