Years and years ago, nestled within the lush landscapes of Uganda, there lived a woman whose small banana garden bordered the bustling high road. Every night, mischievous travelers would sneak into her garden, snatching the ripest fruits and vegetables. Frustration grew within the woman’s heart, and in her quest for a solution, she sought counsel from her wise old nurse.
Together, they devised a cunning plan. Under the cloak of darkness, they dug a deep ditch, concealed it with sticks, branches, earth, and leaves, creating a trap for the thieving intruders. “The next thief who comes at night will tumble in,” they whispered to each other, their eyes gleaming with determination.
As fate would have it, the herdsman of the Chief’s prized cattle, oblivious to the trap, led one of his cows astray, and it stumbled into the hidden pit, breaking its leg. Enraged, the cowherd reported the incident to the Chief, who summoned the woman.
Accusations flew in the air like angry hornets as the Chief thundered, “Why did you set a trap for my cow?” The woman, in her desperation, explained the reason behind her actions. However, the Chief, fueled by anger, accused her of plotting harm to his people.
“You are a wicked woman,” declared the Chief, ordering her to be beaten. The woman, with tears streaming down her face, pleaded for mercy. In a moment of apparent leniency, the Chief spared her from a beating but laid down a chilling ultimatum: “The next child you have shall be mine.”
The woman, with a heavy heart, soon found herself with child. To her dismay, it was a beautiful baby boy. Overwhelmed with fear and love, she sent her old nurse to the Chief with a fabricated tale, declaring the child to be a girl. The Chief, curious, summoned the baby to his presence.
Meanwhile, a benevolent stranger passing through overheard the plight of the woman. Moved by compassion, she offered a solution. “I will lend you my little girl baby,” she said. “Show her to the Chief, and save the life of your little boy.”
The nurse, armed with the borrowed baby, presented her to the Chief. Little did anyone suspect the switch, and the Chief, pleased with the child, issued an ominous decree: “Bring this child to me when she is twelve years old.”
In the tranquil hills of Singo, the years passed harmoniously. The borrowed baby grew into a beautiful boy named Musoke, which means Rainbow. He spent his days herding goats, and the hills echoed with the sweet melodies of his reed pipe.
As Musoke played his tunes, a stranger passing by overheard the familiar goat song. Intrigued, she approached the nurse, who unraveled the secret of Musoke’s true identity. The stranger, sympathetic to their cause, revealed a plan to ensure Musoke’s safety.
The fateful day arrived when the Chief, reminded of his claim to the child, summoned Musoke and his nurse. Anxious and uncertain, they entered the Council House, where the Chief, curious about the rumors surrounding the child, prepared to interrogate them.
Musoke, torn between revealing his true gender and maintaining the facade, grappled with the impending questions. That night, under the moonlight, he sought guidance from the celestial beings.
A wise old owl, a chirping cricket, and a squeaking bat all advised him to seek the Moon’s help. Musoke, desperate for a solution, stood under the moonlight and poured his heart out to the Moon, explaining his predicament.
To his astonishment, the Moon responded with a gentle voice, expressing love and offering an alternative. She shared her loneliness and proposed that Musoke join her in the Cloud Land, away from the Council House’s impending danger.
The Moon promised to send rain to create a rainbow, a celestial bridge for Musoke to climb and reach her in the sky. Musoke, overwhelmed by the Moon’s kindness, accepted the offer.
The following day, Musoke vanished without a trace. The people searched in vain, unaware that their little girl had ascended to the Moon’s embrace. Today, when you gaze at the Moon and see a cloud-like formation, remember Musoke, the Moon-Boy, in his celestial cradle.
As time passed, the story of Musoke became a whispered legend, captivating the hearts of those who heard it. And if you ever find yourself under a moonlit sky during a gentle rain, watch closely—perhaps you might catch a glimpse of a moon rainbow, a shimmering reminder of Musoke’s extraordinary journey.
