Mbarara
Mbarara is a city located in southwestern Uganda, approximately 270 kilometres from the capital city of Kampala. It is the largest city in the region and is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and beautiful scenery.
Culture and Heritage:
Mbarara is home to the Bahima people, who are known for their cattle-herding traditions and unique cultural practices. Visitors to Mbarara can learn about Bahima culture by attending traditional dances, visiting local markets, and participating in cultural events. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Nyamitanga Catholic Mission, which was founded in the late 1800s.
Cuisine:
Mbarara is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as roast meat, matoke (a type of plantain), and g-nut sauce (made from groundnuts). Visitors can sample these dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls or attend food festivals such as the Mbarara Food Festival, which celebrates the city’s culinary traditions.
Scenery:
Mbarara is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by rolling hills, valleys, and forests. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, go hiking in the nearby hills, or take a boat ride on Lake Mburo National Park, which is located just a short distance from the city.
Education:
Mbarara is a city located in southwestern Uganda, approximately 290 kilometres from the capital city of Kampala. The city is the largest in the Western Region of Uganda and is the administrative centre of the Mbarara District. Mbarara is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Mbarara, including its history, attractions, economy, and culture.
History of Mbarara
Mbarara has a rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The region is home to the Banyankole people, who are cattle keepers. The Banyankole have a unique social organization, with a king known as the Omugabe, who was the custodian of the cattle. The region was also a significant trading centre, with traders from neighbouring regions coming to exchange goods with the Banyankole.
In the late 19th century, the Mbarara region was incorporated into the British East Africa Protectorate, which was later known as Uganda. The British introduced new economic and political systems, which led to significant changes in the region’s social and economic organization. The Banyankole people gradually adopted new agricultural practices, including cash crop farming, contributing to the region’s economic development.
Attractions in Mbarara
Mbarara has numerous attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top attractions in the city:
- Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a wildlife reserve located approximately 30 kilometres from Mbarara. The park is home to various wildlife species, including zebras, impalas, giraffes, and buffalos. Visitors can enjoy game drives; nature walks, and boat rides on the lake while admiring the beautiful scenery.
- Igongo Cultural Center
The Igongo Cultural Center is a museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the Banyankole people. The centre has various exhibits, including traditional artefacts, artwork, and photographs, which provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
- Nshenyi Cultural Village
The Nshenyi Cultural Village is a unique tourist attraction that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Banyankole culture. Visitors can participate in various cultural activities, including traditional dances, cattle-keeping, and food preparation.
- Mbarara Central Market
The Mbarara Central Market is a bustling market that offers visitors a glimpse into the local economy. The market has various stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and other goods. Visitors can interact with the vendors and learn about the local trade.
Economy of Mbarara
Mbarara is a significant economic centre in the Western Region of Uganda. The city has a thriving agriculture sector, with the production of crops such as maize, beans, and bananas. The region produces a large amount of dairy, with this district being the largest milk-producing district in Uganda. The dairy industry has contributed significantly to the region’s economic growth with the establishment of various dairy processing plants.
Mbarara is also a significant commercial centre, with various businesses, including supermarkets, banks, and hotels. The city is located along the main highway that connects Kampala to the neighbouring countries of Rwanda and Tanzania, making it an essential transportation hub. The transportation sector is a significant employer in the region, with numerous taxi and bus companies operating in the city.
Culture of Mbarara
Mbarara has a vibrant culture that is deep with roots in the traditions of the Banyankole people. The Banyankole have a cattle-keeping practice, which is an essential part of their social and economic organization.
Mbarara and the Ankole Kingdom
As a centre of the Ankole kingdom, Mbarara developed in about 1500. As a result of the power vacuum left by the demise of the Bacwezi kingdom.
Ankole became a force in local politics after the 11th Omugabe, Ntare IV Kiitabanyoro. He defeated the Banyoro in the late 17th or early 18th century. (Kiitabanyoro means ‘ Killer of the Banyoro’), and by the mid-19th century. It covered an area which stretched east of Lake Albert.
It has a border of over 100km, by the Katonga River to the north and the Kagera River to the south. After about 1875, Ankole fell into decline, probably due to a combination of disease, drought, and the rise of Bunyoro under Kabalega.
The kingdom would probably have fallen entirely into Kabalega’s hands were it not for the intervention of the British in the 1890s. Ankole kingdom is no more since Uganda achieved independence.
Old town
Kamukazi is the old Ankole capital which lies outside Mbarara, about 2kms off the Fort Portal road. Also of interest is Nkokonkeru Tomb, 4km west of the town, the burial place of the last two Omugabes of Ankole, Kahaya II and Gasyonga II.
Getting there and away
Mbarara is a major route focus, and there is plenty of transport to and from Kampala, Kasese and Kabale.
Where to stay in Mbarara city.
The lake view hotel, classic hotel, GKAT Resort, Wagga Resort Mbarara, Pinnacle Hotel, Asmar Country Resort, The Greenville Home, Rwampara Suites, and Acacia Hotel, among others
Book the 11 days Uganda safari trip, which takes you west.
Also, check out the money matters, 4 Days Gorilla Tracking and Lake Mburo Safari, 5 Days Rwanda Safari Trip, 3 Days Luxury Gorilla Tracking Safari pages and the Nyero rock paintings.
