Uganda: A country of diverse cultures

Uganda has a variety of beautiful, large scenic spots, varied cultures, hospitable people and above all a very good climate with tropical sunshine that makes it green almost through out the year.

The Temperatures range from 18 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall ranges from 700mm to 1600mm per annum. Its naturalness explains it all. It is now explained as "Africa's Garden of Eden" by many visitors whose physical features moved Sir Winston Churchill to refer the country as the ' Pearl of the Nile ', an adage, which was later, changed to "The Pearl of Africa”.

Uganda lies between latitudes 4° 12' N and 1° 29' S, and longitudes 29° 34' E and 35° E. It covers a total area of 241,039 square km and stands in the heart of Africa across the Equator.

Uganda is a all year round holiday destination blessed with a diversity of wildlife found in its unique and lovely national parks with abundant populations of game.

A combination of wildlife and Uganda's cultural heritage weaves a thread of variety not only through the manner of dress, language and other characteristics but also in its variety of dishes, Music and drama, beliefs, rituals, festivals and general way of life of the local people.

Major ethnic groupings in Uganda include the Bantu, Nilotics, Nilo Hamites, Hamites and Sudanese.

The following are major cultural attractions in Uganda :

1. Kasubi Tombs: Burial grounds for the Kabaka's (Kings) of Buganda Kingdom. Inside the tombs are artifacts and regalia that belonged to the King.

2. Uganda Museum : The home of the history and artifacts of Uganda from Stone Age period todate.

3. Namugongo Martyrs Shrine: Place where 22 Christian converts were executed under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in 1886.

4. Kabaka's Lake: Excavated lake near Kampala in the late 1880's which was dug by Kabaka Mwanga who wanted to link it to Lake Victoria and was also a place for recreation of Kabaka during his free time.

5. The Source of River Nile: Picnic site and a spot where John Speke saw the source of River Nile in 1862.

6. Bujagalli Falls : Down stream falls about 6 km from Jinja town believed to belong to Father Bujagali.

7. Nyero Rock Paitings: The earliest and the only Stone Age rock paintings in Africa located in Kumi District

8. Mukongoro caves: Not known to many but are yet to be one of the greatest early caves to be named and discovered in Kumi District.

9. Sippi Falls : Marvelous falls located on Mt Elgon in Eastern Uganda in Mbale.Inhabited by the Bagishu who practice circumcision.

10. Murchison Falls : Found in Masindi District along River Nile . This is a spot where Chief Awich of Acholi used to drown his enemies upon capture during the battle in early 1800's .

11. Mparo Tombs in Hoima:Burial place for Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and his successors.

12. Nakaima Tree in Mubende: Point for religious cults of the Bachwezi related history.

13. Sempaya Hot Springs in Semiliki National Park : Believed to cure several ailments and bad omen.

Other cultural heritage in Uganda is geared to the following countrywide: dressing, language, dishes, beliefs, rituals, festivals, Art, Craft, Music and drama.

Do not miss to socialize with local people in Uganda and learn a lot about the way of life of the local people. Tips are very necessary especially when taking photographs.

For cultural desined itineraries in Uganda , contact the following Tour operators: