The Trouble Causer is set in the picturesque highlands of south-western Uganda, a region where life revolves around cattle, tradition, and clan pride. In this society, cattle are not merely animals they are symbols of wealth, status, and honor.

The novel focuses on two rival clans, the Bajura and the Bagirakwe, whose interactions are shaped by deeply rooted customs, superstitions, and social obligations. In this world, even a small incident can escalate into serious conflict, as pride, fear, and the weight of tradition influence every decision.

The story begins with an event that seems minor at first—a clash between cattle from the rival clans. A prized Bajura bull named Ruhogo is injured during the confrontation, returning home with mangled horns and wounds. While this might appear as a simple accident, within the cultural context of the clans, it becomes a serious affront to the Bajura’s honor.

The elders interpret the incident as a possible insult, perhaps even influenced by malevolent spirits, while the younger warriors see it as a challenge that demands retaliation. The Bagirakwe, on the other hand, dismiss the suggestion of supernatural intervention, but the tension between the clans quickly intensifies.

The incident sparks a series of meetings among the elders of both clans, where they debate how to respond. Some advocate restraint, urging that peace is better than revenge, while others argue that failing to act would make their clan appear weak. Traditional medicine men are consulted to interpret omens and guide decisions, highlighting the community’s belief in the influence of ancestral spirits.

Their advice adds another layer of complexity sometimes calming the villagers, but other times heightening fear and suspicion. As both sides struggle to find common ground, it becomes clear that the cattle incident is no longer just about the bull, but about pride, honor, and the fragile balance of social order.

Despite repeated attempts at negotiation, the situation escalates. Young Bajura warriors, driven by shame and peer pressure, ambush a Bagirakwe herding party, killing men and stealing cattle. The Bagirakwe retaliate in kind, resulting in more deaths and stolen livestock. What began as a minor cattle injury now evolves into a cycle of vengeance, with each act fueling the next.

Kabushenga vividly portrays these conflicts, showing how easily misunderstandings, pride, and fear can spiral into tragedy. The violence affects everyone in the community, from warriors to elders, and even widows, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of feuds in tightly knit societies.

Amid the clan warfare, the novel follows several characters whose personal stories illuminate the human cost of the conflict. A young Bajura warrior, initially eager to prove his bravery, is wounded early in the fighting.

During his recovery, he witnesses the grief of the Bagirakwe for their lost relatives and begins to question the endless cycle of revenge. His inner conflict serves as a lens for the reader, showing that even in societies ruled by tradition, individuals can reflect and grow beyond the expectations imposed on them.

A Bagirakwe elder, known for his wisdom and restraint, struggles to promote peace in the face of persistent hostility from younger members of his clan who see any compromise as weakness. Additionally, a widow who loses her husband early in the conflict becomes a symbol of resilience, navigating grief while seeking to honor her husband’s memory through proper rituals, even when doing so means crossing clan boundaries.

Supernatural elements play a symbolic and practical role throughout the story. Divinations, omens, and ancestral spirits influence decisions and heighten the tension between clans. Kabushenga shows how belief in these forces can both guide and manipulate human behavior.

Medicine men, some sincere and others opportunistic, shape the villagers’ perceptions of justice, revenge, and reconciliation. This spiritual dimension underscores one of the novel’s key themes: human perception, shaped by fear and belief, can have as much impact on events as actual physical confrontations.

As the conflicts escalate, the elders of both clans finally call a communal summit at a neutral site to negotiate peace. This gathering represents the climax of the novel, as grievances are aired, accusations are made, and the community confronts the consequences of unchecked pride and revenge.

During the summit, the original incident with Ruhogo is revisited not as a cause for war, but as a symbol of misinterpretation and hasty judgment. Discussions reveal that many of the actions that led to violence were driven more by fear and suspicion than by reality. For the first time, both clans recognize that their shared history and cultural bonds are more important than the disputes over cattle and honor.

The resolution comes through a restorative process in which both clans share cattle and offer symbolic compensation. Joint rituals affirm mutual respect and recognize the role of ancestral spirits in maintaining social order. Peace is fragile but genuine, as both sides acknowledge that revenge only perpetuates suffering.

The novel ends with a sense of cautious optimism: cattle graze peacefully, families rebuild their lives, and the younger generation witnesses the value of empathy and dialogue. The narrative closes on a reflective note, suggesting that human choices, rather than fate or supernatural forces, ultimately shape society.