Mbarara

Mbarara is the gateway town to western Uganda tourism and the centre of a major agricultural area. But it offers little that is of interest to travellers. Unless you are using it as a staging post for a trip to Lake Mburo national park. Or perhaps want to visit the Ankole sites outside of town. It’s difficult to think of a convincing reason why anybody would want to stop over.

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 11^th Omugabe, Ntare IV Kiitabanyoro. He defeated the Banyoro in the late 17^th or early 18^th century. (Kiitabanyoro means ‘ Killer of the Banyoro’), and by the mid-19^th century. It covered an area which stretched east of Lake Albert. For over 100km and was bounded 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. Like the other kingdoms, Ankole was disbanded shortly after 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 Mbarara, 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.