The bravery of Ugaas Xirsi in colonial times

[grandpakhalif]

Ugas Hirsi, extremely well-liked wiseman, a true Ugaas who had great respect for the Somali people had once undertook an extraordinary risk for his life.

The Italian representatives of the colonial rule in Somalia ordered each major clan to enlist 40 girls and 40 boys to be educated under the Italian system. They added any clan that refuses to bring 80 children, their leaders would meet death. The Italians called up upon all the Ugases of major clans. There was a meeting in Mogadishu, the seat of the colonial power. None dared to speak. And if spoken, no one had any negative to say about the call the Italians made. It so happened the youngest Ugas, Ugas Xirsi, raised his hand. Other Ugases were in shock. They told him that he shouldn't say anything. The rest of the Ugas were content to just be there and receive some more direction from the Italians. The Ugas told them that he didn't care if they decided to kill him. He said, I will talk. King Osman, a man of sound age, begged Ugas Hirsi not say something that will endanger his life. When the point man from the Italians entered the room, he said, "let me hear from you."

Ugas Xirsi said that we refused to fulfill your wish. The wish or the order for each clan to bring 80 children who have not yet mastered their Af Soomaali. He asked to repeat what he had just said. Then Ugas Xirsi said "There is no God Except Allah and Mohamed is his Messenger', 'We refused your wishes.'" The Italian repeated the same question three times and the Ugas gave the same answer three times. This was in mid 1920s. The Italian notified the rest of Ugases that the colonial power chose to let go the earlier ruling which brought all these men to this gathering. This was a great reprieve. Ugases at the gathering feared that some of them would be shot dead this day, specially if the wishes of the Italians were not met with firm confirmation. On the other hand, the Somalis were fearful of losing their sons and daughters to unknown cultural norms and religious loss. Even students at boarding schools run by the Italians were not an approved system by the majority of Somalis.

wow..... this guy is a heroe comapred to dabodhilif osman...

[abdirisak22]

Where did the meeting take place and what was the date..... uncle?.

[abdalla11]

Not surprising that you guys mention Boqor cusmaan. Why do you guys have the need to boost your ego's with llies at the expense of others?

Boqor cusmaan and keenadiid wrote history. Appreciate it