UGANDA CULTURAL SITES - OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

KATEREKE PRISON DITCH

Katereke Prison was dug by Kabaka Kalema in the late 19th Century. It is a unique relic from a particulary unstable and violent period in Buganda History. Today it is an attractive peaceful and shaded site comprising a circular ditch enclosing an area of about 70 metre in diameter. The ditch and bank are impressive earth works about 10 meters from the Top to bottom. Katereke prison ditch is a 30 minutes drive from Kampala past Buddo on Masaka road. Turn right at Nsangi trading centre (opposite the police post) and follow the dirt road for about 1 Km.

NAGGALABI CORONATION SITE BUDDO

Naggalabi Buddo is where the Kabakas of Buganda have been crowned for the past 700 years. It is said that Buganda accession ceremonies take place on Buddo Hill because it was there that Kintu the first kabaka of Buganda killed his brother Bemba and declared himself King in the 13th century. It is the most important single site in Ganda culture and lies in the heart of the Buganda Kingdom. The coronation of Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Kimera Mutebi II, which was attended by tens of thousands of people, took place at Naggalabi on 31st July 1993. The site is very pleasant with a panoramic view of the surrounding country side. The place is a 20 minutes drive from Kampala along Masaka road after Kyengera trading centre.

WAMALA TOMBS

Set on a Hilltop with beautiful surrounding. Wamala is the sacred burial place of kabaka Suuna II (1836-1856), who had 148 wives and 218 children. Suuna was the last King to be buried in his own Palace and the last to have his jaw bone removed after death. He was also the first king to admit outside trader into Buganda. A magical but almost forgotten place, Wamala Tomb is quite simply unique. It is a 30 minute drive from Kampala along Hoima road, located on hilltop about 2.5 km after the right turn on the road.

NNAMASOLE KANYANGE TOMBS

Kanyange Nnamasole Tombs are located on the Hillside looking across a valley to Wamala Tombs. The Tomb houses the body of Nnamasole Kanyange, the mother of kabaka Suuna II who is buried at Wamala. It also houses the body of subsequent Nnamasoles. The Tombs are an important place for rituals and ceremonies and contain a special sacred drum used for calling Suuna’s Spirit. An historic walk to the impressive Wamala tombs retraces the steps that Kanyange and Suuna followed to visit each other. The place is a 25 minutes drive along Bombo Road, turn left at Kagoma trading Centre.

BAAGALAYAZE NAMASOLE TOMBS

This site houses the tomb of Nnamasole Baagalayaze, the mother of Kabaka MwangaII, who died in 1916. She is revered by the local community as a very generous person. Now the tombs and its enclosure has become a cultural centre that celebrates the people and history of Buganda. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances (Music, dance and drama), try their hands at arts and craft and hear vivid stories about the kingdom and Kabakas of Buganda.
Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs are a 25 minutes drive from Kampala on Gayaza road. Turn left at Perverse trading centre opposite the big Mvule tree.

SSEZIBWA FALLS

The beautiful and spiritual Ssezibwa falls have long been the favourite of the Kabakas. Here the “ black- river water” tumbles over the rocks into the pool below and a traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children , a good harvest, or successful business deal. It is said that Kabaka Mwanga 11 planted a giant tree here to show his respect for the falls and MuteesaII planted another. Both trees are regarded as sacred gifts from the Kabakas. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic, explore the many local shrines or make an offering to the spirit, Ssezibwa is a wonderful place to visit. It is a 45 minutes drive from Kampala located along Jinja road after Mukono town. Turn right at Kayanja trading centre onto a dirt road and it is 1.5 km to the falls.

Uganda Safaris

Uganda Safari Offers

Adventure Travel

Uganda National Parks

Uganda Hotels

Uganda Travel Directory