An examination of betrayal In Iyolwa village in Tororo district versus betrayal in the novel, devil on the cross.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This study explored the theme of betrayal as evidenced in Iyolwa Village, Tororo District, and as depicted in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Devil on the Cross. Betrayal was defined as the breaking of trust or loyalty and was examined as one of the most destructive moral vices affecting both individuals and society. The study investigated how betrayal manifested within human relationships politically, socially, and economically, and how literature reflected such lived realities. Findings from Iyolwa Village revealed that betrayal was increasingly manifested through leadership corruption, dishonesty in family and business relationships, infidelity, and the neglect of societal norms and values. Such practices weakened social cohesion and undermined development. Data collected through interviews and discussions indicated that personal greed, competition for limited resources, and declining moral discipline were key drivers of betrayal. Cultural elders further observed that the erosion of traditional values such as loyalty, togetherness, and truthfulness made betrayal more prevalent in contemporary society. In Devil on the Cross, Ngugi wa Thiong’o portrayed betrayal on a broader national scale, illustrating how Kenyan elites betrayed their country by collaborating with foreign exploiters. Characters such as Mwireri wa Mukiraai and participants in the “Feast of the Devils” symbolized leaders who sacrificed the welfare of their people for personal gain. At the interpersonal level, betrayal was also evident in broken relationships, particularly in Wariinga’s story, where love, exploitation, and self-realization intersected.
A comparative analysis of Iyolwa Village and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s fictional Kenya revealed that, although shaped by different contexts, betrayal arouse from similar moral weaknesses, including greed, selfishness, and disregard for communal well-being. In both cases, betrayal eroded trust and contributed to wider social challenges such as corruption, inequality, and moral decay. By combining literary analysis with real-life experiences, the study demonstrated that literature served as a mirror of society. The study was organized into five chapters. Chapter one presented the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, scope, and significance of the study. Chapter Two reviewed related literature on betrayal in African societies and in postcolonial literary works, with specific reference to Devil on the Cross. Chapter Three outlined the qualitative methodology used, including interviews, discussions, observations, and textual analysis. Chapter Four presented and analyzed findings from Iyolwa Village alongside the portrayal of betrayal in the novel, drawing comparisons and contrasts. Chapter Five provided recommendations and, conclusions. The significance of this study lied in its potential to promote moral awareness and critical reflection. It underscored that literature could not be separated from life, as it artistically reflected social realities. The findings were valuable to educators, cultural leaders, and policymakers seeking to strengthen ethical values, restore trust, and rebuild social cohesion in Ugandan communities.
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Undergraduate research report
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Nyabel, L. (2026). An examination of betrayal In Iyolwa village in Tororo district versus betrayal in the novel, devil on the cross. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.