Enjoy Uganda with all of it’s cultural heritage with a couple of cultural sites split up in different regions of the country. All of these cultural sites are amazing, attractive and peaceful places that are a must visit to those coming to Uganda.
Rubaga & Namirembe Cathedrals
Namirembe Cathedral was first established by the protestant missionaries in early 1903.It was later struck by lightning and was reconstructed in 1919.Rubaga Cathedral was established in 1880 and it is found on Rubaga hill that overlooks Kampala.
Bigo bya Mugyenyi
Bigo bya Mugyenyi, loosely translated as “Fort of a Stranger” is a 10 square kilometers array of archaeological earthworks that are believed to have been put in place between the 13th and 17th centuries.There are two trench synergies at Bigo bya Mugenyi, the inner is made up of 4 openings that pour into each other while the outer is the one that trails and connects with Katonga River. This place has ancient spears that guards used at the camp before making their destination to the Katonga River. A number of grass-thatched huts where set up at the fort to shelter the keepers. Right next to it is a fenced and well-maintained site on an elevated ground where people seek for wealth and blessings from the Chwezi gods. At this cultural site many local people go there to talk to the Chwezi gods.
Nyero Rock Paintings
The famous Nyero rock paintings are claimed to have been structured by the very early people who settled in the area. A portion of tourists who make respective destinations to Nyero Rock Paintings also get a chance to explore the 3 caves around the landmark. It is all worth it to see rock art dated back to before 1250 AD. Nyero has three rock shelters that are a good distance apart from each other. They were first documented in 1913 and were a part of the tradition of illustrations in red pigment, common throughout Africa.
Bahai Temple
The Bahai faith began to take root in Uganda in 1951. The Bahai temple located in Kampala is the only temple that remains in Africa for the Bahai faith. It has received hundreds of visitors from across the world. . The beautiful architecture plus well tented gardens that stretch over 30 hectares are some of the attractions at the site. The beautiful grounds attract many photographers of all calibers. If you want to learn more from their religious customs, join the locals for service Sunday mornings. This temple is found on top of Kikaya Hill in Kampala. The temple has nice-looking windows which filter beautiful light into it.
Kings Palace Bulange Mengo
Lubiri (Mengo) is the palace of the Kabaka (king of Buganda).This palace was built in 1885 and it is estimated to cover 4 square miles. Opposite the palace, there is a spired Bulange, which acts as Buganda’s parliament building. It is free for someone to enter this parliament.
Kabaka’s Lake
This is found near Mengo and it is Buganda Kabaka’s Lake. The lake covers about 5 acres just on the outskirts of Kampala. This lake was created during the regime of Kabaka Mwanga (in 1880) mainly for his enjoyment inform of fishing and swimming. The Kabaka had a plan of extending this lake to lake Victoria with an aim of creating an escape corridor during times of war, but this was not achieved. A cultural safari to this historical lake comes with other tourism activities like birding and spot fishing.
Naggalabi (Buddo Coronation Site)
This site is found on the hilltop at Naggalabi Buddo and it referred to as the historical heart of Buganda. Naggalabi site is where the Kindom of Buganda was birthed and it’s where every Kabaka is crowned from. While at Nagali Buddo, a visitor can visit the main sacred sites and even literally walk in the footsteps of the present and past Kabakas of Buganda.
The Uganda Museum
This is the only place in Uganda where a diverse collection of natural-historical and traditional life collections of Uganda’s cultural heritage is exhibited. This historical site was established in 1908 with an aim of preserving Uganda’s history. Among the historical equipments that are found in the Museum include; historical hunting equipments, musical instruments, weapon entomology and archaeology.
The Sezibwa Falls
The vibrations of the falls through the rocks and the atmosphere is extremely the best for relaxation. Besides the main Sezibwa falls, the surrounding is quite awesome as well. There are roads within the scenery that you can stride on to get more looks of the beautiful trees, wildlife, monkeys and some bit birds. For nature lovers, there are hikes along the river. If you have a thing for jumping off of cliffs into swirling pools of water, Sezibwa Falls has that covered too. The pool just below the falls is a popular cliff jumping location. So grab your swimsuit, a nice pair of hiking boots, Sezibwa Falls is one of the nicest, most relaxing places you can visit.
Ndere Centre-Kampala
This cultural centre is situated in Kampala amid beautiful tropical gardens and it has a collection of Ugandan culture. At the site, there is a craft shop, a Café and an outdoor stage where cultural performances are presented from. The Ndere Troupe comprises of cultural dancers, musicians and singers from across Uganda.
Igongo Cultural Center
gongo Cultural Center is prominently known for its Erijukiro Museum that features collections from all the cultures of south western Uganda. Besides the cultural museum, the center has a well set Kahwa Kanuzire restaurant that serves delicious traditional cuisine in traditional equipment to allow travellers on safari in Uganda to have a taste of African tradition. The gardens of Igongo cultural center cannot escape to be mentioned as they have always amazed the tourists. The magnificent sculpture of Mayenje g’ Ishinjo, an ancient historic cow that sparked off the war between Buhweju and Nkore Kingdoms, the sculpture of Ishe Katabazi a re-known man who applied a lot of survival tactics in a comic way and not forgetting the lush gardens that gives a true taste of the African green landscapes. Igongo Cultural Center worth to be included on the list while planning a safari.
The Equator
A popular attraction is to visit the equator, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. The mark represents the part of the Earth that receives more sunlight than any other and because of this it’s where you find the world’s most wildlife rich forests. The main equator landmark is about 70 km from Kampala towards the south west of the district and it takes about one hour to reach from the city.
The Nile
While you’re in this region of Africa, it’s worth heading to see the start of the Nile River to imagine the important events in history and the countries this great river has touched before gushing into the Mediterranean Sea. This all starts in this region and you can visit one of the Nile’s sources. The Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and ranks along with the Amazon River. One of the sources of this incredible waterway, you can see the start of the Nile at Jinja, which is about a two hour drive from Kampala through the Mabira forest. You can enjoy some boat trips around the lake and visit to the hydroelectric power plant at Bujagali Falls. The area around Jinja is also known as the adventure capital of East Africa. You can enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, and other adrenaline activities. The town itself is also worth a visit to see some examples of colonial architecture.
The Hot Springs
These hot springs are located in the Semliki River Valley which is below the escarpments in Bdibugyo town, un they are also located in two places where one is referred to as the male and the other is the female. These hot springs have greatly attracted many tourists. Sempaya hot springs is considered to be a mosaic of different micro habits which provide for variety of wildlife, which have attracted many visitors. The Semliki River is a favoured watering place for many animals which live in the park. The animals which are found in this park include; elephants, buffalo, leopards, civet, scaly tailed flying squirrel and bush baby, the park has also got 8 species of primates, 400 bird species and 300 butterfly species.