Cultural Interaction
Uganda the Pearl of Africa has a very wide cultural heritage. Many regions in Uganda and kingdoms including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Tooro Kingdoms. Ugandans are remarkably hospitable and hail from a diversity of rich cultures and lifestyles, each tribe has its own traditional dance. The Banyankole perform their kitagururo dance, the Banyoro have their runyege, Acholi has the bwora and otole dances. The Alur people from the West Nile have the traditional Agwal dance, Bagisu has the Imbalu dance during circumcision ceremonies.
Culture and traditions are also expressed through a wide range of arts and crafts made from wood, Papyrus reeds and local materials. These include blacksmith implements beaded Jewelry, wood carvings and batiks. They can be found all over the city in some villages and communities, gift shops, hotels, Urban galleries and the National theatre craft market. While on your Uganda safari, consider taking on a cultural tour to the known destinations.
The Drums is the common instrument in Africa, also dominates Uganda in symbolism to African culture. A drum is made from animal skin of cows, goats, and other animals. They are also used for sending particular messages to the intended audience. Also in ritual ceremonies, drums are used for the last funeral rites, traditional worship, King installation, exorcism, circumcision and others.
Drums are used for entertainment, different drumming techniques are used by each tribe or Uganda cultures.
Cultural Sites in Uganda
Kasubi Tombs
These royal tombs in Kampala have located five kilometres from Kampala city the capital of Uganda to Kasubi hill. The Kasubi tombs are a very important cultural site in the Buganda Kingdom. It is a UNESCO heritage site and the tombs are burial grounds for four Kings of the Buganda Kingdom referred to as ‘Kabaka”. This significant location in the Buganda Kingdom takes a dome-like shape. A lot of royalty and respect is paid to this site. For many centuries, ancient Ganda rituals have been performed in this place. It holds numerous historical treasures of the Kingdom of Buganda. It is a place worth visiting while in Uganda.
The Sezibwa Falls.
These are one of the spiritual and impressive falls which holds a unique status to the Baganda people. For many years, this place has been a favourite spot the Buganda Kings. The Sezibwa falls are found in Mukono district. The Sezibwa falls hold too much spiritual significance. Kings Mutesa II and Mwanga who both were former kings are believed to have “tied” twins from here. Other than their cultural significance, the spectacular waterfalls are a fine location for rock climbing, bird watching, healing, watching the waterfalls and cultural dances.
Mparo Tombs
Mparo Tombs found in Hoima, are situated on Hoima Masindi road. The Mparo tombs are burial grounds for kings in the Bunyoro Kingdom. One of the most outstanding graves for the Omukama a title for their kings, in this place, is that of the Omukama Kabarega’s grave who is a very historic strong cultural leader in Uganda.
Bigo bya Mugenyi, Ntusi
This cultural site is located in Mubende district and holds numerous earthwork that was done by the Bachwezi people many years ago and other related kingdoms.
Namugongo Shrine
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Uganda is a very vital attraction in Uganda’s history. It is at this place where twenty-two catholic Christian converts were brutally executed following the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886.
At this place, touristic shrines have been erected by the Roman Catholic Church Christians and the Church of Uganda, and annually pilgrimages are made to this place. The victims of Mutesa’s brutality were canonized in 1869.
Baker’s Fort in Patiko
This cultural site is situated 32 kilometres north of the town of Gulu in Patiko sub-county. Baker’s Fort was founded by an early explorer in this country Baker. This striking stone structure is a birthright of Baker’s outstanding work against slavery in this area.