List Of Historic Sites In Uganda

List Of Historic Sites In Uganda

A historic site or heritage site is an official location where pieces of political, military, cultural, or social history have been preserved due to their cultural heritage value. Historic sites are usually protected by law, and many have been recognized with the official national historic site status.

Here are the List Of Historic Sites In Uganda

The Republic of Uganda is presently enjoying a time of peace after years of civil war and unrest. Since then, the country has been rebounding from many ordeals and is now becoming a thriving nation which can showcase its rich history and natural beauty. We have listed some of the sites you must see when visiting the country.

The Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs is a burial ground for four kabakas (kings of Buganda) that was first built in 1881 on the Kasubi hill in Kampala. The tombs were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 but were unfortunately destroyed by fire on March 16, 2010.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Located in Wakiso district within close proximity to Kampala is the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. The beautiful shrine’s exterior is made of 22 copper pillars over 100 feet long. The shrine was built to honor 32 young men who were pages of king Mwanga II of Buganda. On June 3rd, 1886 the men were burnt to death for refusing to renounce Christianity. 

Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru

Located approximately ten kilometers from Fort Portal, the cave Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru, or Breast of Nyinamiwiru is thought to have origins shrouded in myth and legend. It is said that King Bukuku of the Toro and Bunyoro kingdoms had his daughter Nyinamiwiru’s breasts cut off after she refused to marry the man he chose for her. Another version says she cut off her own breasts.

Nyero Rock Paintings

A little trek and a bit of climbing are involved, but it is all worth it to see rock art dated back to before 1250 AD. Nyero has three rock shelters that are a good distance apart from each other. They were first documented in 1913 and were a part of the tradition of illustrations in red pigment, common throughout Africa.

Source Of The Nile – Speke Monument

John Hanning Speke was the first European to reach Lake Victoria and discover the Source Of The Nile. Today, the source of the Nile at Jinja is a prime tourist destination in Uganda. There are fantastic views of the lake. The perfect serenity of the surroundings makes for good picture taking and bird-watching.

Bahá’í Temple

The Bahá’í faith began to take root in Uganda in 1951. Today, the Bahia Temple in Kampala is the only temple that remains in Africa for the Bahá’í faith. Since its completion in 1961, it has received hundreds of visitors from across the world. The beautiful grounds attract many photographers of all calibers.

 Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park promises one of the most attractive and fulfilling treks the world has to offer. Located in the Rwenzori mountains and nearly 1000 kilometers square (386 square miles) in size, the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary natural beauty. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in south-western Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Virunga mountain range. It is a part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Sempaya Hot Springs

Sempaya Hot Springs can be found in Semiliki National Park. Attracting hordes of tourists each year, these hot springs have a geyser that shoots up from a hole at really hot temperatures. In fact, the water is so hot you can boil an egg and eat it in ten minutes. Sempaya Hot Springs’ water temperature is over 1000°C, twice as hot as most hot springs in the world. 

Walumbe Tanda Pits

The Walumbe Tanda Pits are somewhat a hallowed ground in Uganda. Legend has it that Walumbe accompanied his sister Nambi and her husband Kintu to the earth after they got married. Walumbe is known to be mischievous and is said to be the cause of suffering and death to mankind. After reaching the earth, he hid from his broth.

Which prehistoric sites are found in Uganda?

Archeological sites in Uganda include.

  • Bigo bya mugyenyi archeological earthworks.
  • Nyero rock painting.
  • Nsongezi rock shelter.
  • Garama caves.
  • Semwama hill caves.
  • Munsa earthworks.
  • Ntusi earthworks.

Which is the oldest Stone Age site in Uganda?

Nsongezi

The oldest stone Age-sites in Uganda are Nsongezi on the kigezi river and Sango Bay on lake Victoria and were occupied between 150,000 and 50,000 years ago.