Ugweno

Ugweno is located within Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, Africa, It is situated at 3° 39' 0" South and 37° 39' 0" East in Pare Mountains. The people who live in Ugweno are known as Wagweno and their common language is Kigweno.

History

The name Ugweno was derived from Taita and Voi tribes from Kenya. This happened during the time of migration to the pare mountains due to tribal wars between the Taita and Voi back in their homelands in Kenya. There is a theory that says before they had established the settlement in the Pare mountains, they first sent explorers. When the explorers returned to give feedback, they said 'Mringa ua khona', meaning the rivers produce thunder when flowing, and the name Ugweno was born. The Gweno people were a mixture of all those who came to make the beautiful mountains of Ugweno their home. Historically, Gweno ancestors came from Taita, Voi, Chaga, as well as Pare tribes. This is why you can find Gweno families with known roots from elsewhere, such as the Suya, Sangi and Wanzava families. A good example are the Odongo (and others) who were called by the Suya from Nguru mountain region of Tanzania to prevent conflicts.