Buganda Tourism: Guiding information about Buganda Kingdom : Buganda is one of the oldest, largest, and rich ethnic kingdoms ever known in the traditional and cultural setup of Uganda. It covers the central districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga and so many others. Buganda is mostly surrounded by Lake Victoria. It is a kingdom led by the King (Kabaka) Ssabasajja Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II who sits as the top administrator with a palace at Bulange Mengo.
Below the Kabaka is his wife and the Queen known as Nabagereka Naginda Sylvia. After the royal family comes the Prime Minister (the Katikiro) and the current being Owekitibwa Charles Peter Mayiga. He is responsible for all the kingdom’s daily management of events.
Even in the absence of the Kabaka or the Queen, he is in charge of the whole kingdom. The language spoken is Luganda which is a Bantu dialect thus making them a Bantu group.
Book a trip with Jewel safaris to learn more.
Buganda Kingdom Cultures and Traditions
Dress code
Baganda originally used to put on bark cloth but when the Arabs introduced new attires, they adopted a new way of dressing. The adopted attires include the gomesi for women and kanzu for men.
Today, the Baganda cultural and traditional wears are Kanzu, Gomesi, and Busuuti which are mostly worn for traditional and cultural ceremonies at Bulange Mengo, coronation events and so many more events.
Apparently, the cultural dress for any Muganda attending a traditional occasion is a kanzu, and Busuuti for men, and gomesi for women.
Food (Emmere).
The famous Luwombo dish which is either made of fish, chicken, mushroom, or meat is dominantly prepared in Buganda. Luwombo preparation has series of activities. During preparation, one has to wrap either fish, meat, chicken, or mushrooms in banana leaves and cook them using a saucepan.
This is wrapped in order to keep all that will go in steam intact thus keeping the appetite doubling aroma making it more delicious. When it is ready, its soup and all other spices/ingredients remain intact and cannot escape from that leaf.
Other people also prepare it in kinyebwa (groundnuts) pasted in their meat, dry fish that gives one a finger-leaking meal.
Another famous meal in Buganda is the Rolex. This is one of the delicacies in Buganda. The famous Rolex delicacy is simply fried chapattis combined with a variety of ingredients like eggs mixed with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and many other ingredients of your choice. The rolex can be bought from any corner of Kampala and Uganda at large. Don’t miss on tasting the rolex while in Kampala because it will leave you yearning for more.
Buganda Tourism
The staple food in Buganda is matooke which is smashed and eaten with Luwombo. Its preparation includes peeling, wrapping, and smashing which form a unique culinary experience especially for first time visitors to Uganda.
During your stay in Uganda, don’t leave without asking for these foods.
Dances (Amazina).
Many dances and folk songs originate from Buganda. Most of which are sung in Luganda. Amongst many dances are empire, Kiganda dance and other unique dances which are all a thrill to take part in.
The sound comes in from a variety of mixed instruments. These instruments include drums which differ in sizes like long cylindrical drums (Engalabi). This adds colour and texture for accompaniment.
Other musical instruments are the large drum (Embuutu), xylophone (Amadinda), Endingidi (tube fiddle) also for melody, and Endere (flute). More instruments are Entongoli (bow lyre) also for melody, cow horn (Engombe), a small drum (Namunjoloba) beaten with two small sticks to produce the sound that controls the flow.
Small drums (Empunyi) are used for central beats.
The instrumentalists and dancers have a special attire for performing which brings out the message being passed out through the dances and music. This music always has a tale it puts across and one should look out while it’s being presented to see how it ends which is always the climax
Attractions (Ebyobutonde)
Buganda harbours the capital city of Uganda which makes it a fun place to visit just to explore the beauty of the kingdom. While here, some of the destinations you can visit include the Nakayima tree in Mubende which is believed to have stayed for 400 years and got its name from Princess Nakayima. Princess Nakayima is believed to have disappeared on a hill where this tree sits.
Nakayima tree is believed to have the spirit of Ndahura; the god of smallpox. However, a lot is said about this tree which gives reason to visit. Feel free to hit our email box through Jewel Safaris.
The Kasubi tombs is the burial grounds for former Buganda kings who had ruled Buganda during the colonial era. Other members of the royal family are also buried here.
This makes it a vital spiritual and political site to learn about the past kings of Buganda. Inside the tomb are several photos of all different kings who passed on and were buried inside and a lot of information about them.
The Lubiri Mengo (Kabaka’s palace) amongst all the palaces of the Kabaka of Buganda is the most prominent and enriched with most of Buganda kingdom’s artworks. Adjacent to it is Bulange-the Lukiiko (Buganda’s parliament) and right at its entrance stands the statue of the current kingdom which is better for photography. Visit his chamber of administration.
Buganda Kingdom Tourist sites.
The man-made lake (Kabaka’s lake) is the only man-made lake found in the central part of Uganda to thrill while on Uganda Safaris Tours. The lake was purposely dug in favour of Kabaka Mwanga who loved water sports on top of other reasons like enrich the beauty of Buganda’s kingdom, provide fish for the king and his people as well water provision for his people. It’s located in Ndeeba, a Kampala suburb.
Wamala tombs
This is found in central Kampala suburb of Nansana. However, little is known about these tombs. It is one of the places of interest for learning about and exploring Buganda Kingdom.
This too is a burial ground where Kabaka Muteesa 1’s father and Suuna his predecessor were buried. It’s located in one beautifully attractive built traditional, grass-thatched, and doomed building.
It’s next to where the tomb where Namasole-the king’s mother was buried, whom the king was too fond and possessive of. Displayed in them are royal artefacts like spears, drums, and other musical instruments.
Nagalabbi Buddo coronation site
Located within a short driving distance to Masaka is the coronation site with several built-in huts. This is the coronation site for all the kings who have ever ruled Buganda including the current one-Ssabasajja Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II. Book your trip to go and learn more on the ground.
Other attractions in the Buganda Kingdom.
Katereke prison
Namugongo martyrs shine
We wait for your decision to explore the more untold destinations about the Buganda cultures, traditions, and many other aspects of their lives.
Best sample packages with access to visiting the whole of Buganda include:
6. 12 Days Primate & Wildlife Uganda Safari
