The Bachwezi are credited with the founding of the ancient empire of Kitara; which included areas of present day central, western, and southern Uganda; northern Tanzania, western kenya, and eastern Congo. Very little is documented about them. Their entire reign was shrouded in mystery, so much so that they were accorded the status of demi gods and worshipped by various clans. Many traditional gods in Toro, Bunyoro and Buganda have typical kichwezi (adjective) names like Ndahura, Mulindwa, Wamara, Kagoro, etc..
The bachwezi dynasty was short, as supported by only three names of kings documented by historian. The bachwezi kings were;
- Ndahura,
- Mulindwa and
- Wamara; in this order.
In addition to founding the empire of Kitara, the bachwezi are further credited with the introduction of the unique, long horned ankole cattle, coffee growing, iron smelting, and the first semblance of organized and centralized government, under the king.
The bachwezi, upon relinquishing the throne got assimilated into the indigenous populace, and are, today, the tribal groups like the bahima of Ankole and the batutsi of Rwanda. The bahima and batutsi have the elegant, tall build and light complexion of the bachwezi, and are traditionally herders of the long horned Ankole cattle.