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.
