The people of Uganda are among the most hospitable in Africa but it’s the cultural diversity that will surely mesmerize you! With over 56 tribal communities, each with a distinct: Cultural heritage, History, Language, Food, Dance, Dressing, Beliefs, Customs, Folklore etc., you will just be blown away. A visit to the Elgon area will unveil to you the Imbalu circumcision ceremony among the Bagisu who live at the foot of the Elgon Mountain. To the west, the Banyankole perform their Kitagururo dance, the Banyoro have their Runyege and to the North, Acholi have the Larakaraka traditional dance.
You don’t want to miss the local and unique cuisines here! For example, there is (luwombo) – a traditional dish by the Baganda, the (eshabwe) – a Banyankole sauce prepared without fire, (atapa) – millet bread popular with the Iteso, and (malakwang) – a sour vegetable prepared by the Acholi and Langi. The other fascinating aspect of the people and culture in Uganda are the traditional dress and ceremonies. “Witnessing a traditional marriage ceremony, with great music and colorful dresses, makes a cultural safari tours in Uganda an incredibly unique experience”, recounted a traveler to Uganda.
The Country still features monarchical kingdoms such as the Buganda Kingdom, which is one of the most organized kingdoms out of all those still in existence in Africa. Buganda’s heritage includes the Kasubi royal tombs which have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site – and a popular spot to explore while on a Kampala City excursion. Other notable kingdoms in the country include Tooro, Bunyoro and Busoga.
In Uganda, there are indigenous tribal groups like the Batwa Pygmies. For generations, the Mgahinga dense forest was home to the Batwa (hunter – gatherers and fierce warriors) who depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine. Now, they lead visitors through the forests and introduce them to their old home and the techniques they used to survive in it. Meeting these indigenous people will offer you a glimpse into the history and memories of ancient Africa.
From the gigantic, striking long-horned Ankole cattle in western Uganda and the extensive coffee plantations at the foothills of the Elgon Mountain, to the Bachwezi earth works in Ntusi and the Karamojong nomadic lifestyle in the far North-east of the country, Uganda’s diverse heritage and culture is undoubtedly vast and incomparable!