ITAABA KYABANYORO

Itaaba Kyabanyoro holds Ankole’s unique culture and history. It is a significant cultural and historical site in Ankole Kingdom which is worth exploring by visitors on safari in western Uganda. This cultural site is set on top of a hill in Kyabanyoro Village, Kinoni Rwampara in Mbarara district just on Mbarara-Kabale route. 

The Itaaba Kyabanyoro is a significant site where the last king of the mighty Bachwezi Empire, Wamala crafted a Sacred Bagyendanwa Royal Drum which became a source of power, right to command, dominance to mention but a few. The drum is also a symbol of recognition for Kings of Ankole Kingdom. For one to be recognized as king in Ankole Kingdom, he should have the Sacred Royal Drum. It is an exceptional drum although others may look at it like the usual drums. 

What distinguishes the Bagyendanwa from the rest of the royal drums in Ankole Kingdom is that, they can begin beating themselves especially during bad occurrences in the kingdom. They can beat themselves not until an official from the kingdom responds to them to ascertain what exactly occurred otherwise, they may not stop till the real cause is resolved. This means, the officials from the kingdom will perform a traditional ritual from the sacred sites. It is also believed to be an area where the founder of Ankole Kingdom originated who also happens to be the first king; Ruhinda the son of Wamala. Itaaba Kyabanyoro also serves as significant site where Ruhinda was crowned as the people were changed from Bachwezi to Banyankole. 

At Itaaba Kyabanyoro, tourists also have a chance to visit the tree stump where the royal drum was cut and representation of the 3 beautiful grass-thatched houses; Kahima, Kakama and Kairu. These are the houses Omugabe (King) Wamala used.

Other sites to cultural sites to explore in western Uganda;

You may also pay a visit to other exceptional cultural sites for you to get the best of your cultural safari experience in Uganda. They include Nkokonjeru Royal Tombs, Ankole Kingdom headquarters plus the palace in Kamukuzi, Igongo Cultural Center among others. 

Getting to Itaaba Kyabanyoro

Itaaba Kyabanyoro is in Mbarara district, western Uganda just along Mbarara-Kabale route. Visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park, Itaaba Kyabanyoro is one significant site for you not to miss to make a stopover. From Mbarara town, it is 10kms’ drive and from Kamukuzi, it is 50kms

In summary, if you are enthusiastic about cultural safaris, a visit to Itaaba Kyabanyoro is worth it while you are on Uganda safari.