Lealui, Zambia

ILealui is the dry season residence of the king of the Lozi people of western Zambia Litunga. At the end of the dry season, as flood waters encroach on the compound, the Litunga moves to Limulunga on higher ground. The move is celebrated in the Kuomboka festival, one of Zambia's most important and popular.

The summer capital of Barotseland is Lealui, it is located on the Barotse flood capital and 13 kilometers south west of Limulunga, the winter capital and 13 kilometers west of Mongu.

In 1864 It was first settled by King Sipopa. Lealui was also re-organised by the King Lubosi Lewanika in 1878 as a cultural, traditional and administrative capital of Barotseland. Subsequent Barotse kings maintained Lealui as their capital. However, the prestige of Lealui assumed greater significance during the long reign of King Lubosi Lewanika who ruled from 1878 to 1916. His task was to rebuild the Barotse nation following the upheavals and turbulence caused by the Makololo invasion.

The consolidation of Malozi rule and traditions was done by Litunga Lubosi Lewanika. Lealui became a cultural center of the kingdom.

The accession to important traditional positions has to be performed at Lealui. The enthronement of the Litunga, installation of the Ngambela, the Natamoyo, princess Ngula (Makoshi ) district chiefs, other senior Indunas and their attendants can be done only at Lealui .This is so because traditional regalia and shrines necessary for senior cultural installations are provided for only at Lealui.

The Malozi people The Aluyi, settled on the Great Barotse flood plain at the beginning of the 16 th century. The plain was a trough stretching about 200 kilometers north to south and 50 kilometers wide at its widest point. It was grassland interspersed with clusters of bush and trees on two mounds. Some indigenous trees were predominantly palm trees and acacia. Today, however, most trees found on inhabited mounds are exotic mango and gum trees, the original vegetation having been cleared for settlement and agriculture. A network of rivers, lagoons and lakes intersect the Barotse flood plain.

The arrival of Europeans during the latter part of the 19 th century enhanced the status of Lealui as a seat of government. The Landmark decisions, which were to shape the destiny of Barotseland were made in Lealui.