Have you ever imagined about traveling with your children in Uganda? Family trips are amazingly exciting, fun and it parents joy to have their children beside them while on safari in Uganda. Gone are the days when children were never part of a safari, today you and children can share the excitement together with Uganda’s magnificent attractions. While the safaris with children is exciting, there is need to be responsibly careful about having on board as well as take note of other travelers on the road as this entirely contributes to your safety and the rest of the road users.
Most Uganda car rentals come with hand books with driving guidelines for visitors who wish to travel along side their children. But unfortunately most visitors tend to enjoy the set rules and regulations and they end up culprits of road accidents as they poorly managed the children on board. To avoid such incidents, below are some of the guidelines for you to safeguard yourself and children on board.
Position the seats well.
Children under 12 years must travel in rare or back seats in their designated child seats or buckle up seat belts. Make sure that children ranging from two to six years are not next to the door of the vehicle so as to reduce the risk of them opening the doors while you are on high gear. To avoid any negative occurrences while traveling, make sure that all the doors are properly locked with central to prevent children from falling out of the vehicle.
Buckle up
All children who can fit well in the vehicle seats should properly buckle up. Do not drive when they are not on seat belts. The seat belts are of great value as they save lives up to 95% while on road. Buckle up the seat belts to make the children learn from you the adult person in the vehicle. Do not wait them to tell you about buckling up the seat belts.
Deal with loose car gear before setting off
Before setting off, be careful with loose ends of the vehicle especially the hanging roof materials, loosen seat belts or any other damage on the vehicle. If these things are not well assembled can cost lives that is why we advise you to be extra careful.
Inspect the car that you are going to use
Prior hitting the road to Uganda’s remotest areas for your safari, it is wise that you go through the interior and exterior conditions of the car to be used. Most children love playing behind the vehicle or even hide under the vehicle. There are many cases of this kind today but to be on safer side, take your time and cross check the car before setting off.
Avoid texting while driving
Texting and making calls while on high or slow gear is very dangerous for you and your children. These acts can make you go off road which might cost your life and the children. Not only is this behavior dangerous to you but also to the rest of other road users.
In conclusion, if you are planning to travel with children while on a safari in Uganda, make sure that you focus on what is brought on the road and make everything at a normal position. Avoid any kind of distraction that may cost you while on a safari. By doing this, many lives would have been saved not only yours but also for other road users. Enjoy your family trip in Uganda with our luxurious safari cars that can meet the needs of your family safaris.
You all must have heard the news by now if not fell it. The City is on a lockdown of sorts, movement is allowed but staying at home is generally what has been suggested. To ensure this is enabled, public transport has been postponed for at least two weeks whilst private cars are not allowed to carry any more than three people, including the driver.
But this is also a time to be cautious as a video of Uganda looting a fruit truck in downtown surfaces. The truck emerging from a place that looks like the mini-price area is quickly thronged by a gang of youth who each run off with as many pineapples as they can. That said, here is a summary of what the president said, for those who might have missed it.
ALL to all Public transport for passenger movement has been suspended for 14days and these include taxis, Costa’s, minibusses, buses, passenger trains, boda-boda motorcycles, tuk-tuks (tri-cycles).
All these are allowed to move but only if they are delivering cargo, food, and essential commodities and not passengers.
Should you choose to drive your private car, make sure not to carry more than three (3) people that is including the driver?
District administration has also been advised to mobilize boda-boda riders who can deliver cargo and foodstuff thereby reducing human movement and shared means of transport.
Any and all non-security government vehicles within districts to be parked at the district headquarters, and also to directly be handled by the District Health Office. This will come in handy should numbers escalate in a particular district.
Ambulances, Security forces, some government vehicles carrying out essential duties, and garbage trucks will also be allowed to move.
Within the city, specific companies will be identified to conduct the boda-boda delivery service of goods, also to minimize movement.
In all parts of the country, trading in non-essential items has been suspended for at least 14days.
Markets will remain open, on condition that they only sell the much-needed foodstuff, with emphasis on local food.
Government offices have been advised to work out a list of essential personnel that must remain on duty.
Supermarkets have been advised to control numbers, but encouraging deliveries, as opposed to the human traffic seeking out, said premises.
A recent meeting between the president and key stakeholders in the tourism sector saw pertinent issues raised. Amos Wekesa, a re-known tourism enthusiast and entrepreneur used the chance to speak up about the impact of the coronavirus on the sector. Wekesa asked the President why the tourism sector was still being taxed yet they weren’t working as much. This he later would explain once the President had directed the tourism officials to look into more flexible ways to deal with the issue.
“I think we have had a very good discussion with the president,” he said after the directive. “The president has given a direction that tourism ministry finds a way of saving the tourism industry find a way of saving the industry.” He said that in other countries, governments were doing more than just mitigating the impact on health alone. “You seeing what is happening to countries like the UK, it reduced their interest rates from 0.7% to 0.25%,” he said. “Italy has said no payment of mortgages as long as the virus is continuing.”
In Uganda, though no coronavirus case has been confirmed, Wekesa worries the bite is deep. “Now for Uganda, the tour operators are actually laying off our employees,” he said. “I know that for sure yesterday three lodges put off 70% of their stuff.” He worried the impact starts from the community but then becomes a national issue. “That means these kids are going to be very desperate in the villages and millions of people are gonna lose opportunities,” he said. “Because tourism is not just lodges and so on and forth.”
To explain the impact further, he traces the impact from the airport, all the way to the eateries. “What this means is that airport will not be getting the $50,” he started. “They will not be getting the landing fee, the petrol station will not be getting the fuel that was being bought by tourists.” He added that also while the restaurants won’t get the people to eat, the hotels will miss the room bookings, but generally, the pinch will be felt because tourists mostly spend more.
Safari lodges are usually located in remote destinations in National parks, forests, and lakes with an abundance of wild game, birds, and local communities to interact with. Uganda’s Safari Lodges offers a crystal-clear opportunity to venture into vast nature and wildlife with a surety of safety and splendid game drives.
Must Visit – Safari Lodges
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge
The lodge boasts of its closeness to the mighty Murchison Falls where its guests enjoy the thrilling experience of the incredible power of nature- a must visit
Paraa Lodge offers exquisite accommodation enclaves of lavish cottages, suites, double, twin, and single rooms, and en-suite private bathrooms all having breathtaking views of the Nile River from the balconies. The swimming pool makes a perfect place for a cool refreshing deep after a long day of Safari drive. Indulge in game drives, nature walks, Hot-air balloon Safari and bush breakfast
Chobe Safari Lodge
Enjoy an authentic luxury experience and an adventure Safari in the park with quality service at Chobe Safari Lodge. This is lodge nestled in the Murchison Falls National Park. The 5-star lodge is a unique treasure with an amazing ambience and definitely unveils your dream Safari vacation to reality. While at the lodge, engage in activities like fishing, Safari drives, nature walks, and visiting Murchison Falls and Bush breakfast.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla
Clouds Mountain Gorilla
Wondering where to stay on a luxury gorilla safari in Uganda? Perfectly located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the incredibly tranquil lodge setting, deep and yet elevated boasts of awesomely modern Cottages crafted out of the volcanic mountain stones with each featuring a spacious, comfortable bedrooms, bathrooms with walk-in-showers, lounge, and a blazing fireplace that keeps you warm and cozy.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers an incredible chance of a gorgeous view of the lush green rainforest. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda over 2000 feet above sea level. Indulge yourself in wildlife views, bird watching, Gorilla treks, Virunga volcanoes and the rift valley.
Mweya Safari Lodge
Mweya Safari Lodge
Beautifully situated on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge, is a truly charming lodge perfect for travelers who desire to connect with nature. It offers its guests, a mesmerizing view of the Kazinga Channel and the gorgeous mountains of the moon- Rwenzori Mountain.
Mweya Safari Lodge boasts its beautiful cottages and impeccably clean spacious and self-contained rooms. Other facilities include an amazing swimming pool with a great view of the channel, a Restaurant, a Business center, a gift shop, conference facilities, and the Tembo bar. Enjoy activities like; Birding, safari drives, water safari, chimpanzee trekking, Katwe explosion crater, and many others.
Apoka Safari Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge
With a beautiful view of the Savannah Vegetation, Apoka Safari Lodge is perched on a small hill in the Kidepo Valley National Park. The wildlife can be heard and viewed effortlessly from every angle of the lodge- the rooms, Veranda, and private outdoor soaking tub.
The accommodation is first-class. Simply impressive and breathtaking with a central dining area overlooking the waterholes allowing you to view wild game coming to quench their thirst. The cottages are amazingly decorated with an African touch that beautifully blends the surrounding. Enjoy a perfect swim at the skillfully crafted swimming pool at the edge of the rock.
Semiliki Safari Lodge
Semiliki Safari Lodge
The lodge is gorgeous tucked in a remote destination in the Semiliki Valley, Semiliki forest that houses an array of beautiful birds, baboons, monkeys, and forest elephants. The Semilik Safari Lodge hosts charmingly thatched roof golden-hued tents, en-suite bathrooms, each room has a veranda with a stunning panoramic view of the mountains and savannah forest, and rift valley. Activities include chimpanzee trekking, extensive walking trails, boat trips on Lake Albert, and Visits to the pygmies.
Choose to go on a getaway trip and immerse yourself into nature’s finest making a stop at one of Uganda’s luxurious Must stay Safari lodges. Enjoy!
Watching water fall naturally down the rocky cliffs is an exciting venture and a wonderful refreshment of the mind. The uniqueness of Uganda’s natural waterfalls is that; the water flows throughout the year and is reachable with clear trails or roads. The waterfalls are at their scenic best during rainy seasons, and best for photo shoots.
Let’s meet the most beautiful falls in Uganda
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls –also known as Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the White Nile River in Uganda – the second-longest river in the world. It’s located within the Murchison falls game Park in the Northern region of the Albertine Rift Valley.
Tourists love cruising at the bottom of the falls as they watch the water splashing down with enormous force as the River Nile pushes through the gorge only 7 meters (23 ft) wide, and tumbles 43 metres (141 ft), before flowing westward into Lake Albert.
Enjoy hikes to the bottom of the falls and have an impressive view of the rainbows, devil’s cauldron, bird watching, and game drives; Simply breathe taking sight!
Aruu Falls
Aruu Falls
The graceful flow of the water over the slippery cascading rocks naturally arranged into a series of steps will definitely relax and mesmerize you with their intricate beauty. The Aruu Falls are located in Pader District; the best attraction site in Northern Uganda.
Whilst visiting Kidepo National Park, make a stopover and enjoy the sight of scenic cascading Aruu Falls. Nature walks, swimming, rock climbing, fishing, and bird-watching tourist enjoying the cool breeze and water spray of the fall
Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls
An impressive sight of the 100 meters high, Sipi Falls at the foothills of Mount Elgonlocated in Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda. Its character can go from the thunderous wall of water to graceful parallel strands of water exposing the Curtain Cave behind it.
Taking a natural shower under the fall or diving for a swim into the large plunge pool is a priceless experience. Take in the spectacular sight of the gorgeous Sipi Falls through bike riding, hikes, or dives into the water
Sezibwa Falls
Sezibwa Falls
One of the unique waterfalls in Uganda; a gorgeous oasis for nature lovers. It’s approximately 35km along Kampala- Jinja highway in Mukono District in Central Uganda. The smoky brownish water gushes between the two rocks and falls 7 meters high producing a hissing sound.
It is the nearest of all to the capital city of Uganda. It’s a hideout place isolated, quiet, and serene; perfect for family picnics or couples who would wish to enjoy their private time. It’s also a much-loved place for bird watchers, rock climbing, camping, and taking nature walks.
Karuma Falls
Karuma Falls
Karuma Falls on the white Victoria Nile 311 km from Kampala City on Gulu highway. The Karuma Falls comprise of a sequence of natural good-locking rock formations at the base of the Victoria Nile, within this place creating a spectacular ripple of water with a stunning white foam appearance.
Karuma Falls Bridge
Constructed in 1963, the Karuma Bridge crosses the huge waterfalls and connects the districts of Masindi and Gulu. The waterfall is a perfect spot for the bird, and wildlife viewing like buffalos, antelopes, monkeys, and baboons. Nature walks around the banks of the falls is an exciting activity for most tourists.Baboon along the Gulu High way on Karuma Bridge.
Uganda Zaabu, do not miss indulging your sight with at least one or two of the waterfalls mentioned here. Enjoy!
The Moonlight Festival is the core of any kingdom in Uganda. To many, based on its name, they might think it’s a festival held under a bright African moon. No. The Moonlight Festival is a traditional ritual. And, this time around, Bunyoro Kingdom is having its celebrations. It’s as prestigious as it is traditional and deeply rooted in the Bunyoro Kingdom rich culture. The Bunyoro Kingdom is the oldest kingdom in Uganda. The kingdom covers 5 districts (Masindi, Buriisa, Hoima, Kibale, and Kiryandongo).
As Byenkya Joy Catherine Abwooli, the Minister for the Health-Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, explains, “The Moonlight Festival is performed for 9 days, every month.” This is held during what is deemed the moon time.
Throughout the festival, the Omukama of Bunyoro Kingdom sits on his royal throne for the celebratory 9 days. During this period, he treats his guests to a sumptuous dinner. People drink tonto (banana brew). They have specific kinds of food they are supposed to eat. These include; millet, cow meet, matooke, and goat’s meat. They also take a lot of milk and eshabwe. It’s a period of celebrations and performing different rituals. The Bunyoro Kingdom boosts 57 clans and each clan has a specific duty it does in the kingdom during the Moonlight Festival.
The royal trumpeters, who are called Amakondere, blow their trumpets beautifully throughout the 9 days, from the palace. Every hour that ticks by, the royal drummers thump and play the royal drums. These, and more rituals, are performed to keep the kingdom in high esteem. The Bunyoro Kingdom has traditional special spirits who perform different rituals during the Moonlight Festival.
There is a special spirit called Musaija Mukulu. The kingdom, too, has a royal kraal where, throughout the 9-day festival, they milk for the king. The king performs different special functions throughout the festival. For example, he takes a royal walk and performs royal duties. People chant joyously with astronomical fervor. This time, they are on their best behavior. The Bunyoro Kingdom has people, who are called Abaramansi or Diviners. These people have unique and special powers in the kingdom. They are so powerful and, throughout the Moonlight Festival, they play a big role. These Diviners have to appease ancestral spirits throughout the festival. So, they perform different rituals in order to appease the spirits.
Things that are prohibited during the Moonlight Festival
The Moonlight Festival is the core of Bunyoro Kingdom. It’s taken in high esteem and given the respect it deserves. And throughout the festival, jubilations, and whatnot, people in the kingdom have to be at their best behavior. During the festival, men are not supposed to sleep with their wives. Conjugal duties are forgotten for 9 days till the festival ends. People have to exude the best discipline. People who drink alcohol, during this Moonlight Festival, are not supposed to touch a bottle of any brew. They are not supposed to drink alcohol. But if they are tempted to drink, they shouldn’t drink a lot of it. And as the festival winds up with the Empango celebrations, at 3:00 pm, all women are not supposed to move. They should remain static and motionless. It’s a kingdom rule.
People who are allowed to be in the palace
During the Moonlight Festival, the palace is always out of bounds except for a certain section of people. Other people remain in their respective places of residence. People who are allowed to be in the palace include;
. The Abebikwato: These people are the ones that clean the ritual regalia. They clean the regalia with only herbs and cow ghee. During the festival, Abebikwato is allowed to be in the palace and take care of the regalia.
. Abarusala: These are the royal guards. They are allowed to stay in the palace during the Moonlight Festival to provide peace, order and protect the palace.
. Ababogola: These are special people chosen to carry the king’s luggage. Their role is to simply carry the luggage of the king which gives them access to the palace during the festival.
. Abalanga: These are women who perform for the king. They are entertainers of the kingdom. Their role is to perform for the king during the Moonlight Festival.
. Traditional herbalists are also allowed to be in the palace during the Moonlight Festival.
The climax of the Moonlight Festival
The Moonlight Festival has culminated with the prestigious Empango celebrations after 9 days. Empango is an annual event to mark the ascension of the king to the throne. It’s big. There are ululations and excitement envelope the kingdom during the Empango celebrations. On the day, different rituals are performed. This time, everyone is invited for the ceremony in the palace. The palace is open to everyone. This time around, the Empango celebrations will take place on June 11.
For Rugby lovers, telling the whole story is no doubt pertinent, but for those passionate about marketing destination Uganda, this tournament presents a grave opportunity. The news of Uganda’s impressive show in Uruguay is worth the detail, and a report by the African Press Organization brought with it said details. From the inaugural first March against Jamaica to the last against Zimbabwe; here is the account, match for the match!
Uganda got off to a nightmare start during the second leg of the World Rugby Challenger series in Uruguay when they lost 2 pool games to drop to the 9th place quarter-final but showed great mental strength to win all their games on day 2 to finish 9th in Uruguay. Uganda kicked off their day against Jamaica and barely had possession the entire game. Jamaica scored one try in the first half but missed the conversion to go into the halftime break 5 points ahead.
The second half started pretty much as the first with Jamaica holding onto possession but without anything to show for it. That all changed after Philip Wokorach received a yellow card midway the second half for a late shoulder charge and Jamaica capitalized on their numerical advantage to score an unconverted try and held on to keep Uganda scoreless and ran out 10-00 winners.
Uganda met Brazil in their second game and drew first blood after Ian Munyani plucked the ball out of the air as a Brazilian desperately tried to juggle an offload and sprinted for the try line before being hauled down barely a meter short. The ball was recycled to Pius Ogena who powered over and Philip Wokorach made good with the conversion. Brazil struck back with an unconverted try in the 4th minute but Michael Wokorach scored 2 minutes later after a strong 30-meter run.
Philip Wokorach added another 2 points to take the score to 14-05 and a last-ditch try-saving tackle by Solomon Okia ensured that Uganda went into halftime 9 points clear. A beautiful break by Aaron Ofoyrwoth off the base of the scrum to run 80 meters had Uganda breathing more easily and despite Brazil scoring a converted try in the last minute of the game, it ended at 19-12 and Uganda bagged their first win in Uruguay.
Hong Kong suffocated Uganda of possession in Chile and did the same in Uruguay but made better use of their possession this time. Hong Kong scored 2 converted tries within the first 3 minutes of the game and after Philip Wokorach got a yellow card for slapping the ball forward, Hong Kong ran in 2 more converted tries to take the game out of Uganda’s reach at halftime. Uganda had a good start to the second half after a Hong Kong player was sin-binned for preventing Uganda from taking a quick tap, Uganda made use of their extra player and a strong run from Nobert Okeny and a great offload to Michael Wokorach released him to score. Unfortunately, Aaron Ofoyrwoth received a yellow card for a high tackle and Hong Kong scored 2 more unconverted tries before Nobert Okeny pulled back a try in the corner on the hooter and Philip Wokorach nailed a beautiful touchline conversion to make the final score slightly more respectable at 38-12.
Pius Ogen on trackle (pic by Rugby union )
Uganda finished day 1 third in their pool and dropped to the 9th place quarter-final where they met Paraguay. In order to finish in the overall top 8 and qualify for the World Series qualifier tournament. Uganda had to finish 9th in Uruguay and hope for other results from other teams to go their way. Uganda showed their intent against Paraguay and despite a late second-half yellow card to Michael Wokorach for a high tackle, Uganda ran in 8 tries with Aaron Ofoyrwoth scoring 2 while Pius Ogena, William Nkore, Desire Ayera, Michael Wokorach, Isaac Massanganzira, and Levis Ocen bagging one each. William Nkore converted the first try and Philip Wokorach converting the remaining 7 for a 100% conversion rate. Paraguay managed one try and one conversion in the first half but did not threaten Uganda beyond that so the final score was 56-07 to book a date with Papua New Guinea in the 9th place semifinal.
The 9th place semifinal was a tight affair with PNG scoring and converting in the first 2 minutes.
Uganda struck back straight away through a Pius Ogena break from deep in the Ugandan half and Philip Wokorach added the extras to tie the game. Solomon Okia danced out of a couple of tackles to add a try in the 5th minute and Philip Wokorach also got over the whitewash after the halftime hooter to take the score to 17-07. PNG came out of the blocks faster in the second half and took advantage of lax Ugandan defending to score 2 tries, one of which was converted, to go into a narrow 2 point lead. Isaac Massanganzira, lurking on the wing, was the beneficiary of a long pass from Aaron Ofoyrwoth to score with 3 minutes left on the clock for Uganda to regain the lead and they hung on to win 22-19.
The 9th place final between Uganda and Zimbabwe was a fantastic comeback story with Uganda getting on the score sheet first after Pius Ogena smuggled himself over the try line in the corner despite the close attention of 2 Zimbabweans in the opening minutes of the game. Zimbabwe scored a try of their own shortly after to tie the game. Uganda lost Isaac Massanganzira to the sin bin after a tip tackle and combined Uganda’s woes at receiving the kickoffs this proved costly.
Solomon Okia to a nice finish !(picture by Rugby union
Zimbabwe scored 2 converted tries and looked to be running away with the game with the score at 19-05 at halftime. Solomon Okia took advantage of the extra space on pitch as a Zimbabwe player sat in the sin bin and started Uganda’s comeback in the second half after he rounded the defense line and showed a clean pair of heels to score a try under the posts that was duly converted by Philip Wokorach. Zimbabwe responded a minute later with an unconverted try but Uganda was not done yet and Michael Wokorach and Philip Wokorach both ran 60 meters to score and Philip Wokorach converted both tries to edge Zimbabwe 26-24 and finish in 9th place. Uganda and Zimbabwe tied at 19 series points after both legs with Uganda finishing 7th overall and Zimbabwe 8th overall for both teams to qualify for the World Series qualifiers.
About a week after Athlete Joshua Cheptegei breaks a world record, fellow Ugandan Athlete, Juliet Chekwel took the Zurich Marathon by storm. Now its 36th year, the marathon dubbed Zurich Maratón de Sevilla is a World Athletics Gold Label road race that attracts a string of athletes the world over. To beat fellow marathoners present in yesterday’s marathon (23rd-Feb), Chekwel clocked in at an amazing 2:23:13.
Fresh from beating Linet Toroitiche’s record in Humberg last year, the 29-year-old Chekwel had only made her debut in this year’s marathon in Spain and has gone to qualify for the Tokyo-Japan Olympics. Note that the long-distance runner is also the 2015 10.000Meters Rubin Italy record holder.
According to the World Athletics body, both men’s and women’s races had strong depth as seven men finished inside 2:07 and 14 broke the 2:08 barrier, while seven women went sub-2:28, confirming the new course is conducive to fast times. Speaking of the race in detail, they further state that in the final two kilometers, Chekwel was impressive. That she finished strongly to cross the line in 2:23:13, while Ethiopia’s Gada Bontu was second in 2:23:39.
It’s always hard for the minority to rule the majority but only the Basongora, one of the minority tribes in Kasese have proven that they can rule over everyone in the district challenging the Rwenzururu establishment whose leadership and affiliations are on probation majority saying its agenda isn’t clearly understood.
In 2009 when the Government of Uganda accepted to officially recognize the Rwenzururu movement as a cultural institution or Kingdom, the Basongora who says are the indigenous of Kasese accepted and supported the idea. Much as the Toro Kingdom didn’t agree with the central government on Rwenzururu recognition at the time, the Basongora and Banyabindi who were still claimed by Toro to be her subjects contributed towards the occasion to grace the function that show King Mumbere being crowned as King on the 19th day of October 2009 at Kilembe Mines Golf Club.
After the recognition of the Rwenzururu Kingdom which originally was to accommodate Bakonzo and Bamba then other tribes in the districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo, the King did not appoint any none Mukonzo on his cabinet a move that sparked talks of discrimination from day one.
As years went on, these other tribes including Bamba, Babwisi, and vanoma in Bundibugyo district, Basongora and Banyabindi in Kasese district started moves to have their own Kingdoms established and publicly announced that they are not part and partial of Rwenzururu anymore.
On May 13th, 2012, the Basongora pronounced themselves and later on July 1st, 2012 crowned their own Bwebale Ivan their king with the title of Rutakirwa and gave name to him after one of the Busongora’s great king Rwiigi the fourth.
Much as the government officials never surfaced at the coronation of the Busongora Kingdom, President Museveni was present for the coronation of the Omudhingiya wa Bwamba Lt. Col Martin Kamya who rules over all none Konzo tribes in Bundibugyo district.
Save for Obudhingyiya bwa Bwamba in Bundibugyo districts, Rwenzururu Kingdom and its functionaries have been opposed to establishment of Banyabindi and Basongora Kingdoms saying that there can’t be two Kingdoms within one area. The Rwenzururu looked at this as a creation of a kingdom within a Kingdom.
With all the resistance from Rwenzururu, the Basongora went on to perform cultural roles on grounds that their culture and language is not similar to those of Rwenzururu.
Reasons for Busongora Kingdom’s Existence
Having exhibited seriousness within their territory and why they are not Rwenzururu, below are the reasons both government and individuals have decided to support the existence of Busongora Kingdom. Despite having the richest Kingdom on this earth planet the Basongora says they better have no kingdom than have a kingdom that is not developing and based on this background using the constitution they have made sure that any one not developmental will never be their ruler.
Historical Background
The Basongora with the help of reigning King Ndahura II Kashagama managed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that their Kingdom existed 5000 years ago and only disappeared for the last 100 years after it was conquered by the Britsish to pave way for the Toro Kingdom that was seceding from Bunyoro with the help of Capt. Lugard.
The Basongora presented lists of their former Kings, their origin and where they were buried in Uganda and the period they reigned which has also proved that all Kingdoms in Uganda and some parts of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi originated from Busongora a fact that it’s older than any other Kingdom in East and West Africa. This has been one of the grounds that even professors of history accepted without doubt.
Unique culture
Much as the Basongora are pastoralists like any other group related to the Bachwezi, they have continued to exhibit that their culture is so unique from the rest. While establishing their kingdom which they said were reinstating in 2012, the elders said that they were feeling so sad to see their children in schools being forced to learn the norms of Bakonzo as if they had no own cultural norms and traditions. The Bakonzo who are of the Ndu dialect, have a traditional dance that makes women jump and spread their legs wide while the Basongora who are of the Ntu dialect remains seated while performing traditional folk songs. Though all tribes in Uganda front a drum as the major musical instrument, the Basongora never plays the drum or any other object that makes a noisy sound apart from the Enanga. The Enanga will be played by women seated with their legs folded and covered under their long dresses (suits) while men will stand holding sticks and make moves with their arms wide spread holding sticks.
Still, on culture there was no way Bakonzo or Rwenzururu whose main food is Bundu (cassava flour), sombe (cassava leaves), and Fish would force Basongora whose only favorite is milk and yogurt (Ikyivuguto/amakamo).
Environmentalists
The Basongora who equalize their cows to human beings in terms of treatment and respect don’t only stop there but also love the environment because they know that their lives and those of their animals depend on the environment. The Musongora will plead with you to have him punished but not to pollute the environment in any form. The Basongora culture also prohibits hunting or killing female animals for meat while Bakonzo is hunting experts and meat lovers.
None violent
They make good warriors while armed with sticks but they are not provocative to open wars against others and they like solving grievances through dialogue. Some elders revealed that the Basongora liked dialogue because they realized that violence is destructive during the days they were at war with foreign armies.
With this, the Basongora said can’t be part of Rwenzururu whose culture is even known by the true Bakonzo which is characterized by violence and forceful means.
The Bukonzo vs Rwenzururu
When King Mumbere’s father and comrades launched the Rwenzururu rebellion or Rwenzururu movement a rebel group that fought the Toro Kingdom accusing Batoro of oppression, marginalization, and discrimination among other tribes, they managed to convince all none Batoro that struggle would benefit them all.
However, after the recognition of Rwenzururu as a Kingdom, the true Bakonzo were the first to question the legality of Rwenzururu as others said that the Kingdom should be called Bukonzo since the area was known as Bukonzo and people called Bakonzo while the Rwenzururu was the group of fighters. Based on this other tribes said would accept working with Bakonzo but not Rwenzururu that had no geographical location and existing people or culture. Before Rwenzururu got recognition some senior citizens had warned the government not to recognize Rwenzururu but Bukonzo because the characteristics of Rwenzururu were not clear and that it would change the identity of Bakonzo to be called Banyarwenzururu something that would have a negative impact on the community.
Minutes after his recognition as King Rutakirwa Rwiigi IV Bwebale at Muhokya Palace, he said he would respect King Mumbere because the government had put him in place but would never respect the functionaries of Rwenzururu.
To provide alternative leadership
To prove that they had an alternative leadership for peace and stability in the Rwenzori sub-region, especially in Kasese which is characterized by unresolved conflicts, the Basongora said must focus only on developmental issues and give no attention to anything that hinders peace or development.
When he assumed the office of the King, King Ndahura II Kashagama asked all his subjects never to engage in anything not developmental if they are to make Busongora a model community. He promised that he would only concentrate on development and not conflict with any member of the society or central government because they needed each other and that only teamwork is the only way to develop.
To show his determination, King Kashagama who assumed office in 2016 has managed to construct his own Palace, develop a Tourism Centre, construct roads, a borehole for safe drinking water, and lobby universities and other learning institutions for scholarships among others for his subjects. The Basongora who were listed by UNESCO to be the most endangered minority ethnic group in the world, are now proud that their identity is back on record not for the bad but for the good.
The Busongora kingdom has also been able to attract investors, partners, and friends from Western countries to support the Kingdom’s developments. With support from donors and the government, the Kingdom is planning to establish a wildlife treatment center, university, and hospital inside the Ikamiro Palace.
Recently the Busongora Kingdom was ranked by cultural experts as the model Kingdom of the 21st Century in terms of cultural diversity development.
None discriminative
Busongora elders who were interviewed by this reporter also revealed that before they thought of reinstating the kingdom. Their priority was to see a united community because the majority of the population that neither belonged to Toro nor Rwenzururu were left in limbo because were not accommodated in any of the Kingdom.
This the Kingdom that accommodates Basongora, Bakingwe, Banyankore, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bagabo, Batuku, Batoro, Banyaruguru, and a section of Bakonzo who are opposed to Rwenzururu establishment among other community living in Kasese district.
People who are not Basongora don’t only subscribe to the Kingdom but are also included in the Cabinet and technical team of the kingdom.
Robert Kyomya Kashamura who is the chief advisor of the king revealed that the inclusion of the other tribes in the kingdom was to exhibit their will for co-existence because there is no community that lives in isolation without neighbors. He adds that: “Busongora is the center of all tribes in Uganda and therefore staying or working alone may not solve the community issues. It should also be noted that a kingdom that wants to isolate other people living within is not for development but for other missions I may say subversive but for us, we believe in co-existence.”
Yosam Nyamutare the Kingdom’s prime Minister said that because they wanted to see Busongora provide alternative leadership, they had to be accommodative to whoever is interested to stay or work towards the development of Busongora, and no one is compelled to subscribe to the kingdom of Busongora because the subscription is optional.
Nyamutare further says that instead of compelling people to subscribe to the kingdom, the kingdom has a duty to prove competence in service provision so that people are convinced by the deeds not the word of mouth or force.
“The Kingdom is not politics where people are convinced to support a certain political party but the only way is to show everyone that you are doing the right things and focused on development,” said Nyamutare the Kingdom’s Prime Minister.
Pan-African spirit
King Ndahura II Kashagama, who recently received a certificate of appreciation and a medal for his contribution towards the promotion of Pan-Africanism, has also been telling the Basongora to imitate their ancestors and treat all Africans as one family. The Basongora believe that they are the ones who mothered Africans and therefore all Africans are equal and that no one should be discriminated against on race or tribe but they are Africans.
People power factor
Busongora is the only Kingdom in East and West Africa where people have more powers than the king. To avoid dictation by the King and prime Minister, both the king and prime minister are chosen by the people in an open election.
The Busongora Kingdom constitution gives powers to the council of accession (elders’ council) to choose who should be the king or prime minister. The same council also has got powers to dethrone, remove or punish or force a king to resign if proven guilty of nonperformance. The council of accession is the Alfa and Omega arm in running the Kingdom affairs.
Simon Kagame, the Minister in charge of constitutional affairs revealed that the constitution doesn’t stop at taming the powers of the top leadership but also locks out people who drink alcohol from being nominated or appointed Kings. He adds that this constitution was designed to avoid future problems in the kingdom where individuals would impose themselves on people to claim to be rightful kings.
“We have had scenarios where people are claiming to be right kings to oppose the existing ones and this is because they have no due process of appointing kings but if some are chosen through a due process not even God will dispute his appointment,” said Kagame the Minister for Constitution affairs and institutional development.
Moses Kibwiizi a minister in the Kingdom also said that whoever developed the idea to give powers to the people and not the King deserves an accolade because in most cases leaders use their powers because they are final to mislead people they are supposed to lead.
“Where the King or any leader has the final word can use his powers to give wrong or misleading instructions to the subject and destroy the Kingdom,” Kibwiizi said.
No handshakes. No flashy photography. As you all might know by now, Uganda has a new Archbishop. And yes, these were among the rules in the just concluded and well-attended enthronement ceremony of the new Archbishop of the church of Uganda. The ceremony to usher in the ninth archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe in Kampala was steered by the Rt Rev Jackson Nzerebende Tembo, the Dean of the Province.
Health and order were paramount at this event that attracted officials and or dignitaries like President, First Lady, among many others. “I congratulate our good Archbishop Kaziimba for the elevation to Archbishop of Church of Uganda,” the President started. “I can be witness that he indeed did a good job in Mityana and I am sure that he will spread it to the whole of Uganda.” He acknowledged the role of the church in uniting Ugandans and applauded the inter-religious council for keeping the peace amongst different religions.
In his speech, the newly enthroned Kaziimba seemed to use the same words he used when he had just been elected, but went a little further. “Once the head is transformed, the heart is transformed and the hand is transformed to work and to support each other,” he spoke then. “The head, the mindset, the heart, the emotions, one that conversion is done, you have a wonderful Uganda and peaceful.”
When he spoke recently, he re-echoed that. “Our main focus will be the conversion of the head, heart, and the hand,” he said. He said the mindset, attitude, and a deceitful heart would be his focus. “The political controversies we see and hear are all about the head and the heart,” he added. “Conversion of the hand is about action, socialization, work, and doing things.” He warned against people expecting free things and quoted St. Paul in 2nd Thessalonians 3:10. “He who doesn’t work shouldn’t eat either, we are blessed by eating the things that come from our hands,” he said.
He then started talking about his worries when it came to the boy child. He said that by the time his role as Archbishop comes to an end, he expects to see a change in the boy child who is shunning his duties. “I would like to see more attention given to the boy-child,” he started. “As they grow into men, they are running away from their responsibilities. And women are taking over.”
About the new Archbishop
Born Stephen Kaziimba to Mr. Besweri Kaddu and Ms. Jessica Nanyonjo in August 1962 at Gulama-Najja Kyaggwe, Uganda’s Archbishop is his mother’s first son. His name, Kaziimba was inherited from his grandfather a Lay-Leader who hailed from Kinoni-Kasoga Parish and Gulama-Nyenga Parish.
Raised solely by his mother in Makindye, a suburb in Kampala, Kaziimba went to Gakuwebwa Munno Nursery and Lusaka Primary School. But tuition was no walk in the park for a young Kaziimba who has since praised his uncle, Emmanual Mukasa (deceased) who was responsible for his High school education at Seeta College Mwanyanjiri.
Before joining the Madudu church choir in 1980, a youthful Kaziimba took to teaching Sunday School, wherefrom he made the decision to get confirmed. A year later, he was serving as a catechist in his church, up to 1983. Today, he is not just the Archbishop, but the husband to Magaret Bulya with whom he has four boys.
Journey at a Glance
1985, Lay-Leader Baskerville Theological College Ngogwe, later Lugazi St. Peter’s Church.
1988 – 1990 trained at Uganda Martyrs’ Seminary (Provincial Certificate), and ordained.
He served as Assistant Vicar at Nakibizzi Parish from 1990 – 1994.
In 1994 – 1996 Diploma in Theology at Bishop Tucker College
1997 – 2000 Katente Parish as Parish Priest.
1999-2001 transferred to Mukono Cathedral as Vicar and later Acting Provost of Mukono Cathedral
2002-2003 Master’s Degree in Theology at the Western Theology Seminary, USA.
2004 confirmed as the provost of St. Philip and Andrew‘s Cathedral.
2004-2007 goes for Doctorate of Ministry at Western Seminary USA and becomes a Canon in 2007
2008-2019, Bishop of Mityana Diocese
Re-cap of the selection process
The Rt Rev Edison Irigei, the man responsible for convening the Bishops to elect an archbishop, shook his head. “We are led by the Holy Spirit. There is no outside influence and it’s a secret ballot,” he clarified. “As we convene, we call upon the Holy Spirit to lead us to elect someone who will serve God’s purpose. Government has no role whatsoever.”
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