over view
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. There are 65 tribes in Uganda.
The most popular cultural encounters in Uganda are the Batwa trail in Mgahinga National Park and visiting the Ik and Karamojong people in northeastern Uganda. The Batwa trail 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.
Cultural Sites In Uganda
Kasubi Tombs: The tombs are one of the main treasures of the Kingdom of Buganda and a Major Cultural site in Uganda. The tombs are found six kilometers away from the city center in Kampala. The tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage site and receive (used to receive) thousands of visitors each 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. The four Kings of Buganda are buried in the tombs, including Mutesa II, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa, and Mutesa I. A fire set by unknown people recently destroyed a large part of the tombs. 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 Ugandan and Japanese governments.
Kings Palace in Mengo and Parliament
The Lubiri or Mengo palace is one of the residences of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. It has a 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 government forces attacked it 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 about the Kingdom.
The Uganda Museum
The Uganda museum was built to help preserve Uganda’s history. The museum is undoubtedly the best place to visit for those interested in learning about Uganda’s history and cultural heritage. This history and heritage are demonstrated through a collection of instruments, artifacts, and recordings. The Uganda Museum was first built in 1908 but has undergone several renovations to the interior, giving 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 bows), drums, and archaeological remains, to mention but a few.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is one of the most visited religious sites in Africa. Each year on the 3rd of June, millions of pilgrims flock to the shrine to commemorate the death of 25 Christians of both the Anglican and catholic denominations 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 Ugandan martyrs.
Nakayima Tree
This tree is found 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 of 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 many people at the site who have come to seek blessings for their children and families. People also bring local beer and animals to sacrifice to the tree.
Ndere Cultural Center
This center is found in Ntinda, a suburb in Kampala. Ndere is derived from a Kiganda word, “endere,” which refers to a flute. The Ndere 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 enjoyed here. Apart from learning about the culture of the tribes in Uganda, you can order traditional meals from almost every part of the country. The Ndere Cultural Centre attracts a lot of tourists. It is 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
It is the only one of its kind in Africa. It is very popular with both local and international tourists. The eye-catching temple is built 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.