Nuya of Machame

Nuya or Nuya Lema (c.1856-1954), also known as Nuya of Machame (Nkamangi Nuya in Kichagga; Malikia Nuya in Swahili) served as the wife of Mangi Ndesserua from the late 1860s to 1871. From 1889 to 1890, she was the regent of her son, Mangi Shangali in Machame Kingdom. Nuya is regarded as one of the most powerful women in Chagga history.

Nuya was Ndessrua's last and youngest wife. Nuya was noted for her striking appearance and strong character, comparable to that of Nassua, another influential figure in Ndesserua's life. Together, Nuya and Nassua formed a formidable alliance that garnered respect and admiration within Ndesserua's inner circle. As Ndesserua’s health declined, Nuya gained significant influence, ultimately displacing Kekwe, the mother of Ngamini, who had previously held the position of the most powerful wife. During this period, it was Nuya to whom supplicants would turn, seeking her intercession with Ndesserua to avoid his wrath.

Nuya's son, Shangali, was born approximately three years before a significant raid by the Waarusha on Machame, during which Ndesserua stepped down from his role as Mangi. Nuya later had another son, Sawe, who was also accepted by Nassua. Throughout her life, from her marriage until her death in 1954, Nuya remained a prominent figure in the community. Her influence was recognized by a German Lutheran missionary in 1912, who described her as possessing a "queenly" bearing and a keen, discerning gaze, likening her to Catherine the Great in the guise of an African peasant. This encounter highlighted her strong political presence and influence over her sons and other males in the community.