EXPLORING THE MIGHTY BUNYORO-KITARA KINGDOM

With everyone traveling mainly to see the big game and mountain gorillas in Africa, a visit to one of the historical sites in this continent rewards travel endeavors with its rich history and distinct cultural experiences. If you are a cultural enthusiast or you are interested in exploring one of the Africa's unique history and Uganda is your dream destination then visiting the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom should be a must on your travel plan. This remarkable kingdom stands as a reminder of a once a powerful empires in Kitara. At a time, it covered districts of Masindi, Kibaale, Kasese, Hoima, Kabarole as well as some parts of western Kenya, Northern Tanzania and Eastern DR Congo. Bunyoro Kitara is only a skeleton of what it used to be a time and thus an ultimate truth to which history testifies. Today, one may be left wondering how the glorious Kitara is what it is currently but all this is due to several years of orchestrated, intentional and malicious marginalization, dating back to the early colonial days. However, this kingdom and the region at large boast of its diverse tourist attraction that are worth exploring while you are on Uganda safari. They include;

Karuziika Palace

Whereas the Omukama has many palaces, Karuziika has for long featured as the major seat of power of Bunyoro-Kitara kings since 1872 when the Omukama Chwa Kabalega the second constructed it. Currently, this is one of the exceptional cultural sites and a famous tourist attraction on account of the royal regalia. This cultural site lies within Hoima Town and features a colonial style and double storeyed house facing the direction of the setting sun. It is surrounded by many traditional huts while inside it, you will find Nyamyarro royal regalia museum which features several artefacts and the official seat for the Omukama.

Mparo royal tombs

This tomb site lies about 4 kilometers just outside Masindi Town and they are burial site for the 2 Kings of Bunyoro-Omukama Chwa Kabalega the second and his son Sir Tito Winyi the fourth. Besides, there are also many princes, princesses as well as royals of the Bunyoro-Kitara. This tomb site still features among a few most significant cultural sites in Bunyoro and Uganda as a whole. Rituals are usually performed within this area and each year, there is ‘Empaango event’ that is conducted every year on 10^th June. During this eve, 2 bulls are slaughtered at the site where one is given to entombed king. After, the meat has been smoked, 9 small pieces are tossed around each of the kings tombs before others are shared in a feast. Just at the entrance, you will find a huge conical monument which was built to mark the spot where in 1877, Kabalega granted audience to his future ally, the German explorer Sir Emin Pasha. 

Mparo royal tombs

Katasiha fort

Katasiha fort lies approximately 2 kilometers outside Hoima Town and it features among the excellent preserved historical sites in Bunyoro. It was built by Omukama Chwa Kabalega the second after he was forced to leave his capital in Mparo when the British colonial army attacked. It served as a main hideout for Kabalega with a depth of 8 meters trench. The king fought many battles against the British with a help of this fort and the caves. While the entrance to this fort’s channels have been blocked, there is a belief that beneath it, there are weapons from this protracted war.

Katasiha fort

Kibiro Salt Village

This is a small fishing village that straddles just at the base of western rift valley, along the southeastern shores of Lake Albert approximately 22 kilometers away from Hoima. It lies at a rain shadow and experiences less rain compared to the nearby areas. This village is said to be the hub for salt making industry in Bunyoro between 700 and 800 years back. While on a tour at this area, you have a chance to take a hike to most settlement areas and then to the lake shores. 

Boomu Africa village

For those of you who are planning to visit Murchison Falls National Park for a holiday, Boomu African village should be a must to visit for thrilling cultural experiences. The word Boomu denotes together in Runyoro and this defines the purpose and spirit of the 40 women and 5 men who share their well-preserved Nyoro culture and wisdom with visitors. This group began in 1999 in Kihaguzi village with mainly to empower women and also create economic and social development in their community. This group lies just outside Kichumbanyumbo park gate of Murchison Falls National Park. They offer accommodation, food, village walks, art crafts and others.

The other significant site for you not to miss to visit is Nyabyeya Polish Catholic Church. This church was constructed in 1945 and still stands strong up to date with weekly mass being done by the locals

Nyabyeya Polish Catholic Church

In conclusion, Bunyoro Kitara largely comprises of vast historical and cultural sites that reward visitors with distinct experiences. While on cultural holiday in Bunyoro region, the above sites should be a must to visit and you will be rewarded by authentic cultural experiences.