Gisu

The Gisu are a people living in Uganda, in the region to the east of Mount Elgon, a fertile area with very high rainfall, which gives rise to a dense settlement pattern, the Ugandan major. They were driven into the mountains from their original territory on the plains by the Maasai and Nandi. Their language belongs to the eastern lake group of the Bantu languages.

The Gisu are sedentary farmers who grow plantains, millet, and sweet potatoes, as well as corn, coffee, and cotton as cash crops. Cattle breeding is of minor importance. Due to the high population density and enormous pressure on the land, many gisu left their original country and moved to the cities or plantations where they live as wage laborers.

Gisu live in polygynous households. Their kinship structure is made up of exogamous patrilineal clans that are not united under any political authority. The oldest of the clan constitute the highest authority. Gisu practice initiation with both sexes through circumcision and clitoridectomy.

Ancestor worship is of great importance in their religious beliefs; The gisu also revere the spirits that are said to dwell in rocks, waterfalls, and snakes.