Cultural sites/Historical sites in western Uganda are quite placed with thrilling features that spice up your travel to the pearl of Africa – Uganda Safari. After these covid-19 times, you wish to replenish your livelihood by taking a stroll to the western part of Uganda. some of these cultural sites include;
- Bigo bya Mugenyi.
Bigo bya Mugenyi is located in a place called Ntusi in Mubende district in western Uganda a place for the vanished Bachwezi people who were said to be demi gods. They are believed to have occupied Bigo bya Mugenyi between the 11th and 16th century.
- Igongo cultural center
Situated about 13km from Mbarara town on the Mbarara-Kampala. highway, Igongo cultural center is one of those places you would love to be in a while in western Uganda. The cultural center lays on the grounds of a former palace of the Ankole kingdom. when you arrive at the center, you will be welcomed by a beautiful view of the gardens and a nice looking setup that holds a museum, a crafts shop and a restaurant.
- Karambi Tombs
Karambi tombs are also known as the royal tombs are situated in western part of Uganda 4 kilometres south of Fort portal town. they are also part of Cultural sites/Historical sites in western Uganda. It’s a burial ground of the three kings of Toro kingdom known as kyebambe kamurasi, Rukidi III and olumi kaboyo II.
- Mparo tombs
Mparo tombs is the burial grounds of omukama(king) kabalega Chwa II. The tombs are located in Mparo division about 4 kilometers along the Hoima Masindi Road. Many people visit Mparo Tombs to perform rituals and also honor or seek blessings from their fallen king, omukama Kabalega.
- Itaaba kyabanyoro (omutima GwAnkole)
Itaaba kyabanyoro is located in kinoni Rwampara 10 kms from Mbarara town on the Mbarara- kabale highway. This is one of Ankoles most significant cultural sites, for it was here that Wamala the last king of Bachwezi crafted the sacred Ankole royal drum called Bagyendanwan which is the ultimate symbol of power and legitimacy in Ankole culture and an omugabe only recognized if he possesses it.
Itaaba kyabanyoro is that it was the birth place of the founder of Ankole kingdom. Omugabe Asiimwe Ntare V1 Rubambansi is using his palace located on the hill as a learning center that focuses on telling and showing the history and traditions of the kingdom of Ankole.
- Nkokonjeru tombs
Nkokonjeru tombs are located in kakiika, Mbarara, The tombs are the resting place of Ankoles last two kings, Omugabe Edward Solomon kahaya II who dies in 1944 and omugabe sir Charles Rutahabaa Gasyonga II who died in 1982 after ruling for 23 years. The Nkokonjeru Tombs are located inside a deserted colonial -style house, marked by 2 concrete slabs and outside are 9 several tombstones marking the graves of other Royal family members.
- Rwagimba hot springs
Rwagimba hot springs are found in kibiito sub county in Kabarole district, this hot spring is found in River Rwimi that divide kabalore and kasese. The hot springs attract people in the area to explore their rich culture, beliefs and history and are known as the hot well for the kings of Tooro kingdom. it has the capacity of boiling eggs in 3minutes only although it has other points warm water for massage, muscle stretching and cold water from the river. if you are not interested to do the hiking, we can reach to the hot springs with the vehicle on the way, we can also see the peaks, crater lakes, panoramic views of cliffs, valleys, small mammals in the mountains which makes the activity extremely nice and entertaining. lunch/snacks can either be packed from your lodge or prepared from the hot springs and don’t forget to ask your guide to show you the seat of dreams and the healing stone
- Semwema rock shelter
The site is about 2km west of kakumiro trading center and just 1.5kms East of Munsa earthworks in kibale district. It is also believed to be the meeting place or the parliament of the Bachwezi. Its where the feasting period among the Bachwezi takes place making it an active shrine of the Bachwezi people. The underneath of the shrine is a rock shelter which can accommodate about 200 people.
- Isunga cold springs
Isunga cold springs are located in Isunga 22 km from Fort Portal town on Kamwenge road. The forces push water from underground with pressure but reaching the ground when its cold. Its recently discovered and managed by the Isunga cultural community.
TOORO CULTURE
Tooro culture such as dressing code, pet names (Empaako like Amooti, akiiki among others) traditional music, dance and meals art work among others and these can be organized by Isunga culture community in Kibale National park.
