Uganda’s Cultural and Heritage Sites
Uganda’s Cultural and Heritage Sites, Uganda a country comprised of several cultural systems. With different norms and culture from the East, North, West, Central and the south. The largest kingdom from which other kingdoms. And cultures developed is the Buganda Kingdom which is one of Uganda’s most celebrated cultures. There are over 56 tribes in Uganda with different cultural norms. Among the tribes we have in Uganda are; Baganda, Basoga, Bagishu, Banyankole, Itesot, Bakiga, Acholi, Alur, Langi among others.
Among Uganda’s Cultural Heritage Sites include;
Uganda Museum
The Uganda Museum is located on Kira road in Kamwokya about 15minutes from the City Centre. An ideal place to get some solid ground information about the Uganda, its people, cultures and traditions It takes you back about 1000 years ago in all the generations. That existed before and after the colonial period. The Uganda museum offers a resting and reading place for the shortest time before you proceed on to your next destination. There’s also an opportunity for you to buy Ugandan Art and Crafts as a souvenir for your trip.
Kabaka’s Palace
This is one among the many palaces of the kabaka of the Baganda tribe. Originally transformed from Twekobe (Kabaka’s Mengo palace) to the giant Bulange (Buganda’s parliament). Mengo is located in the heart of Kampala and one can get a first-hand cultural experience here. The palace has been the official residence for 4 generations of reigning monarchies since 1885 and it has reeds representing the 52 clans of the Baganda.
Kasubi Tombs
Kasubi tombs a burial ground for all the Kabaka’s (Kings) and other members of the Buganda royal family. A Political and Spiritual site for the Baganda and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where 4 kabakas (Kings of Buganda Kingdom) were buried. This site is located in Kampala on the kasubi road.
Nakayima Tree
Nakayima Tree a tree that has gotten exciting tales and myths surrounding its existence. People from far and near have beliefs in what this tree offers and they travel to come to this tree to make their prayer request and offertories. The tree is located on a hill that overlooks Mubende town about 143km west of Kampala. Nakayima Tree with her long history that brought about its name believed to have been King Ndahura’s favorite medium, one of the 3 kings who are believed to have reigned the Bachwezi Empire. This King once lived here and his spirit resides in the tree which is also a symbol for fertility and other blessings.
The Tombs of Bunyoro
Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom is one of the oldest kingdoms in Africa. According to History, the kingdom had the strongest military and economic powers in the great lakes region. Between the 14th and 17th centuries. During that time, Bunyoro Kingdom covered much of the current Uganda. Parts of Western Tanzania, Eastern Congo, Northern Kenya and small parts of Burundi and Rwanda.
It is in these tombs that the former kings of Bunyoro were buried with a Regalia. There is also a place where Omukama Kabalega was laid. It is an exciting experience as you get to see one of the tomb guards. A bull that aggressively protects the fallen kings’ tombs. There is so much history about the Bunyoro kingdom from the kingship to the local people. Because it was one of the greatest and largest kingdoms that ever existed led by a powerful man, Kabalega.
Tooro kingdom
Tooro kingdom is located in Western Uganda in Fort Portal, Kabarole district situated between the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale National Park and also Queen Elizabeth national park. The town is famous for its cleanliness and the most scenic views.
Currently headed by King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. He is the youngest ruling monarch in the world with an important stature among the Batooro but has grown to become an important influence among the Batoro and beyond.
Amabeere ga Nyinamwiiru Caves
Amabere ga nyinamwiiru is a Cultural site with remarkable history and it’s located in Western Uganda in Fort portal town. You can make a stopover while on your trip to Semuliki national park for birding safari or viewing the hot springs or maybe to Kibale forest national park for chimpanzee trekking or to Queen Elizabeth national park for wildlife safaris and boat cruise. These caves were as a result of formation of stalagmites and stalactites which we leave for the geographers and enjoy the cultural stories attached to them. The Caves nestled between several trees and beautiful waterfalls and for the cultural enthusiasts. There is a rich cultural history attached to these rocks which form scenic caves with streams of water above them causing refreshing waterfalls.
Nyero rock paintings
Nyero Rock is located in the Eastern region in Kumi district about 5hours from Kampala and 8km from Kumi to Nyero. It is common to find people both from far and nearby holding traditional rituals at this place. These rocks believed to be between 600 and 650 years old. The paintings on the rocks tell a story. However, it is believed that the people who crafted these paintings where exceptional. In 1997, these rock paintings earned this place to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fort Patiko
Also known as the Bakers fort and a military fort built by Sir Samuel Baker in Patiko, Gulu in Northern Uganda. Used as an assembling point for slaves collected from the Equatorial province before transferred to the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of fort Patiko have remained till today in Aswa, Gulu district in Northern Uganda as one of Bakers enduring monuments to his swash-buckling days.