September 2020

The first track of cultural astronomy in Uganda: Perspectives of the Baganda, Bagisu, Banyoro and Langi

Uganda is among the most developing countries in Africa where astronomy education and outreach activities are at infant stages. Although Uganda has a long history of organized ethnic groups and cultures, record of cultural astronomy or its exploration is scanty, a challenge that this paper tries to address. A qualitative research design was adopted with emphasis on holistic description of primary data or information....

Author(s): Bosco Oruru, Harriet Najjemba, Annet Eva Zawedde, Ronald Nteziyaremye, Merciline Nayibinga and Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga

September 2020

The role of elephants as military pack animals in the Abyssinian Campaign, 1867-1868

In late 1867 the British Government authorized a military expedition to effect the release of 59 hostages being held at Magdala by Emperor Tewodros II.  The force consisted of 13,000 soldiers and 40,000 transport and pack animals.  Its formidable task was to travel 650 km and ascend 3,050 m of altitude before it reached its goal. The animals comprised horses, mules, donkeys, bullocks, camels and 44 elephants....

Author(s): R. Trevor Wilson