Best sites to experience Ugandan Culture
The best places to experience Ugandan culture. Cultural Tours in Uganda are not as popular as visiting mountain gorillas and game drives. This shouldn’t be the case because Uganda has so much to offer beyond wildlife. Ugandans are one of the friendliest people on earth. They are accepting and easily get along with foreigners. One of the reasons for this is that the country’s ethnic groups have learned to live in harmony with each other. This has made it easy for Ugandans to accept foreigners without any suspicions whatsoever. Uganda is also a country with a strong cultural heritage. This is by the numerous cultural sites and tribes in the country.
Ugandan tribes
To be more specific, there are 65 tribes in Uganda including the Acholi, Alur, Bafumbira, Baganda, Bagishu, Bagwere, Bakiga, Bamba, Banyoro, Banyuli, Bateso, Batooro, Batwa, Jonam, Karamajong, Kumam, Langi, Lugbra, Madi, Jopadhola and Tepeth. Each group has its own unique language, cultural practices and norms. Most have a traditional King or chief as head.
There was a time when these Kingdoms and Chiefdoms wielded so much power and influence that the presidents then decided to Community and Cultural Tours in Ugandaabolish them. It was only about 30 years ago that the president revived them. On a cultural tour, visitors have an opportunity to understand the culture of these indigenous groups by visiting a family or attending their cultural performances.
The Batwa trail
It involves visiting the Batwa pygmies who were evicted from Mgahinga National Park to create room for the endangered mountain gorillas. The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga is different from the Batwa visit in Bwindi because it is more comprehensive.
You get a chance to be led into the forest by the Batwa themselves. While with them, you can learn about their ancient hunting practices and understand why it has been so hard for them to adapt to life outside the forest.
Ik People
The Ik people are equally interesting. They are one of the smallest tribal groups in Uganda – Less than 10,000 in number. The Ik people lived in Kidepo Valley National Park but were also displaced once the park was founded. According to the Ik, children shouldn’t stay with their parents in the same house once they reach the age of 3 or 4. They go to live in a separate house with their age-mates. Once they reach, the parents stop taking care of them altogether. Their neighbors the Karamojong also have interesting cultural practices. First, the Karamojong keep their kids for as long as possible. Second, they are nomadic pastoralists with a similar way of life to the Masai. The Karamojong depend on their cows for almost everything.
While visiting them, you can take part in their traditional dances, milk a cow or two, go out grazing with the men or buy one of their local art pieces. If you are looking for true indigenous African tribes which have not fully embraced modern habits/culture, then visiting the IK or Karamojong is highly recommended.
The Bagisu culture
It is also very interesting. This tribe is found in Eastern Uganda and is famous because of their ancient circumcision rituals and dances known as “Kadodi”. Once a young man reaches age in the Bagisu, he is initiated into manhood by undergoing circumcision in front of the public and with no painkillers. Circumcision in hospitals is not recognized or accepted and will be considered an act of cowardice. During the circumcision ceremony, the young man has to move to each of his relatives for about a week to seek their blessings. These movements to his relatives involve dancing and merry-making in which he is escort by friends and relatives.
Tourists can join in the “Kadodi” dance to escort one of the young men briefly or go straight to the circumcision ground and watch as they circumcise many young men in front of everyone. A more controversial circumcision ceremony is practiced by the Sabiny tribe. The Sabiny only circumcises girls upon reaching maturity. This practice has been opposed by women and other human rights activists but the still goes on quietly.
Kasubi Tombs
They are one of the main treasures of the Kingdom of Buganda and a leading tourist attraction in Uganda. The tombs are found six kilometers away from the city center in Kampala. They also are a UNESCO World Heritage site and receive (used to receive) thousands of visitors in a year. You can easily reach it from Makerere University using the road to Rubaga and Mengo. The Kasubi tombs are the main burial grounds for the Kings (Kabakas) of Buganda as well as other royals.
Four Kings of Buganda are buried in the tombs including Mutesa II, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa and Mutesa I. A large part of the tombs was recently destroyed by a fire set up by unknown people. This triggered a wave of protests and demonstrations by Baganda loyalists. The culprits have never been caught and a lot of speculations remain. Renovations have been taking place to bring it back to its former state with funding from the Uganda and Japanese governments.
Kings Palace in Mengo and Parliament (Bulange)
The Lubiri or Mengo palace is one of the residents of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. One of the best places to experience Ugandan culture. It has striking colonial architecture and covers an area of four square miles. The palace was built in 1885 and is hence a great place to go if one is interested in learning more about the history of the Baganda. The current Kabaka no longer uses this palace after it was attacked by government forces during the reign of his father Muteesa II. Visitors are free to visit during the weekdays. Just opposite the palace is Buganda’s main parliament locally known as Bulange.
You can attend one of the parliamentary sessions to witness how the elders of Buganda are discussing issues pertaining to the Kingdom.
The Uganda Museum
The Uganda museum was built to help preserve Uganda’s history. The museum is without doubt the best place to visit if one is interested in learning about Uganda’s history and cultural heritage. This history and heritage are demonstrating through a collection of instruments, artifacts, and recordings. The Uganda Museum was first built in 1908 but has undergone a series of renovations in the interior to give it a more modern look. Several instruments and tools are available to describe or demonstrate what Uganda was and is. They include musical instruments, traditional weapons (spears, arrows and bow), drums and also archaeological remains to mention but a few.
The Kabaka’s Lake
This lake is found close to the palace in Mengo on the outskirts of Kampala city. The Lake was created on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1880 to open an escape route through Lake Victoria in case of a civil war.
The lake covers an area equivalent to five acres of land with calm waters that are home to beautiful birds and other wildlife. During his time, Kabaka Mwanga would swim and fish in the lake. The Kabaka didn’t achieve the dream of creating a channel to Lake Victoria though and the lake remains isolated. Visitors can go swimming, sport fishing or relaxation along the beautiful shores. There have been challenges maintaining the water level of the lake and curbing pollution from businesses operating nearby but it is still a place worth visiting.
Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedrals
Namirembe Cathedral is the most prominent cathedral for members of the Anglican faith in Uganda just as Rubaga is to Roman Catholics. The Rubaga cathedral was built in 1880 on top of Rubaga hill while that in Namirembe in 1903 on top of Namirembe hill. Both cathedrals hold the highest offices of the two Christian denominations. It is where their highest-ranking Bishops reside.
The cathedrals have Christians from around the city and country every Sunday for a chance to pray in the sacred arenas. The cathedrals also have cemeteries/tombs for former priests and bishops who came as missionaries during the early times of Christianity in Uganda.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo
The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is one of the most visited religious sites in Africa. Each year on the 3rd of June, millions of pilgrims flocks the shrine to commemorate the death of 25 Christians of both the Anglican and catholic denomination who refused to give up their faith even in the face of death. In 1886, Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda ordered the death of many Christians whom he felt had stopped respecting him after converting to Christianity. He found foreign religion a threat to his rule and control over his people.
Several Christians from all denominations were brutally killed on the orders of the King in an attempt to stamp his authority. June 3rd is a public holiday in Uganda and both protestants and Catholics visit their respective shrines to pay homage to the martyrs.
Fort Baker
Baker’s Fort is twenty-nine kilometers away from Gulu town in Patiko. Also known as Fort Patiko, the facility was built Arab slave traders and later taken over by Sir Samuel Baker. Baker was a famous explorer was against slavery in all its forms. He took over the Fort in 1872 an effort to frustrate the Arab traders who had used the fort as a place to collect slaves from the region.
The Fort is enclosed by a trench that is 15 feet deep and 16 feet wide. The trench was dug by slaves who had been captured by Arabs traders. Baker used the Port up to 1888 after which it was taken over by Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon. The Fort is a constant reminder of the evils of slavery with dark marks around the stones which is believed to be blood from slaves who were beheaded because they couldn’t make it to Egypt for sale.
Bigo bya Mugenyi
This cultural site is deep in Mubende District in a place they call Ntusi. Bigo bya Mugenyi means “The Fort of a Stranger”. It is believed that the Bachwezi demi-gods were living in the area hundreds of years ago. They left several artifacts and earthworks that are of cultural importance to local people in the area. The earthworks are believed to have been made in the early 13th Century.
This site is very remote and requires real perseverance and patience to get there. The roads to the site are not well paved and can be dusty or muddy depending on the season of the year. Bigo bya Mugenyi will get more visitors in the future if what is there can be preserved. To access the facility, visitors are have to cleanse themselves with water from a nearby stream. Washing one’s self ensures that you do not anger the gods in of the site.
Karambi Tombs
These tombs are found in the town of Fort Portal. The tombs belong to the Kingdom of Tooro. Three Kings of Tooro are buried here – Olumi Kaboyo II, Rukidi III and Kyebambe Kamurasi. Each King has a tomb for himself with all his royal regalia. Other royal princes and princess are also buried here. The Karambi Tombs hold great cultural significance to the Batooro and are hence a perfect site to visit if you want to learn more about their culture and monarchy.
You will be impressed with the simple but unique architecture and royal instruments including giant drums, spears and other items that were personal to the specific King. The scenery around the tombs is beautiful with several large mango trees scattered around. There are plans to renovate them to modern standards to help generate revenue to the Kingdom of Tooro. Karambi tombs are located 6 kilometers away from the town center along the Kasese to Fort Portal Road.
Ssezibwa Falls
The Ssezibwa falls are in Mukono between the Kyagwe and Bugerere parishes. The waterfalls are an important cultural and spiritual site for the Baganda people and especially die-hard royalists. All Kings of Buganda have visited the Sezibwa falls to seek for blessings from their ancestors. Apart from the royals, hundreds of people come to a shrine on top of the falls to seek blessings and favor from the gods.
The falls get many tourists who see the beautiful scenery surrounding the place. One can enjoy rock climbing, primates viewing, birding, picnics or camping around the beautiful gardens of the falls.
Nkokonjeru Tombs
These tombs are in Mbarara District in an area they call Kakiika. It is the burial ground for two of the previous Omugabes (Kings) of Ankole and other royal family members. Rutahaba Gasyonga II and Edward Solomon Kahaya II are buried in the tombs while 9 other royal graves are positioned outside.
Nakayima Tree
This tree is in the District of Mubende. It is believed to be over 400 years old and is one of the biggest trees in Uganda. Legend has it that the tree was planted by the wife to a certain Nduhura called Nakayima. People would go to the tree to seek blessings and favor from their gods as they dealt with the challenges of life. People still go to seek blessings from the tree to this day. Tourists can visit this cultural site on their way to Kibale National Park. The main activity is going for a community walk or climbing the hill to see the main shrine.
Expect to meet a lot of people at the site who have come to seek blessings for their children and household. People also bring local beer and animals to sacrifice to the tree. The site is running by witch-doctors who are always in a trance, meditating and communicating with the spirits.
Katereke Prison Ditch
This ditch is a constant reminder of the brutality of some of Buganda’s Kings. Kabaka Kalema faced opposition from his siblings and decided to do the unthinkable. He captured all his brother and sisters – 30 in total and imprisoned them in a ditch until they all starved to death. The Katereke Prison Ditch is a reminder of this difficult time in the Buganda Kingdom and also the savagery Kabaka Kalema. Despite its connection with the brutality of the paranoid king, the site attracts many international visitors.
Itaaba Kyabanyoro
This site is a short distance away from Mbarara town. The site is important in the history of the Ankole Kingdom as the place where the last ruler (Known as Wamala) of the Bachwezi empire designed the sacred royal drum known as “Bagyendanwa”. The drum still exists to this day and is one of the revered cultural symbols of the Ankole kingdom. To reach this site, you need to drive along the Mbarara to Kabale road and stop at Kinoni Rwampara.
Nyero Rock Paintings
To see the Nyero Rock paintings you have to travel East of Uganda. The paintings are located eight kilometers away from Kumi town along Ngora road. The amazing paintings were behind by humans living in the area during the Iron age. The paintings show several symbols including canoes and animals that once roamed the area.
The Wamala Tombs
Apart from the Kasubi tombs, Buganda has other tombs for their earlier kings. The Wamala tombs holds the remains of Kabaka Suuna 11. Kabaka Suuna is the first Kabaka (King) to allow foreign traders into Buganda. He had over 150 wives who gave birth to 218 children. The Wamala tombs are also on top of a hill with nice surroundings.
Igongo Cultural Centre
This is a private cultural Centre in Mbarara District along the highway to Kampala. The Centre is also on the grounds of the former palace of the King of Ankole. Mr. Tumusiime. This was to promote the culture of the people of Uganda and Africa as a whole. There is no better place to experience the culture of the people of Western Uganda than at the Igongo Cultural center.
The Center has high standards with beautiful gardens and views. The Centre has a museum, restaurant and nice craft shop. You can also buy local dictionaries and books about Uganda and the local tribes in Western Uganda. Igongo is a favorite stopover place for tourists heading for Queen Elizabeth national park and for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you want to spend a longer time at the Centre, you can book a room from the hotel at the Centre or put up a tent at the designated campsite.
Ndere Troupe Cultural Center
This center is in Ntinda, a suburb in Kampala. Ndere is got from the Kiganda word “endere” which refers to a flute. The Ndere Troupe Cultural Center is arguably the best place to experience the culture of Uganda as a whole. Traditional performances of tribes from all over Uganda can be here. Apart from learning about the culture of the tribes in Uganda, you can order for traditional meals from almost every part of the country. The Ndere Troupe Cultural Center also attracts a lot of tourists.
It is really the place to be if you are touring Kampala or on a wider cultural trip around the country. You don’t have to worry about accommodation because they have decent accommodation facilities at a good price.
Baha’i Temple
The Baha’i Temple in Uganda is the only one of its kind in Africa. It is very popular with both local and international tourists. The eye-catching temple is on a large 30-hectare piece of land in Kikaya Hill (Kampala). It has beautiful gardens that are ideal for relaxation and meditation. The Baha’i temple is open to all religious groups. The temple is a unique piece of architecture with windows that can filter light coming from the sun.
Visit this temple to learn about the Baha’i faith, pray or relax by the beautiful gardens that offer amazing views of Kampala city.
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