Busoga is one of Uganda’s famous traditional sub-region which is strategically and geographically situated eastern region of Uganda. It’s harbored at the northern shores of Lake Victoria and seats the source of the world’s longest River Nile. Mentioning Busoga reveals another still standing and sounding monarchies in Uganda.
Busoga is a region of the Busoga kingdom with a king named (Kyabazinga), and the people are called the “Sogi” (Basoga) also the Bantu ethnic people. The sub-region is surrounded by the Buganda region in the western, Lake Victoria in the south, Samia and Bugisu in the East.
The Busoga region is covered by 8 districts according to Uganda mapping among which include Jinja, Iganga, Bujiri, Kamuli, Mayuge, Luuka, Kaliro and Busiki. And Jinja is the only city in the country as well as the capital of the Busoga sub-region (Busoga Kingdom).
With many natural features and cultural considerations, the Busoga region’s stature is the adventure capital of adventure. Particularly Jinja city is a darling to many adventurous travelers who opt for more challenging encounters. When seeing for something which takes you out of comfort, then take this adrenaline adventure trails through the thick forests, to the folding and water roughs to the cultural custom.
Busoga cluster is branded with a great number of tourism potential substances that stature it an outstanding region to meditate about. It’s perfect for travelers searching out for the best African adrenaline adventures, honeymoon paradise, family get-together destination, and all perfect outing options.
Busoga tourism cluster is homespun of Jinja town one of the industrialized towns in Uganda and is well known east Africa’s capital of adventures with feature endowments special for tourism activities to adventurous tourists, culture lovers, and simple leisure goers. Taking a trip to one needs just enough time to explore all that the Busoga sub-region offers.
Attractions of Busoga Tourism Cluster
The Nile River
Well, the region hosts the source of the Nile River, the world’s longest river which runs for over 6650km to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. John Hannington Speke being the first none black person to rich west of Lake Nile discovered this longest river and named it River Nile locally known as (kiyirira) after his arrival in the East African interior in 1862.
The panoramic view of the lakeside and amazing boat cruise lead the source separating Lake Victoria and Nile reaching the source islands. The source is a birders paradise with sightings of different bird species including kingfish fisher, eagles, cranes, pied crew, Egyptian goose, egrets, and herons among others. Watching the sunset at the source on the boat launch at the source is another experience.
At the source is an Indian freedom enquirer monument Mahatma Gandhi, who vowed his dead body to be burned and ashes are tipped in the two world’s longest rivers one of which is the Nile.
The Nile elongation right is innumerable stunning waterfalls that have attracted operation of various adrenaline adventures and which activities are positioning Jinja as the capital of adventure. On the list of adrenaline, adventures include White water rafting, tubing, Kayakers, water sailing, Bungee jumping among others.
These following falls are as well traditionally believed to be cleansing places by the Busoga people. Among these spiritual falls include Bujagali falls, Itanda falls, and rafters like prince Williams of Great Britain at Itanda falls about 27km from Jinja town it’s a better destination.
James Hannington memorial site
Hannington was an Anglican Bishop who had come to join the rest of the missionaries who had arrived in Uganda earlier. Regrettably, he came in a political harsh time during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga who was at war with colonialists wanting to regain his autonomous monarchy powers. When the Kabaka (king) had that a white man was coming from the eastern side Busoga the backdoor of Buganda and the king had to stop him from entering his land because whites were giving him wakeful nights. The king sent his soldiers who martyred Hannington at this point and this instigated the killing of the 45 Anglican and Catholic Christian still under the orders of the same Kabaka Mwanga.
Kyabazinga palace
The Igenge hill Kyabazinga Palace is the current palace for Busoga kingdom, this one point secures a perfect wider view of the Jinja city and the surrounding places. When wishing for a photographic overview of scenery then consider taking a tour to the Kyabazinga palace. Visiting the palace rewards with knowledge about the customs and norms of Busoga culture.
Budhumbula palace
This was the former palace for the kingdom, however, currently, it’s a palace tomb where two kings/ chiefs (Kyabazinga) are buried. The palace is located in proximity to Jinja city along Kamuli road. It’s the kingdom shrine and residence of the former Kyabazinga Nadiope William Wilberforce who died in 1976. The Budhumbula shrine is also a royal tomb for a number of the members of the Busoga Kingdom including Nadiope’s father and mother. Other graves include Nadiope’s son, former Uganda government minister Wilson Nadiope died in 1991. It’s a rich historical center for the Busoga kingdom.
Kagulu hill
This confirms the alleged Busoga-Bunyoro relations, Basoga is believed to have migrated from Bunyoro kingdom and first settled at Kangulu under their leader Omukama. The Kagulu hill presents an amazing wider view of Busoga Kingdom, it’s a traditional hill which is well presented by two rocks. The Kagulu hill hike was officiated by the Busoga king to become one of the tourist destinations. The 2 hours hike is a breather to all hiking experiences both experienced and first-time climbers, the hill hike is accompanied by several activities like night camping and narrations of the local tales of the Busoga region.
Lake Victoria
Busoga is surely connected to Lake Victoria southwards via districts of Jinja and Mayuge. Lake Victoria is officially known to spring out the mighty River Nile. Along the lake, there are various spots of concentration among which is the Masese landslide. Along Lake Victoria there are a number of tourist engagements done among which are the longboat cruises that can cruise from Jinja to one of Entebbe’s beaches.
