Peter Mayiga,Buganda's Prime Minister praised by Kabaka - Cultural Safari News Uganda

If you are a Ugandan especially from Buganda kingdom,then you know this gentle man and what he has been doing for the last one year.In case you don't know him,he is the prime minister of Buganda and he was assigned to do this job by the Kabaka(king) of Buganda.For the past years,prime ministers of thie largest cultural kingdom of Buganda were old and many Baganda men and women were surprised by the kabaka's choice of a youthful Katikiro.Some thought that he can not do well and they related him to failure but after sometime,they started believing in his success.

Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga sitting down at one of the cultural ceremonies

One of the kings that have made Peter Mayinga standout to an extent that every Ugandan knows him is his move to revamp Kasubi Tombs,a royal site which was burnt down in 2011.This is the site where kings from this great kingdom are buried and many tourist from  different parts of the world on their cultural safari to Uganda endeavor to visit the place.In his movement known as "tafaali",he has gained momentum and love from the local people of Buganda and also some from other kingdoms.Tafaali means a brick used for building and it was chosen as a slogan for his campaign because he moves around collecting money for reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs(Amasiro). Though little was known about him,it didn't stop him from even crossing the borders of Buganda and going to other tribes collecting money for thr reconstruction of this cultural site.

He has collected a lot of money in that he also can't believe that his campaign has turned out to be a success.Today, he is one of the most prominent person in Uganda and he has achieved this in just one year.Since his appointment as Katikiro,Buganda has experienced  rapid development and this has won him trust and love among the Baganda people.He has promoted unity among the people especially the youths which had started deteriorating.

In recognition of his achievements,the Kabaka,King came out and thanked him and he also praised him for being an achiever who has helped in restoring Buganda's pride.He further on urged him to continue with his campaign of bringing back the lost glory to the kingdom.

On your cultural safari to Uganda,you can visit this largest kingdom in Uganda and also tour some of the historical cultural sites that will leave you wondering how a true African came into existence.

Karimojongs get boosted by NGO's - Cultural Safari News

In the past,Karimojongs were taken to be unfriendly people with rude behaviors because of their way of life,They used to move with guns while rearing the cows in the plains so as to protect their cows from thieves and if someone dared to raid the cows,a true Karimojong wouldn't hesitate to shoot you.This is the reason why cultural safari tours to this region were at low rate as many tourists feared risking their lives.Another reason was the war that greatly affected the Karimojongs and the Acholi people.

Homesteads of Karimojongs

However,with the peace installation in Karimojong region by the Ugandan government,many developments including tourism boosts have been witnessed in the region and recently,different NGO's came out and vowed to develop the region's tourism.Though located in remote places,Karimojongs are one of the few ethnic tribes in Uganda that have reserved their cultural beliefs and norms.Today,a cultural safari tour to northern Uganda is one the best tours because of the guaranteed magnificent adventures.If you are interested in witnessing the true lifestyle of an African man or woman,then this is the best site to visit in Uganda.

Get a chance of witnessing how these Karimojongs set up their grass thatched houses which are constructed close to each other.Meet and greet the local people who will tell you different stories about their origin and what they go through as they try to forge a living.

Karimojong cultural dance

Because of the reserved cultural tourism fraternities,different NGO's have decided to encourage the local people to maintain their culture and avoid diluting it with the western culture.The fact is that some Karimojongs had started abandoning their cultures and had started copying the western cultures including way of dressing,singing,dancing,greeting and many more.According to the tourism minister,this was affecting the industry because many tourists from different parts of the world travel to northern Uganda to have a glance at the rare-culture.

With the new initiative of conserving the Karimojong culture,the region will boost of important transformations that will improve the lives of the local people and also increase revenue collected from the tourism industry.

A cultural safari tour to Uganda will enable you visit this region full of African cultural adventures that you have never seen in your lifetime.

Ajono,a margical-uniting drink in Uganda - Cultural safaris

When it comes to Uganda culture,there are amazing things that a tourist has never imagined.The lifestyle of a true Uganda is so interesting that if explored about,one may wonder how these black people came into existence.The diversity of cultural experience guaranteed to visitor on his/her safari to Uganda is one of the unique features of this East African country.

Local people enjoying Ajono

Forget about the distilled alcohol in your home country,Ugandans have their own way of making local brew and if you are not keen enough,you may mistake it to be manufactured.The African chemistry involved in the process of making this local brew (Ajono) is so interesting and many tourists on their cultural safari to Uganda have appreciated the art of Ugandans.

Ajono is one of the leading consumed alcohol in Uganda because of its strong attachment to African culture.There are some tribes in Uganda which take this brew as a cultural drink which everyone must take.Some even believe that by taking this drink,the gods or ancestors are pleased and the community gets blessings.It mostly consumed by eastern tribes of Uganda with Itesotes leading the trend.

What is Ajono
Ajono is simply a local  alcoholic brew made from millet  and sorghum.It is also known as "Malwa" in the local language it is a common drink among Ugandans.To many people,this drink is termed as a uniting drink simply because people gather in big numbers and discus various issues about their society.They make friends at the drinking point who they couldn't have met without this special drink.

About Ajono
The history about this drink drifts straight from the ancient times.History has it that the first people used this drink to create friendship amongst them They could our the drink in a big pot and all men from different corners of the village sit around this pot to have a sip.Meanwhile as they are drinking,many issues concerning the community are discussed and solutions are reached at.

The same history is reflected today in some of the ethnic tribes of Uganda and in the evening,local people meet at a designated point and enjoy the drink.They usually play music while drinking and some even sing-along.

However,not everyone is allowed to take this uniting drink.Children below the age of 18 are strictly not allowed to take Ajono and if found,its a serious crime.Women are also exempted from sharing a pot of Ajono with the men.

On your cultural tour to Uganda,don't miss to see a group of people converging around a pot full of Ajono.It is a common practice (mainly in villages of Uganda ) to drink this uniting drink and therefore,you should make a village tour inorder to see how this brew is consumed.

Ajono is cheaper compared to other alcoholic drinks and a pot full costs around shs.1000.It is of late that some distilling companies have started packaging this local brew each pack going for UGX 2000.

Make a cultural safari to Uganda and enjoy this magnificent drink.

Climbing Kagulu Hill,believed to be haunted by over 46 spirits by Busoga People

The well of life on Kagulu hill has offered the people in Busoga hope as many climb the hill so as to get blessings from this supernatural small well.Kagulu hill is found in Buyende district where the founding fathers of Busoga’s royal clan rested as they moved from Bunyoro to Busoga via Lake Kyoga.Today Kagulu Hill has become a must visit tourist site and many visitors go their mainly to see this supernatural water that is said to cure people of their diseases. As a result,cultural safaris in this area have increased.This hill is estimated to have more than 1000 year and its huge rocks on the side are credited for an endless support to this holy site of Busoga.

Kagulu hill is subject of many mysterious tales many of them concerning its supernatural cultural background. Every king to-be of Busoga (Kyabazinga) has to climb this hill on his coronation day. In Busoga this is known as a ‘holy journey for the King’ and the main reason is that the king has to go up the hill and consult the gods of Busoga so as he is provided with Knowledge and wisdom to lead the Kingdom.

Climbing the hill

The journey to the top of the hill is interesting as you get a chance to see beautiful small shiny grey and black rocks which tradition says they were wives of the first king of Busoga.Around the hill there are also dark caves that are said to have been the hiding place for the king in times of war.

Up the hill is more attractive than the lower parts of this 10000 feet above sea level hill. This is simply because of the small attractive well that contains water that is said to be holy. This wall attracts people from all over Busoga who believe it gives good fortune. The residents claim that this well does not dry up even in drought times.Ngobi Fahad one of the residents of Kagulu said the water is a source of blessing but he added that it depends on what and how much you want from the gods. He also noted that dropping a coin into the water earns you a reward from the ancestors.

It is said that there is an oracle on this hill that is haunted by the 46 spirits that own and patrol the hill, and she is known as Mandwa Kagulu Nabiryo.She has a shrine at the top of the hill and always people enter it for blessings. Also on top of the hill there are multicolored snakes with two heads, two wells, and a dugout canoe that belongs to Nabiryo.

The spirits on the hill are harmless to the visitors and today many tourists climb the hill to have a glimpse on the wonders of African magic. Also a number of men and women climb the hill to ask the gods to strengthen their marriages and also bless them. Although the water of the well seems to be dirty, people still take it so as to show their seriousness in what they are seeking.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Kampala taxi park, its 86km to Kamuli town in the Eastern part of Uganda. From Kamuli town, you board to Buyende town 30km west of the town. While in Buyende town, you are already at the place since its just 2km from the town to Kagulu village. The whole journey takes 4-6 hours. 

Other than reading about this adventurous place,a wonderful cultural safari  is the best idea.

Why you must visit Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is located about 12km from the capital city of Uganda (Kampala) just along Jinja Road and it is an established historical place of executive in pre-colonial Buganda. This historical place is mainly remembered for the massacre that took place in Uganda on 3^rd June 1886 on the order of Kabaka Mwanga .During the last days of May that year, many Baganda men and women who had been baptized by the hated Christians were forced to match naked in broad day light. At that time, the African Traditional religion was too strong in Buganda and the king highly respected it. Therefore, he expected all his people to follow the African beliefs and not the “white man’s religion”.

The transformation of Baganda men and women to Christianity angered the Kabaka and he was forced to detain these new Christians in Mengo. From Mengo, they were forced to match naked to Namugongo where they were imprisoned for several days. While in prison, the Kabaka ordered his men to prepare a large pyre which was t be used to punish the Baganda converts.

After some few days of pyre construction and several Baganda meetings that were organized to decide the fate for the “miss behaved” Baganda, the king finally made his decision on 3^rd June 1886.The king ordered the prisoners to renounce their new adopted religion or else face the rough side of him. Some of the prisoners accepted and the last opportunity was given on 3^rd June. Whenever a prisoner renounced Christianity, he/she would be released and about 26 individuals declined to the King’s orders. Among the 26 individuals were the Catholics and few Protestants.

Charles Lwanga, who was the leader of the Catholic contingent, was hacked apart and burnt alive on the spot. On that same day, the remaining Christians were bound in reed mats, thrown on the pyre and burnt alive. The 26 remembered Christians were baptized and they were known by each mission by name but some history state that more than 30 people were thrown on to the fire.

It was in 1920 when people Benedict XV paved way for the future canonization by declaring and blessing the 13 known Catholic martyrs at Namugongo, together with other 9 Catholic victims of separate killings in May 1886.Pope Paul VI later canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs on 18^th October 1964 and this was during the Vatican II conference.

In July 1969, Pope Paul VI visited Uganda and his main aim was to make a pilgrimage to Namugongo and he even instructed that a church and shrine be built on the spot where Lwanga had been killed. Many people from different parts of the world have made pilgrimages to Namugongo like Archbishop Robert Runcie of Canterbury in 1984 and Pope John Paul II in 1993.This has greatly induced other visitors to come to Uganda and have a live view of this memorial place.

Today, 3rd June is a public holiday in Uganda and it’s marked worldwide on the church calendar in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.

Cultural Safari tips that will enhance your time in Uganda

Below  is a code of conduct for cultural safari visitors that respect the norms and communities of Uganda,the environment and the wildlife;

What do before a cultural safari to Uganda?

• Plan your trip effectively by choosing eco-friendly lodges that suite your desires.Those lodges that use charcoal are not ideal for visitors and therefor a visitor should choose a lodge that uses gas for cooking.Lodges that are close to the local communities are more suitable because of the easiness to meet the local people.
• Take caution while packing for the cultural safari.Compared to the western standards,Uganda is mainly composed of needy people and where necessary, a visitor is compelled to give a few gifts to the children.Depending on your desires,a tour company might take you for a visit to any of the local schools and here,children will ask for some simple gifts.

How to deal with the local people and different communities?

• Avoid treating the local people in Uganda as if they are another species of wildlife.On a cultural safari,one is expected to meet people of different cultures and norms and learning their cultures is one of the great pleasures.
• Greeting in Uganda is highly recommended.In Uganda,a mere Hi or Hello is not enough to greet.According to the cultural norms of Ugandans,greeting is a way of showing mutual respect to another person and it is mainly done by shaking of hands.It is a cultural mistake in Uganda to say a quick greeting as is common in other countries.Time spent while greeting someone is more important than a tight schedule.A visitor can get to learn a few greeting in the various languages in Uganda.
• Taking photos.Before you take any photo of the local people,always ask for permission to avoid inconveniences.If no permission is asked,people might think that you are taking photos for financial gains.
• Dress appropriately.Though Europeans are most often forgiven for dressing in a manner that is not so common in Uganda,it is good to respect the local style and get dressed in a modest fashion.
• Bargaining in Uganda.Always respect Ugandans and pay a fair price because this indirectly improve their way of living.Some traders in Uganda are fond of overcharging visitors and one is advised to know the various prices charged for different commodities.In case a visitor cannot know the prices in time,he/she is advised to get a guide who will bargain on his behalf for fair prices.At our company,we provide skilled guides that are trust worthy for our clients.

Voluntourism (Volunteerism) 

• A visitor can combine his/her safari with volunteering.This activity can easily be arranged for your safari stay in Uganda.Get a chance to move around the various schools,medical facilities,orphanages,community work and experiencing an authentic African lifestyle.
• You can also make donations to these local schools ,orphanage,project and our company will ensure that the money donated reach the intended recipients.

Respect and conserve the environment

• Avoid littering anytime in African Wild.Use the placed garbage bags in the vehicles and avoid throwing litter through the windows.
• Conserve Resources: You may stay in a lodge that uses solar energy which uses a battery system at night.I t is therefore recommended to switch off the lights when not in use .At some lodges,fresh water might be on a short supply so keep showers short and this applies for hot water users too. 

Igongo Cultural Centre - Cultural Safaris in Uganda

 What is Igongo Cultural Center?
Igongo Cultural Centre is a cultural site (place) in southwestern Uganda where the future meets the past.This cultural centre has a  well equipped museum which contains the history about the first people in Uganda.This presentation of history is well elaborated in pictures,documents,cultural music,drama,music,sculptures,art and many others.The cultural center is an ideal stop over while on a Safari to Uganda (traveling from the west of Uganda).
This cultural centre hosts one of the leading museum in Uganda with an avid representation of the Ankole culture.The gorgeous scenery of the gardens and the historical buildings that hose a museum are so interesting to look at. 
Igongo Cultural Centre was officially opened by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,the president of Uganda on 23rd December.From then,the number of visitors to the site have greatly increased as many come to find out how the early people used to survive.

Where is Igongo Cultural Centre located?
Igongo Cultural Centre is found in  the south western Uganda in Biharwe (about 12kms from Mbarara town). It's along Masaka - Mbarara high way.

When is the best time to visit?
A visitor can visit Igongo Cultural Centre at any time of the year.

What are the features at Igongo Cultural Centre?
There are numerous features at this cultural center and these include;the beautiful gardens,museum,historical buildings,a restaurant with traditional dishes,craft shops,historical sculptures of both people and animals and many more.Mainly,this place portrays the Kigezi and Banyankole culture.

What are the activities visitors should expect while at Igongo Cultural Centre?
Among the activities are;

• Craft viewing
• Donkey rides
• Medicinal plants tour
• Museum tour
• Traditional music and dance performances
• Performing traditional Uganda chores
• Cultural walks to the near by villages
• Climbing the near by hills

What are fees charged at the site?
Adults - Ush 5,000
Children - Ush 3,000
Foreigners - Ush 20,000

There are well trained guides to take the visitors through the museum and also explain the various happenings related to the history.

Meals taken in a cultural Ugandan home

Provided with different types of foods,each ethnic group in Uganda has its stable food which its fond of. Forget about the western style of eating, in Uganda ,there are specific attributes regarding to eating and preparing for a meal. Many visitors while on their cultural Safari to Uganda find themselves failing to choose the most appropriate eating behaviour while in Uganda.Therefore,one is required to make a research about the various behaviours of different Ugandans when it comes to meals.

In Uganda,it is customary to wash your hands before and after eating anything.The main reason for this practice is because Ugandans culturally use their hands while eating.Before a meal is served in a local home,the mother always reminds her children to wash their hands to avoid eating germs.It is a sign of indiscipline and unhygienic to eat a meal with dirty hands in Uganda.

Often before serving the meal,a prayer is said as a way of thanking God/Allah for the meal provided.However,some people ignore the prayer in case they are in a rush or if they have forgotten.In many nursery and primary schools in the country,children are taught how to pray before having a meal.

In many local homes in Uganda,always people sit on the floor while eating the food.It should be noted that once you sit on the floor to eat,avoid stretching out your legs.For a first-time visitor,he/she might be surprised to see people sitting on the floor around a dish of food,but this is how a true-cultural home behaves when eating.
However,with the increasing modernity in the country,homes have resorted to siting on chairs in a modest fashion with a knife and fork while eating food.This is mainly done in towns where people sit on chairs and sofas while eating food.In Uganda however,there are few home with dining rooms and its only people of means that can have one.

Self service is not a common practice in Ugandan homes when serving food.Customary,the mother serves the food or any elder but not everyone to serve.

While eating, talking is prohibited unless if there is a special address by another person.According to the cultural beliefs,talking while eating can lead to spitting into another person's food.

It is customary to thank the host for the meal immediately after eating.This is a sign of appreciating the person who prepared the meal.Children in Uganda are always urged to thank the cook after eating.This is as simple as saying "Thank you for cooking".

How strong the Ankole Kindom was in the 15th century - Cultura Safaris in Uganda

 Before making a Cultural safari to Ankole,you may need to know the
various issues concerning the history of the kingdom.Below is what you should know:
In the 15th century,the Chwezi Empire disintegrated and Wamal's son, Ruhinda Rwa Njunaki formed Nkore,currently known as Ankole kingdom.The rulers of Ankole (Bahinda) are said to be descendants of Ruhinda.The ruler was called Ruhinda simply because he had a black mark called "Ekihinda" on his face.The mother of Ruhinda used to work at king Wamala's palace who was the last king of the Chwezi dynasty  and she was called Njunaki.

The Omugabe of Ankole with the president of Uganda

The strong Chwezi also extended to Tanzania and here a new tribe called Bahaya was formed.The Bahaya and Banyankole people have very many things in common and similar dialects. It was around 1520 that Bunyoro's king invaded Ankole and Rwanda, and Ntare VI had to hide in Muzaire-Otaakwa forest which is found in Karagwe.

Just like otherkingdoms in Uganda,Ankole kingdom turned into a system of ranked statuses.In order for the men of Ankole to gain favour and demostrate their loyalty to the Omugabe (King),they offered cows.This was also a way of marking a life cycle change and even as a way over coming cattle raiding.The king could ask for cows from men so as to test their loyalty.
In case a man sohwed loyalty to the king,he was provided with full security from both internal and external enemies.Also his cows would be protected from raiders.

The kingdom had both cultivators and cattle keepers but today,this has changed.However,modernization has changed the trend in this kingdom in that the traditional cultivators now rear cows and cattle keepers grow crops.

According to history, Nkore was strong kingdom but it was affected by the 1901 Ankole agreement.This agreement made Nkole to become Ankole  and the Omugabe was to be largely a ceremonial position-an administrator within the British Colonial Government.
During this colonial period,the Ankole kingdom was compried of Isingiro,Kashari,and Rwampara.The 1901 agreement also led to addition of Buhwezi,Sheem and Mpororo chiefdoms to Ankole.This greatly led to expansion of the kingdom both economically and geographically.
Today,Ankole kingdom is the second largest kingdom in Uganda following Buganda

Catholic Church to reconstruct Namugongo pilgrimage site - Cultura Safaris in Uganda

Namugongo Pilgrimage site was canonised by Pope Paul VI in memory of the 22 Catholic martyrs whore were burnt alive by Kabake Mwanga of Buganda.These martyrs were killed because of their faith to God and yet the Kabaka wanted them to believe in the Kiganda religion (African Traditional Religion).This site is one of the leading cultural destinations in Uganda and it has greatly led to increase in Cultural safaris.

Dr.Cyprian Kizito Lwanga,the Archbishop of Kampala,said that the plans for reconstruction of Namugongo Martyrs pilgrimage site is finalized.An open-air pavilion and hotels will be constructed while the Island altar and a lake trough will be renovated.

People at Namugongo Pilgrimage site

Other facilities like the a new house for visiting clergy and museum are to be setup.The meseum will contain all the relevant  history of each of the Uganda martyrs and their portraits shall be displayed or easy view.This will enable the visitors to have a visual side of the history.


The Archbishop said that all the walkways will be paved and the roads will be tarmacked.This will promote easy movement by the visitors while at the site.Two dorminotories,one for males and the other for females are to be constructed plus washrooms and a restaurant.

The problem of dirty lake water that the park has been facing will be solved by draining the lake and the basin worked on to create a permanent  clean water trough.The water will further be protected by a perimeter wall which will stop people from contaminating it.

Dr.Cyprian Kizito Lwanga said that a new altar shall be erected at the extreme end of the lake,where the new pavilion will be built.This altar will be big enough to give the pilgrims a splendid view from either the terraces or the pavilion.

A police station that accommodates 10 policemen plus their families,will be constructed at the site.This is to boost the security of the visitors and it will be named St.Ponsiano Ngondwe.

The whole project of reconstruction is expected to end by October,just in time for celebrations to mark 50 years since the Uganda martyrs were canonised by Pope Paul VI and declared as saints at St.Peter's Basilica,Rome on 18th October,1964.

Pope Francis is expected to grace the celebration by making a pilgrimage to Namugongo.By the mere fact that Pope is coming to Uganda,the number of visitors will increase and many cultural safaris in Uganda shall be registered.

What you didnt know about the cultural side of Uganda

Uganda is comprised of people belonging to various ethnic groups and speaking over 35 different African Languages.Swahili and English are Uganda's official languages.
Swahili was adopted by Uganda as an official language simply because of its wide coverage and link with the neighboring Kenya and Tanzania.This language enables Ugandans to freely communicate with people from Kenya and Tanzania and its known as a uniting language.For visitors planing a cultural safaris to Africa,Uganda is the best option due to its diverse culture which is as a result of the many tribes.

The largest tribe/group in Uganda is Buganda (Bantu speaking people) taking about a fifth of Uganda's population.These Baganda people mainly occupy the central region including Kampala-the capital city of Uganda.Their large number in Uganda makes Luganda language to dominate in Uganda.
There are also other Bantu-speaking tribes like Basoga, Toro, Banyoro.In the eastern and northern Uganda,there are Nilotics group and this includes the Karimojong,Acholi,Teso and Langi.

Cultural Dances
Just like other African countries,Uganda also takes cultural dances as part of pride and very important.These are done during ceremonies and special occassions.Each tribe in Uganda has its own cultural dances.
For example in the east of Uganda,the Basoga practice the dance called Tamenhaibunga and this dance is used to express the merits of friendship and love.The dance's name means that " good friends drink together and don't fight each other".
Though there are many cultural dances,the widely known dance is the Kiganda dance.While performing this dance,the performers move their lower body following the drum-beats.Its an interesting dance and visitors enjoy learning how to do it.However,the dance is a bit tricky and it requires some skills to keep the upper torso controlled and keeping to the rhythm of the beats from the drums.The dance is widely used in Uganda but its commonly performed in honour of the Baganda king.

In Uganda,there is maximum respect to religion and there are many religions.Most of the Ugandans are Christians (Catholics and Protestants),followed by Muslims and then the traditional believers.

The forgotten cutural side of Kampala - Cultura Safaris in Uganda

Namugongo martyrs shrine

Uganda has got a diverse culture that many visitors are not familiar with.The many existing tribes in Uganda leads to diverse collection of people with different beliefs and norms.However,this culture is not easily identifiable to a first-time visitor because of the absence of buildings or monuments to reflect the country's wide culture.This means that a visitor is forced to read the history books about Uganda and make a personal visit to the grassroots of the culture.

Uganda's historical structures(particularly those in Kampala),have been razed down due to the on-going modernization of the country.However,this is destroying the originality and the true African feel that visitors expect while on their cultural safari in Uganda.The structures that are being destroyed describe the truth about Ugandan culture and people's origin.
Many other countries that have maintained their historical buildings have reaped milllions of dollars through cultural tourism but Uganda hasn't realized the trick.When you talk about Tourism in Uganda,people's minds only think about the Gorillas,animals, and the wildlife,as Kampala's cultural tourism potential are ignored.

One of the existing cultural buildings in Uganda is the Uganda Museum which ha an attractive L-shape.This heritage building was constructed in 1954 and it is well known for its unique appearance.There is no other building in Uganda with such a shape and this is the reason why tourists like making repeated visits to the site.
Another unique building in Kampala is the city mayors house in Luganda called Enyumba y'omukulu.This building has a unique shape and look that truly portrays Africa's architecture.This building is found in Rubaga Division just within Kampala.

There are also other buildings that give a rich history of the people of Uganda including Kasubi Tombs,Namugongo martyrs Shrine,old Indian-designed buildings in the different towns of Uganda and many more others.
There is need for the government of Uganda to protect some of the historical buildings just like other countries tat have decided to preserve their trace of origin like Pyramid of Djoser in Egypt,Amiens Cathedral ( a Roman Catholic cathedral) and many more.If this is emulated by Uganda,there is hope that cultural tourism in the country will improve and probably Uganda could be ranked among the the leading cultural safari destinations in the world.

The truth behind male circumcision practice-Imbalu,among the Bagisu People - Cultura Safaris in Uganda

                              

Commonly known as the Bagisu people,this cultural group of people is not only one of the most known cultural setting in Uganda but also one of those cultures that have stuck to their ancestral beliefs.Many tribes in Uganda today have modernized their customs in a way that they try to mix the western cultures with their beliefs thinking that they ere changing with change,but this is not the same case with the Bagisu.

The Bagisu love to be called the Bamasaba people simply because they are proud of their fertile highlands that surround the region.The word 'Masaba' means a mountain and this explains why these original-Africans are called “BAMASABA”. These people are found in the eastern Uganda  about 150km from Kampala city.

One of the cultural activity that is only identical with the Bamasaba people in Uganda is the male circumcision locally known as the “IMBALU”. According to the cultural beliefs of this tribe, unless a man is circumcised,he is not clean,and so this practice is aimed at grooming boys to become men.The practice is done seasonally and when it comes to the “IMBALU” season,all Bagishu boys that are uncircumcised prepare for it and some go back to their mother-land.According to Wadada Simon,one of the elders of Bagisu Tribe,Men are not allowed to marry before they pass through this holy practice simply because they have not expressed their ability to handle a family by carrying out this ritual.All men that belong to this tribe according to the beliefs must pass through this ritual as the only way to show that they are mature enough and can now start a family.

Another reason why this practice is carried out is to clean the Bagisu men.According to the cultural beliefs,a man is unclean unless he undergoes circumcision.This explains why the “KADODI” tune (the tune that is played when the ritual is taking place),is known allover Uganda and some members of parliament always use it during their campaigns.

      How is the practice  conducted?

Before this holy-dramatic ritual is conducted,the elders must check the candidates for the ritual to see whether they are real Bagisu and identify their clans.Then they have to make sure that the candidates are 18 years and above before continuing with the practice.If all these are met by the candidates,then they proceed to the practice.

The candidates for the ritual are put in the middle of a dancing crowd singing singing the cultural songs.The candidate is provided with a stick which he is supposed to hold tight and look up in the sky.In case the candidate lets the stick fall,he is considered a cowered and no respect is given to him.

In Bugisu,there are specific cultural men that are supposed to carry out the circumcision and these men are well trained.Once the candidate is looking up in the sky,the cultural man appears to carry out the practice appears and in less than 20 seconds,the candidate is circumcised.If the candidate does not scream or make any sound that shows that he is feeling pain,he is considered to be a true-strong man and he is given cows as a start upon his new life.

This cultural practice is still respected and no Mugisu man can escape it.This explains why those that try to run away from the practice are forced to do it.