Tanda pits are found in Tanda village, Mityana district 63km (1-hour drive) west of Kampala city and 215km (3-hour drive) south of Kibale national park and Fort portal city. There are over 240 circular pits about 12 feet deep and 2 shrines in an enclosed reed fence. These are archaeological sites of Buganda kingdom. 

According to folklore, the pits are known as Enyanga za Walumbe or the home of Walumbe which means the god of death among the Baganda, the spirit is associated with diseases and death. According to the department of antiquities and museums, Tanda pits were first documented in 1920 by E.J Wayland having seen locals going there to worship the gods. Tanda pits is a sacred religious site where people go and allegedly given power to communicate with spirits and get healed of misfortunes. 

Tanda pits folktales

There are several mythological figures of Walumbe but the common one has it that the first man on earth Kintu lived with his beloved cow depending on its milk and cow dung. And Ggulu(the creator) lived in heaven with his three children that is to say; Walumbe, Kayikuzi and Nambi.

On several occasions Nambi and his brother descended on earth to play and adventure. On one of their visits they met Kintu grazing his cow. Nambi liked Kintu when she went with him to heaven and asked her father to be married to him. Ggulu wasn’t pleased with their marriage at first but after persuasion they were blessed and  allowed to marry each other.   Among the siblings Walumbe was not happy with the union and promised to wreck their marriage. Noticing this Ggulu advised Nambi and Kintu to leave heaven so that Walumbe doesn’t follow them.

Next morning they prepared for the journey with a few things Nambi had packed including chicken. As they were descending to the earth, Nambi remembered that she forgot millet for her chicken. Kintu tried to persuade her not to go back but in vain. Along the way she met Walumbe and didn’t tell him where she was going. But the spirit followed her and eventually the couple came with him on earth. His arrival in Kintu’s home was the start of sickness, misery and death.

Ggulu upon hearing the suffering and misery in the Kintu family, he sent Kayikuzi to bring back Walumbe. Walumbe didn’t want to go back so he fought with Kayikuzi and  dug pits to hide which still act as a testimony for their fight. The  spirits of Kayikuzi and Walumbe are still believed to  roam the area in fascinating ancient folklore that is still retold to the generations. One of the  tales is associated  with earthquakes that are said to result from fighting between Kayikuzi and Walumbe. 

Today, the place is covered in thick forest as it is believed that the ancestors preferred trees and also gives  the pilgrims a good environment to rest. The main shrine known as Embuga Ettanda  is the biggest pit and believed to be where Walumbe disappeared to earth. The Caretakers covered the pit with three pieces of backcloth to distinguish it from others. The main entrance to Tanda pits is built in the form of shrines with traditional instruments like spears, calabashes and shields among other cultural items. Among the taboos, women are not supposed to eat chicken in this place, sit on chairs and put on mini outfits or trousers.

Those visiting, especially pilgrims are required to  remove shoes as they enter the  main shrine. They usually come for healing and pray for blessings, peace, love and prosperity in their social and economic endeavors including those who wish to bear children. They pay homage to Walumbe, gods and  deities. They perform rituals and give offerings such as coffee beans, cows, goats, chicken, fruits, water and local brews made from sorghum called Tonto. The  gods don’t accept money. Walumbe reveals himself to pilgrims  through dreams as a sign of healing.

There are several fireplaces ( Ebyooto in Luganda) outside the shrines dedicated to various gods which are associated with Walumbe  like Bamweyana, Musoke, Wanema, Mukasa and Kibuuka. 

For instance, at the  Embuga ya Dungu, a shrine for the god of hunters has animal horns, bells, spears and nets surrounding the fireplace. Pilgrims who dream about slaughtering  or roasting animals bring them here to pay to the custodians of the shrine.. Another shrine is called Embuga ya Wanema where those who dream of seeing people with crutches go and pray to  be healed. There is also Mbuga ya Bamweyana, the god of prosperity, where  people offer baskets, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and khat because it is believed that the god takes those drinks. 

The Embuga ya Kiwanuka, the god of war and army is responsible for inciting chaos among people. The place is surrounded by red clothes because the god likes blood. Pilgrims offer honey and banana juice only believing that this god moves in Mukokowe (Ficus Brachiopod) tree. At the Embuga ya Musoke, a shrine for the god of rain is dedicated to people who dream about drinking water for blessing and sharing it with their ancestors. After dreaming they go there to fetch holy water from Musoke well for drinking. At times women are found peeling matooke and pounding groundnuts which signifies that these women dreamt of preparing a meal of matoke with groundnut stew to eat and share it with their ancestors. 

The Embuga ya Mukasa, a shrine for the god of water and fish has boats, pots with water and oars and the only place where eating fish is permitted. It is believed that the god was a fisherman.   

For cattle keepers there is always a fire burning place for Kalisa (cattle keeper) where fire keeps on burning with only cow dung. The cultivators make offerings to the deity known as Mama Nalongo Nabinene and give in things like banana, gomesi, millet, sim sim, maize, traditional hoes and knives. There are other shrines for gods like; Wamagobye, matriarch Nakayima and Jajja Muwanga.

Tanda is an important place among the Baganda, however. Kabaka does not visit the place given that it’s a taboo.  Further, when Kabaka appreciates the work done by the people at Tanda pits, he directs them to slaughter a cow or goat as a sacrifice. The site is managed by the Buganda Tourism Board and is growing to become a cultural and religious site that attracts many worshipers from different religious background to convene at Tanda pits to seek for blessings. The cost of visiting Tanda pits is 2000 for tourists and pilgrims don’t pay.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to strengthen security in the protected areas. This follows an unfortunate incident that happened in mid October in Queen Elizabeth national park (QENP) where two tourists and their driver were killed and their vehicle burnt by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

The rebels allegedly came from DR Congo entered the park illegally, committed a crime and took off without being detected. The incident was such a tragic mishap that could have been prevented. UWA relies on its team of law enforcement rangers to keep parks safe and secure through patrolling, monitoring wildlife, combating poaching, engaging local communities, managing fires, and assisting with tourism development across the 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves.

Rangers carry out their patrol on the ground therefore UWA launches the use of drones to support them with aerial surveillance of the protected areas. Each drone is fitted with high resolution cameras with capacity to survey an area over 15 km radius for 10 hours per day. Drone technology is capable of doing what people may not do such as detecting and zooming suspicious objects from a long distance over a wider area.

Drones also help to provide real-time transmission of information which facilitates quick decision-making and response to the scenes. Confirming the move, Bashir Hangi, the spokesperson for UWA said that “every morning  before visitors start their game drive experience, the patrol team of rangers flies the drones to ensure that there are criminals along the routes inside the park.” Some encroachers have reportedly been arrested and will be prosecuted in the courts of law. This has ensured the safety of wildlife and visitors who are now confidently visiting Queen Elizabeth national park without any fear.

The protected area is Uganda’s most visited destination for wildlife with rich biodiversity including 98 mammal and over 600 bird species. A game drive experience offers visitors an opportunity to spot the big four mammals which are elephants, Cape buffaloes, tree climbing lions, and leopards.

Among the park’s favorite activities are the boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu and nature walks in Maramagambo central forest reserves. The slain tourists and tour guide were hacked whilst enjoying a game drive in the park along the Katwe-Kabatoro road above the scenic crater-filled lake Nyamunuka. QENP covers 1,978 sq.km of which some parts like Ishasha wilderness, Lake Edward, and Kasese district are shared between Uganda and DR Congo.

ADF operates in eastern DR Congo which made it easier for the rebels to infiltrate the park. After the incident, UPDF began tracking the elements and put all the different parts of the park on guard with day and night joint operations by armed UWA rangers in partnership with security agencies including Tourism Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

According to the latest DailyMonitor news, a number of suspected ADF rebels were killed on Tuesday 31, October 2023 on Lake Edward. It is alleged that the assailants were trying to return to DR Congo. The UPDF spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki confirmed that those killed were being followed through intelligence. They’re directly associated with those that killed the couple and their tour guide.

The government’s right to deploy drones to strengthen security in the national parks is an essential component of the new national 7-point security plan. To assure citizens and visitors alike that Uganda at large is safe and secure.

The Karimojong ethnic group consists of several tribes including Dodoth, Taposa, Jie, and the Karimojong. Among other subdivisions of the tribe include the Pian, Matheniko, and Bokora. They’re considered as a single group called the Karamojong Cluster.

They live in the semiarid Karamoja sub-region of north eastern Uganda along the border with South Sudan and Kenya.  The region consists of 7 districts which include Kaabong, Abim, Napal, Nakapiripirit, Moroto, Amudati, and Kotido. The tribes within the cluster share a common culture and language.

They’re predominantly semi-nomadic pastoralists who rely on livestock herding and slightly on seasonal crop cultivation as a source of livelihood. The Karamojong society is organized according to a patriarchal social system and has never had a king in history. The men, especially elders, hold authority over the family, clan, and community.

Land was communally owned given that livestock must be moved from one place to another according to the seasons of rain and drought. Cattle is especially a measure of wealth and raiding is an ancient practice deeply rooted into the socio-economic setup. Men with a high number of cows have a high status and power.

The elders would bless and encourage young men to take part in raids to gain status and respect. Raids would also be done to restock or redistribute wealth especially after severe epidemics like famine. During the colonial era, part of the land was used to create protected areas including Kidepo Valley national park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The Karimojong also obtained guns from the army barracks that was established in Moroto after Uganda’s independence.

Cattle raids became violent within the cluster and the Karimojong would often clash with the neighbors often involving human rights abuses, loss of livestock and lives. The political instability from the 1970s to 2000s caused disintegration among the Karimojong cluster. The Karamoja conflict somewhat led to the decline in the traditional customs of people and underdevelopment of the region due to little government interest.

The putting up of a culture leader is part of the long-term efforts to restore peace, unity, and strengthen culture among the Karamojong clusters. Government along with several NGOs intensified efforts to create opportunities and diversify beyond the cattle economy. Between 2010-2019, the region has seen infrastructure improvements, including roads, electricity, schools and health facilities, improved peace and security.

Investment opportunities in Karamoja continue to grow especially for cultural tourism development, mining, and education. The cultural leaders within the Karamoja cluster came together and formed the Karamoja Cultural Association (KCA) in 2014. The institution’s symbol of unity is a cow. It is recognized under the laws of Uganda and includes an annual cultural event and a central council of elders represented at each of the seven districts.

KCA philosophy is all-inclusive and allows women, youth, and children, who have historically been excluded due to the social structure, to participate. KCA exists to confront the complex challenges faced by the Karamojong by finding better ways to redress the ills of the past that have bred mistrust and division within the cluster. The Elders Council from the districts across the region recently elected their cultural leader for the first time in history.

The first Karamoja Cultural leader known as Papaa Angasuban Peter Adei is 81-years-old from Abim district. He is responsible for uniting people and advocating for innovative strategies that will foster development and address the most pressing challenges. For instance, the KCA strives to create a good reputation which is essential to attaining peace and security in the communities.

Given that the Karamojong elders have always been accused of aiding and abetting criminals that they bless their sons to raid cattle and dominate the weaker tribes. KCA is also putting emphasis on strengthening culture and heritage through the annual Karamoja Cultural Event (KCE) which brings together people in the Karamojong cluster with those from the neighboring countries.

The cultural event is held every year on a rotational basis across the seven districts that make up Karamoja. Given that the tribes within the cluster share a lot in common, the aim is to address the problem of disunity and achieve solidarity.  The 2023 Karamoja Cultural Event under the theme ‘Celebrating Diversity, Resilience and Peace Building’ was held in Napak district at St. Daniel Comboni Senior Secondary School.

The Karimojong have been keen at preserving their unique ancient customs. However, the Uganda government has always encouraged them to move away from their traditional semi nomadism and adapt to the modern ways of living. KCE is therefore a platform to advocate for their cultural identity.

The Karimojong have rich cultural heritage including traditional high jump dance performance, the colorful beads and dress attire, facial scarifications, and African rock art. Some of the tribes have maintained their traditional housing systems known as Karimojong Manyattas. For instance, Nakapelimoru in Kotido district which is home to the Jie people is one of the last surviving African traditional villages.

Locals have been encouraged to embrace tourism development by welcoming visitors to their homes. Tourism provides an alternative source of income through selling arts and crafts and getting involved in guiding, hospitality, and conservation. Culture capitalizes on the rich biodiversity and beautiful landscape in Kidepo valley national park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The KCA leadership initiative will be integrated into tourism, security among other aspects of development.

Three East African neighbours Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have won a joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, famously known as AFCON 2027. The hosts were announced by CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe who also declared that the competition will be zonal oriented and will be hosted by all geographic zones of Africa.

The 2027 tournament will be the first ever edition to be hosted by 3 countries and the first to Be hosted in East Africa since Ethiopia in 1976. The East African co-hosts managed to beat their bidding rivals which included Senegal, Egypt, Botswana & Zambia as well as Nigeria & Benin.

Background of AFCON

This continental football tournament started in 1957 with 3 countries participating, namely; Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. The tournament kept expanding and in 2019 it reached 24 teams. All African nations are given chance to participate in the preliminary stages of qualifications before the final 24 teams are confirmed.

The first tournament was held in Khartoum Sudan where Egypt defeated the hosting nation. The first trophy to be won was Abdel Aziz Abdullah Salem trophy which was named after the first president of CAF Egyptian Abdel Aziz Abdullah Salem. Later in 2002 it was renamed  the cup of nations till date. This tournament has showcased the talents of Africans and promoted unity.

AFCON is held every 2 years. The 2023 tournament will be hosted in Ivory Coast in West Africa followed by Morocco in 2025. Uganda won the prize of hosting African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2027 with her neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania. This will be the first time to host AFCON in three different countries at once. It will be the first time for East Africa to host the AFCON tournament.

The teams will be grouped and these groups will be alternating in these 3 countries. These nations under East African Pamoja won the prize after meeting the requirements of hosting AFCON according to Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Minimum requirements to host AFCON

Nations should be with at least 6 stadiums with padded VIP and VVIP seats, turnstiles at all gates, and CCTV monitors. Stadiums should have a media center, press conference that can host 50 media personnel, a photography area, and Virtual Assistant Referee technology. 

Host Countries should have at least three training grounds near the match venues.

The nations must also have accommodations including five star hotels and hospitals. 

All these requirements are needed so as to facilitate the 24 teams that will  participate in the 2027 tournament and their accompanying delegates. 

By 2027, it is believed that these nations will be eligible to host the tournament. For instance Uganda is upgrading  Mandela national and Nakivubo  stadiums in Kampala capital city to meet the CAF standards. Several stadiums are being constructed like Denver Goodwin stadium in Garuga along  Entebbe road,Lira stadium in Northern Uganda, Hoima stadium in Western Uganda. Building these facilities will bring transformation in the Uganda sports industry through inspiring talents, boost tourism and create jobs which will lead to local economic development. 

Since these stadiums are located in different parts of the country one will have a chance to explore Uganda culture, attractive sceneries, heritage sites, wildlife. For instance Hoima municipality is located close to lake Albert, Kibaale forest, and Murchison falls national parks. The protected areas are rich in biodiversity including chimpanzees, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, birds. Short safaris and excursions are available for booking through a local tour operator with opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities such as boat cruise, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking.  

Uganda’s record in AFCON 

The national football team known as the Uganda Cranes first qualified for the 3rd edition of AFCON in 1962. The team again qualified in 1974 for the second time in a row and played against Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Zambia. Uganda lost in the first round and qualified for the third consecutive time in 1976 in Group A with Guinea, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Guinea defeated Uganda by 2-1.

In the 6th AFCON edition of 1978 Uganda reached the finals and lost 2-0 to Ghana. Since then, Uganda didn’t participate in AFCON until 2017, which was almost 40 years. Today, the sports industry, especially football, has grown beyond the  national level. There are over 30 teams that play under the Uganda Premier League including Vipers FC, KCCA, Express FC, and Sports Club Villa. These teams also participate in the regional tournaments under the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA).

What it means to Uganda

Hosting AFCON in Uganda will come with a variety of opportunities that will also affect other areas in addition to sports.

Hotel and hospitality

Many people who are going to be moving in the country will require accommodation where they will spend their time during the tournament. These include the executive staff of those teams, players, supporters among others. Hotels will boost due to the revenue earned from these people. Hospitality department will gain a lot since they have to prepare  food for these people thus increasing the government revenues and improving people’s well being.

Tourism

AFCON 2027 will boost the tourism sector since people will be moving from different countries to Uganda. During and after the tournaments there are opportunities for those intending to go on trips. Since some of these stadiums are located in different parts of the country one will have a chance to explore Uganda culture, attractive sceneries, heritage sites, wildlife. For instance Hoima municipality is located close to lake Albert, Kibaale forest, and Murchison falls national parks.

Infrastructure development

Since people will be moving from different countries to Uganda they will require using different means of transport to reach their final destination  including road transport, air transport and use of railway. People will need to move to places like training areas, hotels, airports, recreation centers among others. Since stadiums will be in different locations of the country, Uganda Airlines and the state buses will be used to take players and delegates.

Employment opportunities

AFCON will also create job opportunities for the unemployed youths both the skilled and unskilled laborers in places like training grounds, recreation centers, hotels, among others that will improve their well being. They’re also needed in construction and rehabilitation of stadiums. The tournaments will boost the agriculture sector since demand for food will be increased and other agricultural products like dairy products, fruits, coffee so as to  sustain the players and other people. This will boost the wellbeing of vendors, trades, and farmers. The hosting of AFCON will stimulate the construction of world class stadiums and ancillary facilities like hotels, recreation centers, roads and improve infrastructure development. 

What to see and do in Uganda 

Uganda is a diverse environment with breathtaking sceneries with many national parks. These protected areas are rich in biodiversity including chimpanzees, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, birds. Short safaris and excursions are available for booking through a local tour operator with opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities such as boat cruise, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking, gorgeous waterfalls,  mighty lakes and rivers, spectacular forests and  expansive plains. Top attractions in Uganda are. 

Rhino trekking is a one day trip from Kampala and offers an opportunity to see southern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary found in Nakasongola 166.7 km (3-hour drive) north west of Kampala and Entebbe. The sanctuary is home to over 40 rhinos as well as bushbucks, endangered pangolin, birds including shoebill stork, African fish eagle. 

Game viewing

Game drives and boat cruises are done in savannah parks which include;  Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo national parks. These activities offer one to see many African wildlife up close. For instance Murchison falls is a home to four of big fives which include; elephants, lions,buffaloes,leopards as well as Nubian giraffes, antelope species such as; jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck.

The highlights in Murchison is a boat cruise along the Victoria nile and hike of the top of the falls where one has a close view to the two falls.Queen Elizabeth gives one a chance to see tree climbing lions and other three big fives but the park has no giraffes.Boat cruise in queen is done on Kazinga channel which connects lake George and Edward. This gives one a close encounter  with hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, water birds like shoebill stork, kingfisher, 

Lake Mburo is located in Kiruhura district 240km (4hr drive) south west of kampala, making it the  closest park for an excursion and a 2 day trip. Wildlife  highlights in the park include; elands,zebras,impalas and Nubian giraffes. The park boosts lake Victoria Endemic birds like;papyrus gonolek, pared harrier,whistling duck and shoebill stork. The area covers about 5 lakes, the largest being lake Mburo where boat cruises are done. The park offers walking safari, cycling, horseback riding and night game drive. One will have to stop at the equator for photoshoots, buy art crafts and taste local foods  on the way to or from Lake Mburo. 

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks offers an opportunity to see half of the world’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Both parks are situated in south west Uganda and one can decide to visit one of the parks on a short 3 day gorilla tour from Kampala capital city. The trekking permit cost is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and $250,000 UGX for East African citizens available for booking through a tour operator. 

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimpanzee trekking is another trip one can take to Kibale national park famous for harboring 12 primate species including chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, gray cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobuses. The trekking permit cost is $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents and UGsh 100000 for East African citizens. In addition to chimpanzee habituation, swamp walks in Bigodi and Kihingani wetlands.  

Cultural and historical tours

City tour and culture. One can decide to take a bodaboda  and tour the capital city of Uganda and this can be accompanied with visiting cultural places like Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s palace. religious centers like the Old Kampala mosque  at its top where one can view the whole of Kampala , Bahai temple, Lubaga and Namirembe cathedral.

Mountain hiking

Mountain hiking in Uganda  can be done  on Mount Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabinyo in Mgahinga national park. All these are day hikes that range from easy to medium level. The snow capped Rwenzori mountains, the third highest peak in Africa and is ideal for technical mountain climbers and takes 5-12 days to complete. Those intending to enjoy waterfalls can visit Sipi falls in Kapchorwa district where one is able to enjoy abseiling over the view of the cliff face and also visit the nearby Arabica coffee farm. 

White-water rafting

Rafting and tubing at the source of the Nile River is done in Jinja city located 82 km (2-hour drive) east of Kampala capital city. On the way to Jinja, you can make a stopover at Mabira Forest for Ziplining. Other activities to do in Jinja include; bungee jumping, boat cruise at source of the nile.

However there are other excursions that can be done for example; Mabamba forest along Entebbe road for birding, Ssese and Kalangala island for beach and water sports experiences.

ACCOMMODATION. 

Uganda has got a wide range of accommodation that can facilitate visitors ranging from five star hotels to the budget ones. These include; Sheraton, Serena, protea, africana, imperial Royale hotel among others. 

Mabira central forest reserve is 54 km (1-hour drive) east of Kampala. It is located in Buikwe district along Kampala-Jinja highway. Mabira is a good place to go on brief excursions such as birding, cycling, and environmental study trips.

Adventure experiences including zip lining and camping with bush meals are available. Mabira also offers a wide range of accommodation with self-catering facilities for groups as well as 3 eco bandas, and a lodge. Those intending to spend several nights have the chance to explore the rich biodiversity including 23 mammal species, 218 butterfly species, over 300 species of birds, 97 moth species, and 202 tree species.

Mabira is an important Ecotourism destination with such a variety of wildlife to see.  However, the forest is surrounded by urban centers including Mukono, Lugazi, Jinja, and Kampala capital city. As such, Mabira is one of the highly threatened tropical forests in the region. Environmentalists continue to reject the recent demands to convert a portion of the forest for sugar cane growing. The government recognized Mabira as a key biodiversity area under the national forest conservation plan 2002. Since then, the forest has been protected and restored to conserve its flora and fauna species and the environment at large.

History of Mabira central forest reserve 

Mabira was gazetted as a central forest reserve in 1932, at the time it spanned over 29,593 ha. During the colonial era, the forest was subject to commercial timber harvesting and there was significant encroachment after independence in 1962. Due to increased settlements, the forest has since shrunk in size.

Today, less than 70% of the remaining forest serves as primary moist tropical semi-deciduous forest. The rest is secondary growth vegetation containing savanna and papyrus swamps both in the north and south towards the shores of Kyoga and lake Victoria respectively.

The elevation is 1,070 meters from the shorelines, and it undulates northward across gently sloping hills. The tallest point in Mabira forest is Najjembe hill at 1,356 meters. The forest is found on well drained ferralitic soils due the location between Kyoga in the north and Victoria Nyanza in the south.

Sezibwa river flows through and empties into lake Kyoga. Visitors can visit Sezibwa falls located in Mukono district 4 km off the Kampala-Jinja highway. The fertile and productive land around Mabira is one of the factors attracting farmlands that continue to threaten biodiversity. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) was mandated in 2004 to manage and develop ecotourism. This has been possible through a number of strategies such as carrying out biodiversity inventories, reafforestation, and demarcating the boundaries.

Flora and fauna in Mabira central forest reserve 

After obtaining the database on the species and ecosystems, Mabira forest was designated as an Important Bird Area in 2008 due to the presence of species that are threatened with extinction. According to NFA, there are 202 tree species of which 5 are classified as endangered. These include brown mahogany (lovoa swynnertonii), Ugandan greenheart tree (warburgia ugandensis), African nutmeg (pycnanthus angolensis), star apple leaf (celtis chrysophyllum), African wild mango (also in Budongo forest), and African teak (milicia excelsa).

There are over 300 bird in Mabira species including lake Victoria basin endemics and species of the Guinea- Congo forest, and Sudan-Guinea savanna biomes.  In particular, the 6 species of the Guinea- Congo forest biome in Mabira central forest reserve include gray longbill, yellow mantled weaver, Nahan’s francolin, yellow longbill (macrospenus flavicans), capuchin babbler, and black-shouldered nightjar.

The reserve is also a breeding ground for 4 Afro-tropical highland birds including the gray-headed flycatcher (trochocercus nitens). Only one species of the Sudan-Guinea savanna biome exists in Mabira, the bristle-crowned starling (onychognathus salvadorii). There are 23 mammal species and the most important for tourism are birds and primate species including gray cheeked mangabeys, which are habituated for tourism.

What to do and see in and around Mabira central forest reserve

Mabira central forest offers a variety of adventure activities including zip lining, cycling, primate tracking, and birding. Booking a tour to Mabira is available through a tour operator. Sezibwa Falls and Jinja are two additional locations that can be included in the tour. The roadside market in the Najjembe trading center is worth visiting to get fresh food and snacks while traveling. Mabira is a good destination for those planning day trips from Kampala  capital city.

Mangabey tracking 

One of the largest known populations of Uganda mangabeys (lophocebus ugandae) might be found in Mabira forest. There are three groups of the monkeys that have been habituated for tourism, giving visitors the chance to observe them. The likelihood of seeing Uganda mangabeys at Mabira Forest is high, similar to the Bigodi Swamp Walk.

Zip lining 

The Mabira forest zipline offers a chance to soar above treetops and waterfalls on Musamya river. The ziplines stretch for 250 meters, making it one of the longest in Uganda. The activity begins at Griffin Falls Camp and is done over the course of two sessions, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to explore the  Mabira forest and tour the local villages and farmlands. Bikes are available for hire at Griffin falls camp, which is the starting point. There’s a wide range of bikes and routes to select depending on fitness level and time. Experienced bikers can go for long routes up to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.

Sezibwa falls

Sezibwa waterfalls in Kayanja village, Buikwe district 3 km off the Kampala-Jinja highway. While traveling to or from Mabira, you might stop over for birding and to learn about the story behind their formation. The falls, which are 7 meters tall, were formed when huge rocks caused the Sezibwa river to split into two rivers.

Sezibwa, however, is a well-known figure in Buganda folklore. Traditional legend tells a story of a woman named Nakungu Tebatesa who gave birth to twin boys named Sezibwa the older and Kato the younger one. Among the Baganda, giving birth to twins is a blessing and unusual things always happen. They’re thought to be eternal beings and in this case they become living rivers. The twins in Buganda are sanctified through rituals, making the location a significant spiritual and cultural site. Many villagers visit Sezibwa to pray to the gods for favors in all facets of their lives. Given that it has been designated for a sacred or religious use.

Accommodation 

Those intending to spend the night there, Mabira forest offers a range of accommodation including camping sites and lodges available for booking through a tour operator. Alternatively, you can opt for one day excursions to Mabira central forest reserve.

How to get there

Mabira forest is 59 km (1.5-hour drive) east of Kampala capital city and 54 km west of Jinja city. The forest is easy to identify given that it is bisected by the highway. Those coming from Kampala need to begin early to escape the traffic jam. Any type of car can travel smoothly on the tarmac road, although careful driving is required owing to the presence of big trucks on the road. Those traveling from Kampala must start early to avoid the traffic jam.

Northern Uganda faced war and violence from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) between 1998 and 2006 which made the area to lag behind in tourism and development. Most Uganda safaris take place in the western region where Ecotourism allows visitors to visit gorillas, chimps, and wildlife in 8 of the 10 national parks.

Government and other stakeholders are now focusing on the northern region as another tourist destination to diversify both economic opportunities and travel offers in Uganda. Taking  a trip through northern Uganda offers a chance to go off-the-beaten track. A number of attractions have been uncovered under the local tourism campaign dubbed Explore Uganda including Aruu falls, Fort Patiko, Ajulu rock, Gulu city and the culture of the Acholi people. Gulu, the biggest urban area in the region, is 334km (6-hour drive) north of Kampala

Attractions along the way 

On the way to northern Uganda there are several attractions to visit including roadside markets, Murchison falls, Budongo forest, Karuma falls and hydropower station. Making stopovers helps you to slow down and recharge for the journey ahead.

Roadside markets 

Highways in Uganda are characterised by vibrant roadside markets and the Kampala-Gulu highway is no exception. Along the way in Luwero town, 62km (1-hour drive) from Kampala, you will find Kasana market with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and street foods such as Mchomo, roasted chicken, and Gonja (roasted Matooke). While in Luwero, an arrangement can be made to visit pineapple farms off the main road and get authentic engagement with local farmers.

Murchison falls national park

Those with enough time can also do a safari to Murchison falls national park. Doing so requires using a different route from Kampala to Masindi via the park to Pakwach and Gulu. This allows you to see Budongo forest, visit the top of the falls, see the Nile River at the New bridge, and take game drives through the northern Paara plains and exit the park at Tangi gate.

Uganda’s biggest protected area is rich in biodiversity including 76 species of mammals, 451 species of birds, and primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and patas monkeys. You should consider a stopover on the way to the north. The park offers a boat cruise along Victoria Nile, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest. Booking for these activities is available through Uganda Wildlife Authority or tour operator. Payments for park entrance and activities are strictly cashless.

Karuma falls 

Karuma falls and hydropower station is 198 km (2-hour drive) north of Luwero town, making another great stopover midway. At Karuma you will see the waterfalls and the power station built along the Nile River to generate 600 megawatts and extend electricity in northern Uganda. This has helped to foster development of factories for fruit processing, warehousing and growth of small trading centres for smallholder businesses. Gulu city now has become a center of trade for people in the neighbouring Arua city in West Nile sub-region and those trading goods between Uganda, South Sudan, and DR Congo.

Gulu city and Acholiland

Gulu city is 71km (1-hour drive) north of Karuma and 120 km (2-hour drive) north east of Pakwach town. Being the largest urban centre, Gulu should be the main destination upon which to explore the attractions in northern Uganda. This implies doing several roundtrips from the town including visiting cultural and historical sites such as Fort Pariko, Ajulu rock hiking, and Aruu falls (in the neighbouring Pader district).

You can have time to enjoy the nightlife experience in Gulu as well as explore the rich cultural heritage of the Acholi people, who are part of the Luo speaking groups who are also found in South Sudan which conforms to the theory of where they migrated from. They reached northern Uganda and formed the Acholi chiefdom led by Rwot who was succeeded by Atigo. By then, the land was full of wildlife including many African elephants, and rhinos that attracted ivory traders into the area.

All the subclans living in Gulu among other 7 districts including Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Amuru, Nwoya, Omoro, and Lamwo are believed to be his descendants. Gulu being the most developed city offers opportunities to meet the Acholi and learn about their culture. In particular, there are venues such as restaurants that serve Acholi local cuisine, bars, and gardens for traditional and contemporary music and dance.

Cassava and sweet potatoes are the staple food served with Boo; a sauce made of green leafy vegetables. After meal fests, the people would dance for the chief. Bwala is a prominent traditional dance among the Acholi, though there are other dances such as Larakaraka. Acholi are some of the energetic performers, a reason why the British recruited them into the army.

Aruu waterfalls 

The falls are situated in Pader district 109 km (1-hour drive) north of Gulu city. Aruu falls are a series of 5 waterfalls along the Agago river, a tributary of the Nile. Aruu means “beautiful like the sun” in English, making for a good site for keen photographers.

Fort Patiko

One of the historical forts to visit in Uganda, Fort Patiko is located on Ocecu hill 30km from Gulu city. There are 3 stone-built forts that were built in 1872 after terrible ordeals between the Arab slave traders and British colonial agents including Sir Samuel Baker and Emin Pasha. They were overseeing the northern region to be incorporated into Uganda as a protectorate. The forts served as stores for merchandise including weapons, ivory, slaves, and foodstuffs.

Gulu was at a strategic point along the central slave trade route and allowed the traders to access the rich wildlife in the land. They took them to the main centers such as Bagamoyo in Tanzania along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The hill was a territory of Atigo and even though the forts were renamed Patiko, the locals believe they belong to them. They are still surviving today which helps to promote the history of northern Uganda and the personality of Atigo.

Ajulu rock hike

Ajulu rock is on the hill of the same name a few meters north of Fort Patiko. Ajulu means upbringing and it is on this hill that the Acholi chiefs used to carry out ceremonies. They included teaching morals to the young such as how to cook for girls and boys to hunt, lead and offer security for their families and villages.

That’s why Acholis were identified as worries better suited for military work. Many Acholi men are known to have been taken to many parts of the world during World War II. The Acholi people are proud of their culture and history, which they have preserved for tourism. Visitors expect to get out and do some walking around these sites. Booking trips to northern Uganda can be done through a tour operator.

The Uganda Martyrs day was first celebrated on 3rd June in 1975. It has since become one of the major public holidays in Uganda. The annual celebrations take place at the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs shrine located at Namugongo hill in Kampala capital city.

Every year, millions of people travel to Namugongo for pilgrimage with a crowd of 4,000,000 pilgrims reported in 2019. In addition to Ugandans other pilgrims come from neighbouring countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, and DR Congo. Others travel overseas from other continents like Europe, Asia, North and South America. These Christian devotees come to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for faith in Christ as well as renewing their own faith in God.

Movement of pilgrims to Namugongo

Depending on location, they start their pilgrimage as early as possible to reach the Namugongo on time. For instance, over 200 Catholics left St. Mary’s Rushoroza Cathedral on May 22, 2023 in Kabale Municipality, south-west Uganda. With vigour and passion, they will travel over 408 km across 5 districts on foot to Kampala in the central region.

More pilgrims are expected to turn from various parts of the country and from abroad. As such, thorough preparations are set up to ensure a seamless holiday including maximum hygiene, safety, and security. Emphasis is highly put on the form of entertainment, which must keep up with the mood for believers. “Lord is our faith” is the theme for Uganda martyrs’ day 2023. The word of God is taken from the Gospel of Luke 17:5. The songs of praise will be sung in English and several local languages including Swahili, Iteso, Lugbara (West Nile). This is meant to cater for the diversity of people in all the regions of Uganda.

History

The history of Uganda martyrs goes far beyond the time they were killed between 1885 – 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II who was the king of Buganda kingdom. France sent two catholic missionaries to Uganda in 1879. Father Simeon Lourdel Mapera and Br. Amans Delmas arrived at Entebbe and began to spread the religion.

Under the instruction of the White Brothers Society, “By winning over the chief, you will do more for the progress of the mission than if you won over one-by-one hundreds of poor blacks” As written in the book “The Catholic Church in the Buddu Province of Buganda, 1879-1925 by Fr. John Mary Waligo.” The British Anglican Church and the Islam were already present in parts of Equatorial Africa.

However, the French won Kabaka’s heart who then accepted and there are 24 Uganda Martyrs of which 13 were burnt alive at Namugongo and 9 in other parts of the country. The martyrs trail offers opportunities to explore the sites including St. Balikudembe burial ground in Owino Market downtown Kampala capital city, Munyonyo Martyrs shrine in Entebbe, Rubaga Cathedral, and Paimol shrine in Gulu city northern region.

The French missionaries learn and translate Luganda into manual scripts (catechetics) borrowing words from Latin, Arabic, and Swahili. Eventually, they taught and created martyrs how to read and write the catechist manuals. Then it became easier to convert as many people as people. They also initiated baptism with the instruction for converts to deny his traditional beliefs or die in faith, which upset the Kabaka.

Besides, Mwanga remained undecided amidst the competing religions (Catholicism, Anglican, and Islam), of which all were against his own. Local chiefs who had converted into saints were also not willing to give up their new religious beliefs, which sparked conflict within the kingdom of Buganda. Besides, the White Fathers had also initiated other missions like growing vegetables and cash crops, medical and orphanage schools.

Kabaka Mwanga then ordered his people to kill those who opposed him starting with Joseph Mukasa Balikudembe, who was beheaded on November, 15, 1885. The martyrs were killed because of the catechism philosophy that taught them not to denounce their faith even if it meant dying. In other words, they died for their faith in Christ and His body, which is the church. Fathers of the Catholic Church instigated a tribunal to have them declared martyrs of purity. The names of 22 martyrs were recorded for beautification by Pope Benedict XV on 6 June 1920. They were canonized on 3rd June in 1964 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by Pope Paul VI, who visited Namugongo in 1969.

The Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo

The Basilica of the Martyrs was built in 1968 with a capacity of 1,000 people. Standing on 26 hectares of land, Uganda martyrs shrine at Namugongo has spacious gardens, a lake with enclosing pavilions, and an amphitheatre for people to see what happens inside at the altars. Romu hotel, which is next to the shrine offers accommodation and space at for retreats, crusades, and weddings. Namugongo is 12 km from the city centre, making it easy to include in your Kampala city tour available for booking through tour operator. You will explore the history and look at the visual pictures and sculptures in the martyr’s museum.