Mbarara City is arguably Uganda’s second biggest city after the major capital city, Kampala. This city is situated in the western region of the country, making it the major commercial town in this region. Every city in Uganda is symbolized by a sculpture that often symbolizes the cultural nature of that particular city. Mbarara City, in the same case, upon entry in the main city center, visitors are welcomed by the steady standing sculpture of an Ankole long-horned bull.
This sculpture represents the culture and tradition of the people living in this area. Mbarara City is dominated by the Banyankole people from the Banyankole tribe. This tribe is further subdivided into two clans, the Bahima and the Bairu. These are the ancient or origin settle of this area. The Bahima people are mainly cattle keepers, and the Bairu are the traditional cultivators. Due to trade and migration, Mbarara City has other people who have further ventured into its pristine territory. These include the Baganda, Bakiga, Batooro, and Bagisu, among others.
Mbarara City is known as ensi y’amate n’obwoki, translating to the land of milk and honey. The milk in this sentiment represents the common culture of the Banyankole-Bahima rearing the Ankole long-horned cattle, and the honey represents the cultivating and plantation tradition of the Bairu. Mbarara is now a cosmopolitan city with a variety of traditions and cultures due to intermarriages and migrations.
From a tourism perspective, Mbarara is a fine land full of potential, attracting visitors from far and wide to explore. This potential is presented by the various things to see on an Mbarara city tour, as shown below.
Omugabe palace
Long before the colonial times or even during the colonial days, the Ankole kingdom was a fast-growing kingdom, just like the other kingdoms in the country. The Omugabe palace was the administrative center for the Ankole kingdom. This palace was located at Kamukuzi hill in Mbarara City and hosted most of the royal kings of the kingdom.
In 1966, the cultural institutions in the country faced a dramatic turn when Idi Amin, the army commander, attacked the Buganda palace in the Buganda kingdom on orders of the Prime Minister Obote. This was after disagreements between the central government and the Kabaka of Buganda. This abolishment affected the whole country.
After the fall of Obote, the cultural institutions were reinstated, but the Ankole kingdom remained with internal disagreements. This led to the abolishment of the kingdom to further study the rising issues and settle them. Now the Omugabe palace stands as the representation of this kingdom and is a formal tourist site.
Nkokonjeru royal tombs
The Nkokonjeru royal tombs are a place that harbors the final resting place for the Ankole kings and royal family. During the times when the Ankole kingdom was still active, the Nkokonjeru royal tombs were a reserved resting place for the royals. The last known king of the Ankole kingdom, Sir Charles Godfrey Rutaha Gasyonga II, who reigned from 1944 to 1967, was also buried at this place. Even the most recent royal member, Prince John Barigye, son of Gasyonga II, was buried at these tombs in 2011. The Nkokonjeru royal tombs offer an escape to the cultural heritage of the Ankole kingdom.
The eclipse monument
The eclipse monument located in Biharwe, as you enter Mbarara from the Masaka-Mbarara highway, is also an eye-catching sight to see on an Mbarara city tour. This monument represents an eclipse that took place hundreds of years ago. This eclipse took place on 17th April 1520 AD on the hills of Biharwe. It is both a historical and cultural site and one of its kind in the region of East Africa.
Traditionally, this sight represents a tale of three kingdoms that had their tights strained, and that is why this monument bears three pillars. The King of Bunyoro Olimi I Rwitamahanga was coming from looting Rwanda’s kingdom of Umwami Ndori when the resting at this exact spot, the eclipse took place. In fear, the king of Bunyoro ran away, abandoning his loot of cattle, slaves, and women. These were later taken by the King of Ankole, Ntare I. The king of Bunyoro later invaded the kingdom of Buganda were King Nakibinge died.
Visitors to this eclipse monument can have a time to enjoy the views of the city and learn about the traditions and cultural stories that unfolded here. The construction of this monument was further funded by a grant from the United Nations Development Programme.
Igongo Cultural Museum
Igongo Cultural Museum is also another entertaining sight to explore on a tour to Mbarara city. This cultural museum is located in Biharwe with a view of the eclipse monument in the distance. This museum features the cultural artefacts of the Ankole kingdom and also portrays a prototype of what a traditional Banyankole homestead looked like. This museum also brings out the past historical writings of some of the ancient kings of Ankole. The museum gives visitors an absolute understanding of the land of milk and honey.
Mbarara Central Market
The Mbarara Central Market is the biggest and main market in the city. Visitors can have a chance to spot the various products and goods sold in this place. This market attracts people from all walks of life who participate in the trade of different items. The market is very clean and modern, with well-arranged structures that often offer a variety of goods and services. Interest yourself in fresh goods straight from the gardens, such as vegetables and colorful fruits that add beauty to the market.
The Ankole long-horned cattle
What is a tour in Mbarara City without encountering and experiencing the Ankole long-horned cattle? These cattle are the perfect representation of this city’s tradition and cultural heritage. These long-horned cattle have their origin in this city long before they spread to other areas like Rwanda and Tanzania. Visit the majestic Ankole long-horned cattle and watch them graze, and also practise some herding activities like milking.