A visit to Uganda will give you an experienced encounter with one of the most hospitable people across the globe. Talking of people, the cultural diversity in Uganda makes it a melting pot of rich heritage and enchantments of customs and lifestyles so unique and rich. With 56 officially recognized tribes and over 45 languages, the country offers a cultural package that is unmatched within the shortest time of travel.
From the Ganda in Central to the Lango and Acholi in the North, the Iteso and Karimajongs in the North East, the Bamasaba, Nkole, and the descendants of the great Chwezi and Luo-babito dynasty in Bunyoro and Tooro.
Most significant is the Buganda kingdom, whose administrative structure still lives, having been used as a benchmark by the colonialists to organize pre-independent Uganda. Among the best offers she has are the dressing code, the Kanzu and Gomesi, the traditional bark cloth made from an indigenous tree and most importantly, the food. Traditionally known as “Luwombo”, this meal prepared traditionally is a delicacy unmatched and an art that is so uncommon.
Uganda is also home to one of the UNESCO sites, the Kasubi tombs, the burial ground of famous kings. The art used to construct this place, from traditional material and architecture that is unique, making it stand for many years, makes it a must-see.
And what is more exciting than watching the traditional dance with different sounds and beats that carry different meanings and represent different occasions?
And talking about culture, Uganda’s richest heritage can be experienced from the North, in Kidepo Valley National Park. A once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Ik tribe in the Morungole Mountains. This tribe has a language that is not understood by other tribes around them. Located in the Semi-arid area, it is surprisingly the food basket of Karamoja region. No wonder many foreigners have fancied visiting them to learn their language and use it as code language in the military. Along with the Tepeth and the Manyattas, a study of the Karamoja culture is worth the movement of over 500 km from Kampala.
With all the cultural diversity in Uganda, talking about each of them would take hundreds, probably thousands of pages to complete.
And besides, it is full of life that it evolves every day. From food to dance to the agricultural patterns, language, the famous Imbalu of the Bagishu, the Batwa trails and the living heritage, and what have you. It is a lot to mention. Well, what can exhaust this than a package of probably over 3 weeks? There is no better cultural destination than Uganda.