BIHARWE ECLIPSE MONUMENT

Do you desire visiting that one most iconic tourist site with unique history, arts and cultures while on Uganda safari or cultural safari? Monuments are among the essential touristic sites to explore on tour in Uganda the fact that they hold useful historical events. While on Uganda tour, Biharwe Eclipse Monument is by far that one excellent and the most powerful monuments with unique history, art and cultures any enthusiastic anthropologist or archaeologists should consider a must-visit in the pearl of Africa. The 15^th century wasn’t only a period for the total solar eclipse in Biharwe Hill but a period with so many legends.

BIHARWE ECLIPSE MONUMENT

The Bachwezi occupied the largest area in Western Uganda prior their disappearance. What is mysterious about the Bachwezi is that they usually disappeared and never died as they were regarded as semi-gods. However, after the downfall of the Bachwezi Empire of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, smaller kingdoms (Nkole, Buganda, Bunyoro, Mpororo, Karagwe and Rwanda) were emerged

History also has it that at the time, Bunyoro was the most powerful Kingdoms military wise during the reign of the 5^th Omukama of the Babito Dynasty, Olimi 1 Rwitamahanga Kalimbi Rukidi and it impacted on the downfall of its neighboring kingdoms. 

He became popular due to his aggressiveness and being a never satisfied leader with what he had. He continuously raided the nearby kingdoms including the furthest Rwanda for cows and women. The 1520 AD Eclipse monument holds a unique history, culture and art worth exploring on Uganda cultural safari.

Legends have it that the Nkole people lost several of their cattle to mighty Bunyoro leader which later resulted into famine which was described as ‘Ijunga Nyonga’ during the reign of Omugabe Ntare V Nyabugaroobwera. Nkole never surrendered its property without a fight however, most encounters resulted between 2 kingdoms at the battlefield and in the course of one fight, something rare occurred at Biharwe hill in Ankole. 

A cloud of darkness occupied the earth sending Bunyoro warriors to scamper as they were frightened that a punishment from the gods of Nkole and they were forced to leave the battlefield without attacking the Southern nearby areas. Amazingly, the darkness was just an eclipse. Presently, the area has an area where Ankole people confine to celebrate as it is what made them acquire some of the cattle, children and women.

Location of Biharwe Monument

Biharwe monument sits on top of Biharwe hill where it takes its name. It is approximately 12kms away from Mbarara Town and stands on 3 legged pillars. The 3 pillars represent 3 kings; Olimi 1 Rwitamahanga of Bunyoro, Ssekabaka Nakibinge of Buganda and Ntare 1 Nyabugaroobwera. The design of this historical and cultural site depicts a reed with Egyptian Hieroglyphs holding an eclipse.

The Biharwe Eclipse Monument was officially opened on 30^th August 2014 and it was set in remembrance of the victory of Ankole over Bunyoro about 500 years back. Today, it is one of the best cultural sites to explore on Uganda safari in the western side of the country.

Safari activities to do around Biharwe Eclipse Monument

Tourists on Uganda cultural safari can engage in a number of activities at Biharwe Eclipse Monument including among others milking experience, local brew making, pottery and hiking to the top of the hills along the 3 trails which are marked red, blue and yellow. The colors represent the 3 Kings.