Kasubi Tombs
Kasubi tombs are located on Kasubi Hill. Four former Kings (Kabakas) were buried here. Done in traditional architecture, the round grass-thatched dome contains the tombs and power symbols of Kings. The dome finishing is symbolic of power as revealed by insignia such as ancient drums, bark cloth, spears, shields and knives. Also found here include huge traditional reed and bark cloth building of the Kabakas kings of the Buganda people.However,fire gutted these tombs recently and currently they are under construction and they are not available for viewing until completion.
Wamala tombs
These beautiful and spectacular tombs are situated on the crest of a low hill in Nabweru Sub-county, Wakiso district. The tombs are housed in an attractive traditional thatched domed structure, the burial site of Ssekabaka Muteesa I who was the 29th king of Buganda Kingdom. From the hills on which the Tombs are located, one can see Kagoma Hill a top which Ssuna built a place for his mother.
Uganda Historical Landmarks
Uganda National Museum, Kampala
Located out of the town center on the Kira Road. Most of the displays have been renovated and the rest are in the process of being restored. Many of the items were looted during 1970-86 and a big effort is being made to return the museum to its formal standard. Displays include a number of items from archaeological sites from around the country; a collection of musical instruments including many drums and a large and impressive canoe. Every so often the museum holds live traditional music afternoon
Ssezibwa falls
These falls lie 35km east of Kampala in the Vanilla growing district of Mukono district. The spectacular waterfalls are believed to have been born by humans many hundred years ago. The falls are one of the most spiritual and cultural centres where many natives flock for blessings, wealth, and fortunes. A traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, a successful business deal or a good harvest.
Kabaka Mwanga’s Lake and Mengo palace
This is the biggest manmade lake in Uganda. In 1885 Ssekabaka Mwanga settled on the ultimately over-ambitious scheme of digging a lake near his capital and linking it with Lake Victoria. The lake was completed in1888 but the intended link was not attained given the break out of the religious wars which led to Moslem dissenters driving the Kabaka out of his land. The lake attracts a number of birds that can be seen at its shores.
Katereke prison
This is an extensive prison ditch at Katereke a relic of the instability that characterized Buganda during the late 1880s. It was constructed by the late Ssekabaka Kalema who was an Islamic sympathizer. He controversially ruled Buganda in 1880 after exiling Kabaka Mwanga from his kingdom. Kalema was later to ordered a crackdown of all princes and princess whom he suspected to be his rivals. Many of them were rounded up and exiled at Katereke. These prisoners were later slaughtered without any mercy.
Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine
Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine is an important religious and historical site closely affiliated to Buganda kingdom. This is an impressive site where 22 Christian converts were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886. A steel domed structure carved in a traditional style stands at the scene. Artistic works depicting the scenes of this memorable Christian episode grace the interior walls of the house. In the center, preserved in glass are some remains of one of the great martyrs: Kaloli Lwanga.
Nommo Gallery
This small building is Uganda’s National Art Gallery where artwork by local artists as well from other parts of East Africa displayed. Exhibitions are advertised in the local press, but there is invariably something on display. There is also a shop attached with both artworks and crafts available. It was once a private house and is set in spacious grounds. It located in Kalolo on Victoria Ave, is open from 0900 to 1700 on weekdays, and from 0900 to 1500 on weekends.
Nyero Rock Paintings, Kumi
This is located around kumi district and the features are found are rock paintings, with some example of geometric work.
Naggalabi – Buddo Coronation Site
Only 20 minutes drive from the capital Kampala is the spectacular hilltop of Naggalabi Buddo which is the heart of Buganda’s history. It is at this place that Buganda Kingdom was born, at the daybreak back in the fourteenth century, and to date every Kabaka in this kingdom is crowned here. At Naggalabi – Buddo you can also tour the major sacred sites, as well as plainly trail the footsteps of the kingdom’s present and long-ago kings.
Nmairembe and Rubaga cathedrals
Commonly known as Rubaga Cathedral, St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral was constructed back in the 1880s. It is located on Rubaga Hill overlooking the capital Kampala. In 1903, Protestant missionaries built Namirembe Cathedral on Namirembe hill but this was restructured in 1919 following the cathedral being struck by lightening. The cathedral can house a congregation of approximately 3,000 individuals.
Ndere Center, Kampala
The Ndere cultural centre, located in the middle of stunning gardens, holds a lot of Uganda’s culture and is found in the center of Kampala. Other than the café plus the craft shop at this centre, there is a beautiful outdoor stage on which frequent performances are made by the entertaining Ndere Troupe which includes musicians, dancers plus singers and from different parts of Uganda.
Common events here include Cultural Night, World Music Night, Food Feasts, Kids’ Corner and Family Hour.
Bahai Temple
The Bahá’í Temple is the only standing temple in Africa for the Bahá’í faith, and because of its overwhelming Bahaistunning architecture, it is worth touring. It has well maintained gardens that cover more than 30 hectares on peak of Kikaya Hill in the capital Kampala. The tinted glass windows filter in tender light into this temple, and it is well adorned with Persian carpets plus glassy Italian-mosaic tiles which line the arched roof.
