Cultural Sites to Visit in Uganda
Cultural Sites to Visit in Uganda
Cultural sites to visit in Uganda, Uganda has a range of cultural sites that are worth visiting. This proves that Uganda is not only blessed with wildlife, birds, plant species, and other attractions but also with diverse cultures and traditions. Uganda has over 50 different tribes that are worth exploring although these are grouped into two the Bantu and the Nilotic. The Bantu group occupies the central, eastern, and western whereas the Northern sector is occupied by the Nilotes.
Cultures and traditions in Uganda are organized in line with the beliefs of a particular Kingdom which is headed by Kings. In 1967 Apollo Milton Obote abolished the kingdom and this led to the downfall of the kingdoms and also affected some cultures. However, when his excellent Museveni came he re-installed the kingdoms. Some of the existing and active kingdoms currently are; Buganda Kingdom, Busoga Kingdom, Toro, Bunyoro, and Rwenzururu to mention but a few.
The non-existence of some of these kingdoms does not mean that their cultural sites are extinct. More so, that people’s behaviors changed. These Uganda cultural sites still exist and below we have listed some of the cultural sites you can visit to learn about Uganda’s cultures and Traditions.
Visit the Ndere troupe.
This is a group of traditional dancers in Kampala that perform different traditional dances from different parts of Uganda but also from Rwanda. They are amazing entertainers who perform on Wednesdays, Fridays, and on Sundays. Often, booking is done prior to your arrival at the show and every show starts in the evening hours of 7 or 6 pm.
Buganda Palace
The Kabaka (king) is only chosen from the royal family following the death of another. Learn about the Buganda government and also visit the Amin torture chambers found close to the palace.
Kasubi Tombs.
This is a world heritage site that is located on the top of Kasubi Hill, one of the hills that make up Kampala. The Kasubi Tombs is a spiritual place for the Baganda and also the burial site for the Kings of Buganda kingdom. The Tombs have a circular hut known as the Muzibu Azala Mpanga which is the largest hut in the world.
Naggalabi Coronation site.
The Buganda kings’ coronation site is found about 30 minutes away from Kampala. On the way to Naggalabi, you can also visit the drum-making workshop, where all drums that the Baganda use are made from.
Mutoto Cultural site.
Located in the Mbale district is the Mototo cultural site that hosts the Imbalu/ circumcision ceremony. Gisu people are found in Eastern Uganda and they inhabit the foothills of Mt Elgon. While the world considers circumcision as a healthy way of life., the Gisu people look at it a saw a way of initiating a man into Adulthood. Every even year, boys are circumcised and initiated into adulthood to be able to marry. However, this is a process as it involves dancing and rejoicing around the area before the boys are circumcised. Visiting the Mutoto cultural site will further give you an insight into the culture of the Gisu people.
Igongo Cultural Centre
Located as you are entering Mbarara town is the Igongo Cultural Centre introduces you to the Ankole Culture. The Centre has a museum that tells you stories about the Ankole kingdom and cultures.
Namugongo martyrs shrine.
Namugongo is both a cultural and historical center. At the shrine is where several Christians were murdered by aKing, because of their religious beliefs. This site is not far from the city center and therefore you can visit it and learn more about Uganda’s cultural history.
The Manyattas in Moroto.
You can also go visit the Manyattas in Moroto to learn more about the Karamojong. The Karamojong warriors are some of the communities in Uganda that are still authentic. Thus a cultural tour to these sites is worth the drive. You can also stay with them for a night to learn more about their day-to-day behaviors.
Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi.
Bwindi’s impenetrable forest used to be home to the Batwa Pygmies. This was until when the government decided to Gazette the forest into a park in 1992. A visit to the local communities of the Batwa is as informative as possible. You will learn more about the Batwa people and also about their lives before.
What we have listed are just some of the bucket list culture sites and communities to visit in Uganda. However, there are many places, and sites that one needs a minimum of at least 10 days to explore.
