In Uganda, when it comes to tourism, what most tour operators talk about is gorilla tracking in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and may be chimp trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, Bird Watching, mountain climbing to the peak of the snow-capped Mt. Rwenzori or game drives in the different Savanna Parks across the country.
However very soon this notion is yet to change. The tourism ministry has identifies and now promoting a number of new tourism products to this industry especially in the western part of Uganda.
The conducive weather, different organic foods, climbing the beautiful Mountain Elgon, a visit to the source of the River Nile in Jinja, and above all the unique cultural practices of the people as many tourists would certain enjoy are all in Eastern Uganda.
Counting the attractions on the Eastern Uganda itinerary can be kicked off with a an itinerary to explore Eastern Uganda, would best start with a walk in Mabira Forest, visiting the Ssezibwa falls, exploring The Source of The Nile, a hike on Kigulu hill within Busoga area, exploring Mbale town and its numerous attractions, ascending Mount Elgon, visiting the Sipi Falls, seeing the beautiful Nyero-Rock Paintings within Teso and then reaching Kidepo Valley National Park for a wildlife safari and game drives in Karamoja region.
Today will are specifically going to focus on Mbale town and its surrounding attractions.
Mbale town and its surrounding areas should be branded as a tourist destination of its own. It was a very lively town with several activities to enjoy. it also enjoys very nice weather thanks to its close proximity to Mountain Elgon. Some of the tourist activities to enjoy or even do here include:
The Imbalu – Traditional Circumcision Ceremony
The imbalu is a traditional circumcision ceremony celebrated every even year) which is a cultural practice among the Bagisu people has been in play for over 2000 years attracts hundreds of people each leap year. This cultural practice is for initiating boys into man-hood.
Kadodi Cultural Dance
Don’t miss out on the energetic Gishu cultural dance (Kadodi) which is accompanied by the rhythmic gonging sound of their traditional musical instruments which is in high gear during If the Kadodi
Climbing Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon possesses the widest volcanic base at 4,000 sq km. As you hike to its highest peak the Wagagai Summit be assured of breathtaking views of the surrounding area. unique about this mountain also is that it has Africa’s biggest Caldera yet another reason to explore it. The mountain also has beautiful waterfalls on its slopes the Sipi falls.
Visit the Sipi Falls
These are beautiful cascading waterfalls. The Sipi Falls present as a three step waterfall the form a cool water spray around them. They also have beautiful caves within their rocks which are also worth checking out.
Explore Mutoto Circumcision grounds
The Mutoto ground is where the communal Imbalu celebrations are conducted; Imbalu candidates display vigorous dancing competitions here that are accompanied by very loud sounds of their traditional musical instruments. There is a lot of jumping and dancing done. It is found close to Mbale town within southern Bungokho. There is a tiny unroofed house that marks the place where the very-first Imbalu was done. However we hope that in future a museum will be constructed there in which Imbalu materials including the traditional knives, kadodi drums, pictures, other Imbalu regalia plus books detailing about the true history of this unique culture will be preserved. This will help raise money from tourism that will help in community development. There is only a small unroofed house to mark the spot where the first imbalu candidates are circumcised.
The grounds where the candidates display their dances before guests on the imbalu opening day are used as football fields. Given the influx of foreign visitors and locals at the opening ceremony, with better facilities cultural tourism in Bugisu and Uganda at large would boom.
The Imbalu Participants Getting Ready For the Ritual
People who share the dream with me have been quoted saying, “The east is a gem waiting to be dusted for it to glow” People have failed to realize that visitors from abroad are tired of the bright lights attractions in big cities and would love to come and experience real African life which I feel can be best offered in eastern Uganda.
Fresh Coffee Processing
Many people wish to see how the coffee-beans in the garden turn into the tasty beverage that they enjoy in their cups. You will have an opportunity to visit one of the coffee farms where you will see coffee nursery beds being prepared, see the coffee plants, see the picking of coffee beans, the drying , roasting and grounding process to form the fresh tasty coffee that you will enjoy in your cups. The Mirembe-Peace Kawomera coffee project run by the Jews of Uganda is worth visiting for this coffee making experience.
