Cultural heritage sites in Uganda

Cultural sites in Uganda

There are various cultural sites that a visitor can enjoy while on a cultural safari site tour to Uganda. These sites include the following;

  

Kings Palace (Bulange Mengo)

 

Lubiri which is found in Mengo division Kampala 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 and any visitor can visit this parliament.

Bahai Temple Kampala: 

Bahai Temple is the only temple in Africa for the Bahai faith. The beautiful architecture plus well tented gardens that stretch over 30 hectares are some of the attractions at the site. This temple is found on top of Kikaya Hill in Kampala. The temple has nice looking windows which filter beautiful light into it.

Kasubi Royal Tombs (Masiiro):

The Kasubi Royal Tombs or Masiiro in local kiganda language is a world heritage site that receives the highest number of cultural visitors in Uganda. This site experienced retaliation when it was burnt by unknown people. However, it is being reconstructed by Baganda people in order to restore their historical trace. Kasubi Royal Tombs is where kings of Buganda are buried and it is highly respected.

  

Kabaka’s Lake:

  

This is a manmade lake and is found near Mengo. 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.

Namugongo Martyr’s Shrine: 

 

This is a religious shrine and a historical site in Uganda which brings back the memory of the 30 Ugandan Catholics and Protestants martyrs who were burnt to death. These martyrs were burned on the 3^rd June 1889 on the orders of the Kabaka. A historical building was constructed at the site and it contains all the details about every martyr. Every 3^rd of June, both Catholics and Protestants make holy pilgrimages to this site and it is a public holiday in Uganda.

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 Kabaka`s of Buganda.

Rubaga & Namirembe Cathedrals:

 

These are religious buildings for worship with great architectural designs, Namirembe Cathedral was the first to be 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.