Uganda as a country has got very unique and strong cultures. These cultures are traced way back during the movements which took place in the 1900 AD. There are various movements and people settled along ethnic lines including the Bantu speaking group, Nilo Hamites , Nilotics and the Luo speaking group of people. The Bantu speaking group of people is the biggest speaking group of people and they involve the Buganda, Banyakole, Banyole, Banyoro and Bakiga among others. The languages spoken by these Bantu speaking group of people are quite similar. They have got similar phrases of words in common for instance in all the Bantu speaking group of people the ll the words are almost the same though the changes come during pronouncing these words.
The Uganda’s cultural heritage is very strong and will offer you opportunity to participate in cultural tourism. Most cultures in Uganda have got kingdoms. These kingdoms include’; Buganda kingdom, Bunyoro kingdom and Toro kingdom. Though the Ankole kingdom exists, though the kingship was abolished. All the people of Uganda are very hospitable. They have got very rich lifestyle. Each tribe within the country has got its own traditional dance and all these are very interesting. The most notable dances in Uganda are; the Kitagururo dance. This is performed among the Ankole people. You will like these performances by the people of Ankole.
The Banyoro kingdom have the traditional dance called the Runyege. This dance is very awesome and interesting. In the Northern part of the country is the Acholi people. Their local dance is called Bwora and Otale dance. When you come to the West Nile of the country, there is a traditional dance called Agwal dance. This dance will be performed on demand. There is the circumcision ceremony. This is performed every even year among the Bagisu people.
Most cultures in Uganda have been expressed through a wide range of arts and crafts. These have been made out of wood, papyrus and local materials which are obtained within the country. This means that the country is also a source of raw materials for the arts and crafts made within the country. Some of the notable arts and crafts you can purchase which are made locally within the country include; locally made drums, beaded jewellery and wood carvings. These will be purchased in gift shops, hotels, urban galleries and national theatre craft market. Buy one of these arts and crafts at a relatively cheap price.
What is interesting about most cultures in Uganda is that, the ritual ceremonies are used for funeral rites. It has been common almost to all the cultures in the country and performed during the traditional worship. Among the most paramount culture called Buganda, drums are performed during the installation of the king. In the Bugisu culture, it is performed during the circumcision ceremony.
Most tour companies within the country have packaged their itineraries with an additional cultural trip. When you are in Kampala foristance, you can opt to visit Kasubi tombs which is located a few kilometers from the city center on Kasubi hill. There is also a manmade lake called the Kabaka’s lake which is located in Ndeba near the Kabaka’s palace. This lake has got a number of bird species. Due to the presence of birds, the activity of bird watching has been made possible.
In conclusion therefore, to make your Uganda safari tour complete, then visiting one of these cultural sites is of great value to you. Extend your safari to include your a cultural tour. This can be within Kampala or outside Kampala.