Friday, 29 September 2017

CULTURAL SPOTS THAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IN UGANDA


When it comes to cultural safaris, Uganda is undoubtedly a cultural hotspot. It features several exciting cultures, history and traditions for you to explore. If you are looking for the most rewarding cultural safaris in Africa, then Uganda is one of the best choices you can make for authentic African experiences that come once in a life time. That said, the following are some of the major cultural spots for you explore while on your safari in Uganda.

The Katareke Prison Ditch
Visiting the Katareke Prison Ditch is the only way for you to explore the story of a brutal and vicious incident in Buganda’s history. It explains about the frightening Kabaka who was very powerful and angry. He imprisoned all his brothers and sisters in 1888 a part from his exiled brother Kabaka Mwanga who he had overthrown and later brutally murdered them for fear that they would one time over take him from power. Currently this prison is a silence and sheltered site but the left earthworks are a glowing recall of the horrific days when the destiny of the Buganda Kingdom was unstable.

Kabaka’s Lake
This features as the biggest man made Lake in Uganda. It is situated in Ndeeba, Rubaga division Kampala city. It lies between Ring Road and Nabunya Road. It covers about 5 acres and about 200 feet deep. It was created at the times of the King Mwanga in the 1880’s for his personal enjoyment as he loved swimming and fishing. He wished to connect it to Lake Victoria via a channel which would serve as an escape corridor but it his idea wasn’t achieved. Currently the Lake offers refuge to several birdlife and is acknowledged as an important conservation site in Uganda.

Naggalabi (Buddo coronation site)
If you want to know where the Kings of Buganda were crowned from for the last 700 years, then visit Naggalabi coronation site. It is official coronation place for all the Kabakas of Buganda Kingdom and it lies on the panoramic hill top of Buddo hill in Busiro county, Wakiso district along the Kampala-Masaka road about 14 kilometers by road, Southwest of Kampala capital city. Visit this sacred site and walk along the footsteps of the past and current Kabakas.

King’s palace at Bulange-Mengo
If you have ever thought about visiting Buganda’s King’s palace, then the only way is for you to visit Bulange-Mengo or Lubiri. Mengo features historical architecture and art which attracts the attention of visitors while on Bulange hill. It was constructed in 1885 and covers about four square miles. Besides it there is a stunning Bulange which is the Buganda parliament structure. The majestic colonial power house offers endowed history of one of Uganda’s ancient Kingdoms-Buganda entrance is free though visitors may give some tips to the guides. There are several exciting stories about the 56 clans of Buganda which are well represented on the vestibule of Bulange. Symbols of every clan and their importance are all described. The guide will further take you through what it denotes to be a part of a clan today and its role. Previously, in the 1966 as Uganda encountered a political unrest, the palace was invaded and captured. Bulange became Uganda army headquarters when Obote 11 decided to do away with the cultural institutions. But late in 1993, National Resistance Movement restored cultural institutions and Bulange was handed back to the Buganda Kingdom. This also came with some limitations. The Buganda Kingdom turned to be a legitimate monarchy. The parliament was to legislate only cultural laws and to handle other developmental issues but was not supposed to take part in anything political. Compared to the earlier times, the Buganda Lukiko was not to handle any political issue. The King was made a political. By that time, the Lukiko comprised of 68 directly elected members from the Buganda counties, 18 Buganda county chiefs, six members who were allotted by the King and members of Buganda cabinet ministers. The King and his prime minister have their offices in this site together with ministers. You can also support the Kingdom’s work by purchasing a certificate of any amount which range from 5000 to 100000 or alternatively get more of them. You can also visit the local bark cloth shop which also has several books of history of Buganda to help you address any questions on the Kingdom.

Ndere cultural centre
If you love cultural dances and demonstrations, traditional dances and music, visit the Ndere cultural center and you will rewarded with the most thrilling cultural experiences of life time. The Ndere troupe performs a repertoire of over 40 authentic Ugandan dances and songs accompanied by several indigenous percussive, stringed and wind instruments. It is set on amid stunning tropical gardens, houses a wealth of Ugandan culture in the middle of Kampala. There is also a cafĂ© and craft shop where the usual performances occur by the dazzling Ndere troupe. 
CULTURAL AND TRADITIONAL DANCES AT NDERE CENTRE

In conclusion, there is more in offer in Uganda than the spectacular wildlife species that are confined in the magnificent national parks. Cultural safaris in this country have become one of the most sought after experiences by most travelers. Come and explore numerous exciting and interesting cultural practices, dances, music and other performances that reward travelers with authentic African experiences.  

Friday, 22 September 2017

EXPLORING THE MYSTERIOUS WALUMBE TANDA PITS IN UGANDA


Are you a cultural enthusiast? Have you ever read the story of Kintu and Walumbe? Have you ever heard about the Walumbe Tanda Pits? Situated in Western Uganda are the Walumbe tanda pits. They are exceptionally Uganda’s most remarkable archeological sites that reward visitors on cultural safaris in Uganda with life time experiences. The tanda pits are believed to offer refuge to Walumbe which means “death”, the brother of Nambi who was the wife of Kintu-the first Muganda who are still respected by most people thinking that they can easily die up on visiting the site due to the mythical stories that link Walumbe to suffering and death. Kintu was the first person and actually the only person on the planet, surviving with his cow and he fed on its cow dung. For tourists who want to explore in depth about the story of Kintu, Nambi and Walumbe, you can visit the Walumbe tanda pits while on your cultural safaris in Uganda. The site incredibly features over 240 pits and two shrines with one entrance that has spears shields, calabashes and fire places that are named after various gods.
THE MYSTERIOUS WALUMBE TANDA PITS
The black African occupants on top of the Nile still keep the memory of the mysterious light skinned people “the Bachwezi.” They entered to Uganda from the North, constructed stone cities and towns, canals were established for irrigation, cut down in some areas in the rocks of the trench and a hole, similar to mine to a depth of 70 meters. The Bachwezi surprised the locals with their knowledge and skills. They flew over Lakes, perched on a sheer cliff and treated all diseases, reported on the events which occurred a “long time ago.”

The legend of the mighty fair skinned tribe featured from nowhere and gone nowhere, passed from mouth for centuries. Thus it is of no wonder that the arrival of the first Europeans in 1862 caused the number of Ugandans, the entire range of feelings-from fear to awe. After all, they went with legendary Bachwezi. The Bachwezi left behind buildings, ruins of which have remained up to date. After the drastic disappearance of this people, archaeologists have explored unique objects that at the time belonged to the era of the BIGGA bla Mugenyi, but the outlook never correlated to those products which have given birth to the tribes occupying Uganda. The mystery is covered tightly and so-called pits Walumbe on the hill tanda in 70 kilometers from the Fort Mugenyi. The language Luganda “Walumbe” denotes death! It is said that one day the God of Heaven Gulu was annoyed at Valume and drove him to the ground. And after, he sent his brother Caikui to kill the unwanted.  Down Walumbe discovered the chase. Then he hides from Caikui and started to dive into the ground. Dive in Caikui. And Walumbe came from under the ground in another area. Never got him Caikui and left death with people.

After that crazy race on the tanda hill, there are over 240 holes now within thick bushes covering the hill and without a guide a visitor can easily fall into the pit. The holes are positioned one after the other in given pattern. They feature about half a meter in diameter. Their depth ranges from 3 to 70 meters. Dug holes in the rocks and go down perpendicularly. These same holes feature in other areas in Uganda. Their age is uncertain but local residents put it that they are “very long time.” The local residents have associated these holes with mythical powers. Once you reach to this mysterious archaeological site in Mityana, you will certainly get a white gate behind which a seemingly dark forested area featuring over 240 circular deep pits, one would about the person who spared the time to digging these pits. Entering the forest via a 5 meter path leads you to an entrance of 2 (two) shrines enclosed in a reed fence. At the gate, you will be informed of not entering with your shoes due to its holiness that is attached to this place. Visitors usually dress black tunics because Walumbe comes to them in black tunic! As you reach to the second entrance, spears, shields, calabashes and fire places that are named after different gods such as Kibuuka, Musoke, Mukasa and Ddungu. While in the fire places, people with various challenges meet for blessings. There is another large fire place with a heap of bark cloth that has always caught visitor’s attention. It is a site where people worship Walumbe who believers refer as Jaaja Bulamu meaning the god of life “Locals come to worship and return when they are happy!” Jaaja Bulamu is offended when you call him Walumbe because he is no longer responsible for the death of people.
THE WALUMBE TANDA PITS

The Sacred corner
One of the 2 shrine enclosures is the most high worship site that features several bulbs around it. People go to mediate and get prophesies from the most high priest. Located about 50 kilometers from Tanda is Nambi Rock where Nambi used to live. The site is a curved rock with a natural source of water that people take to get blessings. Nambi pits are also run by traditional worshipers who get blessings from Nambi or Walumbe. Most visitors come to this site to sight its stunning sceneries around the pits as well as worshiping in the shrines in order to get blessings. Kintu was the first person on the planet and the father of all people. He was the only person on the planet who lived with his cow. Ggulu the creator of all things lived up in heaven with his children who occasionally came down to the earth to play.

Ggulu’s daughter Nambi and some of her brothers met Kintu and his cow in Buganda. Nambi abruptly took a liking to Kintu and decided to live and marry him. After her brothers pleaded with her, she went back to heaven with Kintu to ask for her father’s permission to get married. Ggulu was not happy but blessed the marriage after Nambi persuaded him to accept her relationship with Kintu. Ggulu advised Kintu and Nambi to leave heaven secretly such that Walumbe could not know more on marriage till they had to leave. It was feared that Walumbe could insist with them and bring them misery. Kintu and Nambi came to the earth the following morning, taking with them the few items which Nambi had packed and her chicken. While they were descending, Nambi recalled that she had not brought the millet which her chicken would eat. Kintu attempted to persuade her not to go back to collect the millet but still lost. While on her way back, she encountered Walumbe. She didn’t tell him where she was heading to but filled with curiosity, Walumbe insisted on going with her. Kintu and Nambi were then forced to go to earth together with him. His presence on earth brought suffering and conflicts and that how sickness and death began to afflict people on the earth. Tanda pits are the sites where Walumbe traditionally thought to have fallen on earth and to have hidden from Ggulu.

The other part of the myth is that Walumbe claimed one of Kintu’s children as his but Kintu rejected to all him take the child. Walumbe kept on doing so for several years. Stressed he started to kill a single child each day. After a talk with Ggulu, Kaikuzi, Nambi’s brother was sent to assist Kintu and send Walumbe back to heaven. He fought with Kaikuzi till he retreated by digging and hiding within the ground. Kaikuzi gave up pursuing him and requested all mankind to be silent for 2 days to lure Walumbe out. After Walumbe had finally emerged, children cried out at the sight of him and he again went into the pits.

In conclusion, Walumbe tanda pits are still a mystery that only his believer claim to know but locally meant death. Visiting these pits offers breathtaking cultural experiences for cultural lovers on a safari in Uganda.


Friday, 15 September 2017

EXPERIENCE THE MOST MOUTH WATERING FOODS IN UGANDA


Cultural safaris in Uganda are only complete if you tried Uganda’s most mouth watering dishes! Whereas Ugandan cuisine is not all that famous compared to South African, it equally offers the ultimate African dishes and thereafter leaves visitors with a memorable experience. Besides, the popular mammals and exceptional avian safaris, cultural tours are undoubtedly one of most sought after experiences in Uganda. Ever thought what Ugandans eat or wondering about what you are going to have a taste while on a safari? There is a lot more to be experienced on African dishes while on cultural tours in the “Pearl of Africa.” Your experience won’t entirely depend on eating but also practically engage in traditional and modern cooking styles. All the four major regions that make Uganda come with several tribes and therefore distinct dishes.

Below is a list of different Ugandan cuisine that anyone on a tour to Uganda needs to try out!

Luwombo
A traditional dish that features both a royal and a fairly common dish, prepared in the course of holidays. This is believed to have come into scene in 1887 by the personal chef of Kabaka Mwanga-the king who governed the Buganda Kingdom at the end of the 19th century. It comes with beef or chicken as well as vegetables especially potatoes and carrots; covered using banana leaves and steamed to perfection with its adequate salt, cooking oil and spices. It is mostly treated as a special dish due to various reasons some of which include the criteria of presentation, covered in leaves as if it is a gift.
LUWOMBO
TV chicken
Why is it referred as “TV Chicken?” Its name was derived based on the criteria of preparation. Chicken is roasted in a make shift rotisserie oven which for the locals is like a television. It is one of the most famous meals and it is offered almost everywhere in Uganda including the street side vendors. The chicken is roasted well and served with home fries and salad but mostly eaten by campusers. You can access this in wandegeya market or Ntinda shopping center.
CHICKEN
Muchomo
This is derived from the Swahili word “choma” meaning roasted. Muchomo comprises of anything right from chicken gizzards to pork chunks and features as the most accessible meal especially in areas like rugby pitches, road side or restaurants. Usually, the meat is served together with goja that is sweet plantains which on its own can be eaten as snacks.
MUCHOMO
Groundnut sauce
Nearly no Ugandan meal goes without groundnut sauce and the significant reason that it a creamy paste made from sweet red peanuts. Others serve it as soup. In Uganda, it is served with sweet potatoes, matooke, cassava or roasted fish.

Katogo
Traditionally used as a breakfast dish but can also be par taken at any time of the day. It is fried plantains with some soup mixed with beef, offals or beans and traditionally vegetables. Some times you can walk around a cafe and that strong aroma welcomes you meaning they could be serving katogo.
KATOGO
Ugali
This comes in thick cornmeal porridge similar to that of polenta though made from white maize or mealies and usually prepared to a comparatively stiffer consistency. It is prime local cuisine for most African states. They only differ a bit in the final hardness and if they are prepared by adding dry powder to boiling water or mixture of the cornmeal and water are done first.
UGALI
Snacks
You can also grab some snacks like roasted groundnuts or peanuts that come when they are packed; samosas;-Indian samosas that have been turned into a local dish as chapatti and curry, Rolex which comes with chapatti-eggs-onions-cabbages-tomatoes, pan cakes, bread and eggs and many more.
ROLEX
Fruits and vegetables
When it comes to cultural and traditional food, vegetarians are not left out. You can easily get boiled in the stew or served as side dish especially the amaranth known as dodo, Nakati and many more. Fruits include bananas and pineapples.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
In conclusion, besides wildlife tours, Uganda is also best for cultural safaris. Culture in Uganda isn’t dependent on dances alone but also mouth watering traditional foods. For visitors on safari, they have a wide range of opportunities of cultural foods to choose from or alternatively engage in practical duty to come up with a cultural meal of that community which at the end offers you with thrilling and authentic African experience.



Friday, 8 September 2017

WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE MIGHTY BAHA’I TEMPLE IN UGANDA


For Kampala city tours in Uganda, the Baha'i Temple is exceptionally Uganda’s best faith tourism site. It straddles on 8.5 hectares on Kikaya Hill, in the outskirts of Kampala. The Bahai faith temple is one of a kind temples in the world! The Bahaullah denotes “Glory of God!” The believers in Bahaullah are referred as Baha'i's. The temple features as one of Uganda’s outstanding churches. Besides, the exceptional birdlife and culture, Uganda also features among the faith tourism destinations in Africa. The temple was founded in 1951 making it the first Bahai community in East Africa. This incredible church has members nearly representing all tribes and this alone makes the church the rarest and hence the perfect site for safaris in Uganda. The Bahai temple and library are found on a 22 acre land with the stunning trees, flowering plants, bushes and beautiful tendered to lawns. It features among the most stunning and pristine green sites in Kampala and worth visiting while on city tour in Uganda
AMAZING BAHA'I TEMPLE IN KAMPALA
The Bahai temple comprises of 8 continental houses of worship that have been established around the globe and Uganda is blessed to be a host to a mother temple in Africa and hence an experiential site to visit while on your city tour in Uganda. The church is accessible by the public and this means that visitors have opportunity to enjoy prayers in the temple while on their safaris in Uganda. As you are at the temple, readings can be done from any scripture. This faith centre is rare in its kind because singing isn’t permitted in the house of worship. Each member enters and mediates on his or her faith; ask for forgiveness and many more things. The religion welcomes all other religions in to their religion. They believe in harmony among people. It doesn’t criticize any other religion that makes them rare and hence a stopover on your tour in Uganda.

The Bahai temple is constructed in a round format with outstanding architecture. The structure stands at 39 meters high and more than 100 meters in diameter at the base with the dome comprised of lace like tiles, rises over 124 feet high and is 13 meters in diameter.

BIRDING AROUND BAHA'I TEMPLE
The surrounding is quiet and looking nice and this favors meditation. The beautiful surrounding has distinct species of trees with some birdlife for you to spot while on tour to the temple. The following are some of the birds for you to look out in and around the temple; Grey parrot, Blue spotted wood dove, Double toothed barbet, Speckled mouse bird, Palm nut vulture, Black and white casqued horn bill, Eastern grey plantain eater, Lizard buzzard, the Pied crow, Hadada ibis, Great blue Turaco, Stripped kingfisher, Woodland kingfisher, Ring necked dove, Red eyed dove, Laughing dove, the Common bulbul, Black kite, Rupell’s long tailed starling, Bronze sunbird, Bronze sunbird, Marico sunbird, Scarlet chested sunbird, Fork tailed drongo, Red cheeked cordon blue, White browed robin chat, Red billed fire finch and African green pigeon and many more.

The principles of Bahai temple
Full equality between the sexes
The elimination of all kinds of prejudice
Recognition of the essential oneness of the world’s great religions
Harmony of science and religion
Elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth
Universal education
Establishment of a world federal system based on collective security and the oneness of humanity
A sustainable balance between nature and technology

In conclusion, for any city tours in Kampala, visit the mighty Bahai temple and you will be filled not only with faith tourism experiences but also bird sightings. This temple is one of Uganda’s spectacular sites for any one who is planning his or her city tour in Kampala.