CULTURAL SITES IN UGANDA
Uganda has got a number of cultural tourism sites spread over the country. These cultural sites are located in towns, kingdoms, chiefdoms and rural areas of Uganda as well. Below are some of the most impoartant toursim sites in Uganda that you should not miss while on holiday or vacation in Uganda.
BUGANDA KINGDOM
Buganda kingdom is one of the ancient monarchical kingdoms of Uganda. It is a home to the largest single ethnic group in Uganda-the Baganda. The kingdom consisted of four counties: Kyadondo, Busiro, Busujju and Mawokota. The kingdom however greatly expanded during the early to mid 18th century, mainly at the expense of Bunyoro, to extend over 20 counties as well as the semi autonomous Ssese islands located in Lake Victoria. The Kingdom had strong Kings called "Kabakas" and before the coming of the British colonialists it was the most highly centralized monarchy in Africa. It was well organized socially, economically and militarily. It was headed by the Kabaka whose word was final. All the land belonged to him and so did the women.
During the colonial era, Buganda remained a kingdom with unique privileges, but it was relegated to provincial status after Obote abolished the monarchy in 1966. Today, Buganda is divided across nine districts of Kampala, Mpigi, Mukono, Masaka, Kalangala, Kiboga, Rakai, Sembabule and Mubende. Though the kingdom was restored in 1993 with the coronation of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the autocratic power of the Kabaka were not restored and he exists as a cultural leader. Even though the Kabaka remains a cultural leader, the men up to today refer to him as “our husband” meaning that he is the overall leader of the Baganda.
TOURISM SITES IN BUGANDA
A tour through the different sites therefore brings you the chance to discover the hidden treasures of Buganda kingdom. These include
Naggalabi Buddo Coronation site:
This is also the official Coronation site where all the Kabakas are crowned including the current reigning King.
Kasubi Tombs:
Situated on Kasubi hill, within Kampala, Uganda, the Kasubi Tombs site is an active religious place in the Buganda Kingdom. The dome shaped grass thatched hut houses the tombs of the “Ssekabakas" of Buganda. In Buganda, the kings do not die but depart. A departed king is called Ssekabaka. At the site expect to see the female caretakers who are married to the departed king, the belongings to the departed King, matooke buildings, and other buildings belonging to the widows and some tombs of members of the royal family.
Tanda:
Tanda is a village in Mityana which is about 3 hours drive from Kampala. It is also significant in Buganda’s history. At the site there is a collection of so many holes which are large and deep. Walumbe "death" who was a brother-in-law to the first Muganda "Kintu" is believed to have disappeared into these holes after a battle between the two.
Ssezibwa falls
These falls lie 35km east of Kampala in the Vanilla growing district of Mukono district. The spectacular waterfalls are believed to have been born by humans many hundred years ago. The falls are one of the most spiritual and cultural centres where many natives flock for blessings, wealth, and fortunes. A traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, a successful business deal or a good harvest.
Wamala tombs
These beautiful and spectacular tombs are situated on the crest of a low hill in Nabweru Sub-county, Wakiso district. The tombs housed in an attractive, traditional thatched domed building are the burial site of Ssekabaka Muteesa I, the 29th king of Buganda Kingdom. From the hills on which the Tombs are located, one can see Kagoma Hill a top which Ssuna built a place for his mother. He had so many wives that he did not mind giving away one of them. This is part of Ssekabaka Ssuna’s history that intrigues many a visitor to his Tomb in Wamala.
Bulange building
This is the traditional seat of the Buganda Parliament standing on the south side of Natete road. It is one of the most impressive colonial era building in Uganda. Expect to hear the history of the Kingdom, see the exotic giant tortoises dawdling around the gardens of impressive blue building.
Kabaka Mwanga’s Lake and Mengo palace
This is the biggest manmade lake in Uganda. In 1885 Ssekabaka Mwanga settled on the ultimately over-ambitious scheme of digging a lake near his capital and linking it with Lake Victoria. The lake was completed in1888 but the intended link was not attained given the break out of the religious wars which led to Moslem dissenters driving the Kabaka out of his land. The lake attracts a number of birds that can be seen at its shores.
Katereke prison
This is an extensive prison ditch at Katereke is a relic of the instability that characterized Buganda during the late 1880s.the ditch was constructed by the late Ssekabaka Kalema who was an Islamic sympathizer. He controversially ruled Buganda in 1880 after exiling Kabaka Mwanga from his kingdom. Two months after Mwanga had been exiled Kalema ordered for an arrest of all princes and princess whom he suspected to be his rivals. Many of them were rounded up and exiled at Katereke. These prisoners were later slaughtered without any mercy so that the opposition can be completely wiped out.