In an extraordinary medical achievement, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, has successfully given birth to twins through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, making her one of the oldest women in the world to get this achievement. This remarkable event occurred on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Namukwaya’s inspiring journey towards motherhood began with a strong desire to have children despite societal pressures and her advanced age. Seeking guidance and potential treatment options, she turned to the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) in Kampala, Uganda, where a team led by renowned fertility specialist Dr. Edward Tamale Sali carefully evaluated her condition. IVF, utilizing a donor egg and her partner’s sperm, was identified as the most promising option, considering Namukwaya’s good health and strong support system.

The procedure resulted in the birth of twins, marking a significant achievement for Africa’s oldest mother at the age of 70, as celebrated by WHI&FC on its Facebook page.

Although Namukwaya’s pregnancy faced challenges, with premature birth occurring at 31 weeks, the twins are now reported to be stable and in good health under the vigilant care of the WHI&FC medical team.

Namukwaya’s story, while bringing joy to her and her family, serves as a beacon of hope for others grappling with fertility challenges. The advancement in reproductive technology, particularly IVF, has opened up new possibilities for individuals who once believed parenthood was beyond their reach.

The hospital commended Namukwaya not only for the medical success but also for showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Despite the inspirational nature of Namukwaya’s story, it has sparked mixed reactions worldwide. While some commend her courage and determination, others express concerns about the ethics of IVF for older women.

Namukwaya revealed that her pregnancy was difficult, especially as her partner abandoned her upon learning she was expecting twins. This is her second delivery in three years, as she gave birth to a baby girl in 2020. Her desire for children stemmed from societal pressures and a fear of being alone in old age.

Typically, women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, and fertility declines around this time. However, advances in medicine, such as IVF, have made it possible for women to give birth even after menopause.

Namukwaya’s story mirrors that of a 73-year-old Indian woman who gave birth to twins following IVF treatment in 2019.

In the broader context, the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) involves surgically removing eggs from a woman’s ovary and fertilizing them with sperm in a Petri dish outside the body. After confirming successful fertilization and initial cell division, the resulting embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus, bypassing any fallopian tube issues.

Any surplus embryos can be cryopreserved for future use, simplifying subsequent cycles. Despite potential risks associated with IVF, such as side effects from fertility medicines and rare complications during egg retrieval, the procedure has offered hope and success to many couples seeking to build their families.

The ethics of IVF for older women remain a complex topic, with differing opinions on the right to choose parenthood at any age. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines for counseling women over 45 considering IVF, emphasizing the importance of discussing risks and benefits. For women over 50, the ASRM recommends IVF only for those with specific medical conditions hindering natural conception.

Namukwaya’s story is a given example of the power of modern medicine in realizing dreams of parenthood and underscores the resilience of the human spirit. While IVF is intricate and not always successful, for Namukwaya, the risk was worth it as she embraces motherhood with three children.

Tanda pits are found in Tanda village, Mityana district 63km (1-hour drive) west of Kampala city and 215km (3-hour drive) south of Kibale national park and Fort portal city. There are over 240 circular pits about 12 feet deep and 2 shrines in an enclosed reed fence. These are archaeological sites of Buganda kingdom. 

According to folklore, the pits are known as Enyanga za Walumbe or the home of Walumbe which means the god of death among the Baganda, the spirit is associated with diseases and death. According to the department of antiquities and museums, Tanda pits were first documented in 1920 by E.J Wayland having seen locals going there to worship the gods. Tanda pits is a sacred religious site where people go and allegedly given power to communicate with spirits and get healed of misfortunes. 

Tanda pits folktales

There are several mythological figures of Walumbe but the common one has it that the first man on earth Kintu lived with his beloved cow depending on its milk and cow dung. And Ggulu(the creator) lived in heaven with his three children that is to say; Walumbe, Kayikuzi and Nambi.

On several occasions Nambi and his brother descended on earth to play and adventure. On one of their visits they met Kintu grazing his cow. Nambi liked Kintu when she went with him to heaven and asked her father to be married to him. Ggulu wasn’t pleased with their marriage at first but after persuasion they were blessed and  allowed to marry each other.   Among the siblings Walumbe was not happy with the union and promised to wreck their marriage. Noticing this Ggulu advised Nambi and Kintu to leave heaven so that Walumbe doesn’t follow them.

Next morning they prepared for the journey with a few things Nambi had packed including chicken. As they were descending to the earth, Nambi remembered that she forgot millet for her chicken. Kintu tried to persuade her not to go back but in vain. Along the way she met Walumbe and didn’t tell him where she was going. But the spirit followed her and eventually the couple came with him on earth. His arrival in Kintu’s home was the start of sickness, misery and death.

Ggulu upon hearing the suffering and misery in the Kintu family, he sent Kayikuzi to bring back Walumbe. Walumbe didn’t want to go back so he fought with Kayikuzi and  dug pits to hide which still act as a testimony for their fight. The  spirits of Kayikuzi and Walumbe are still believed to  roam the area in fascinating ancient folklore that is still retold to the generations. One of the  tales is associated  with earthquakes that are said to result from fighting between Kayikuzi and Walumbe. 

Today, the place is covered in thick forest as it is believed that the ancestors preferred trees and also gives  the pilgrims a good environment to rest. The main shrine known as Embuga Ettanda  is the biggest pit and believed to be where Walumbe disappeared to earth. The Caretakers covered the pit with three pieces of backcloth to distinguish it from others. The main entrance to Tanda pits is built in the form of shrines with traditional instruments like spears, calabashes and shields among other cultural items. Among the taboos, women are not supposed to eat chicken in this place, sit on chairs and put on mini outfits or trousers.

Those visiting, especially pilgrims are required to  remove shoes as they enter the  main shrine. They usually come for healing and pray for blessings, peace, love and prosperity in their social and economic endeavors including those who wish to bear children. They pay homage to Walumbe, gods and  deities. They perform rituals and give offerings such as coffee beans, cows, goats, chicken, fruits, water and local brews made from sorghum called Tonto. The  gods don’t accept money. Walumbe reveals himself to pilgrims  through dreams as a sign of healing.

There are several fireplaces ( Ebyooto in Luganda) outside the shrines dedicated to various gods which are associated with Walumbe  like Bamweyana, Musoke, Wanema, Mukasa and Kibuuka. 

For instance, at the  Embuga ya Dungu, a shrine for the god of hunters has animal horns, bells, spears and nets surrounding the fireplace. Pilgrims who dream about slaughtering  or roasting animals bring them here to pay to the custodians of the shrine.. Another shrine is called Embuga ya Wanema where those who dream of seeing people with crutches go and pray to  be healed. There is also Mbuga ya Bamweyana, the god of prosperity, where  people offer baskets, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and khat because it is believed that the god takes those drinks. 

The Embuga ya Kiwanuka, the god of war and army is responsible for inciting chaos among people. The place is surrounded by red clothes because the god likes blood. Pilgrims offer honey and banana juice only believing that this god moves in Mukokowe (Ficus Brachiopod) tree. At the Embuga ya Musoke, a shrine for the god of rain is dedicated to people who dream about drinking water for blessing and sharing it with their ancestors. After dreaming they go there to fetch holy water from Musoke well for drinking. At times women are found peeling matooke and pounding groundnuts which signifies that these women dreamt of preparing a meal of matoke with groundnut stew to eat and share it with their ancestors. 

The Embuga ya Mukasa, a shrine for the god of water and fish has boats, pots with water and oars and the only place where eating fish is permitted. It is believed that the god was a fisherman.   

For cattle keepers there is always a fire burning place for Kalisa (cattle keeper) where fire keeps on burning with only cow dung. The cultivators make offerings to the deity known as Mama Nalongo Nabinene and give in things like banana, gomesi, millet, sim sim, maize, traditional hoes and knives. There are other shrines for gods like; Wamagobye, matriarch Nakayima and Jajja Muwanga.

Tanda is an important place among the Baganda, however. Kabaka does not visit the place given that it’s a taboo.  Further, when Kabaka appreciates the work done by the people at Tanda pits, he directs them to slaughter a cow or goat as a sacrifice. The site is managed by the Buganda Tourism Board and is growing to become a cultural and religious site that attracts many worshipers from different religious background to convene at Tanda pits to seek for blessings. The cost of visiting Tanda pits is 2000 for tourists and pilgrims don’t pay.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to strengthen security in the protected areas. This follows an unfortunate incident that happened in mid October in Queen Elizabeth national park (QENP) where two tourists and their driver were killed and their vehicle burnt by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

The rebels allegedly came from DR Congo entered the park illegally, committed a crime and took off without being detected. The incident was such a tragic mishap that could have been prevented. UWA relies on its team of law enforcement rangers to keep parks safe and secure through patrolling, monitoring wildlife, combating poaching, engaging local communities, managing fires, and assisting with tourism development across the 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves.

Rangers carry out their patrol on the ground therefore UWA launches the use of drones to support them with aerial surveillance of the protected areas. Each drone is fitted with high resolution cameras with capacity to survey an area over 15 km radius for 10 hours per day. Drone technology is capable of doing what people may not do such as detecting and zooming suspicious objects from a long distance over a wider area.

Drones also help to provide real-time transmission of information which facilitates quick decision-making and response to the scenes. Confirming the move, Bashir Hangi, the spokesperson for UWA said that “every morning  before visitors start their game drive experience, the patrol team of rangers flies the drones to ensure that there are criminals along the routes inside the park.” Some encroachers have reportedly been arrested and will be prosecuted in the courts of law. This has ensured the safety of wildlife and visitors who are now confidently visiting Queen Elizabeth national park without any fear.

The protected area is Uganda’s most visited destination for wildlife with rich biodiversity including 98 mammal and over 600 bird species. A game drive experience offers visitors an opportunity to spot the big four mammals which are elephants, Cape buffaloes, tree climbing lions, and leopards.

Among the park’s favorite activities are the boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu and nature walks in Maramagambo central forest reserves. The slain tourists and tour guide were hacked whilst enjoying a game drive in the park along the Katwe-Kabatoro road above the scenic crater-filled lake Nyamunuka. QENP covers 1,978 sq.km of which some parts like Ishasha wilderness, Lake Edward, and Kasese district are shared between Uganda and DR Congo.

ADF operates in eastern DR Congo which made it easier for the rebels to infiltrate the park. After the incident, UPDF began tracking the elements and put all the different parts of the park on guard with day and night joint operations by armed UWA rangers in partnership with security agencies including Tourism Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

According to the latest DailyMonitor news, a number of suspected ADF rebels were killed on Tuesday 31, October 2023 on Lake Edward. It is alleged that the assailants were trying to return to DR Congo. The UPDF spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki confirmed that those killed were being followed through intelligence. They’re directly associated with those that killed the couple and their tour guide.

The government’s right to deploy drones to strengthen security in the national parks is an essential component of the new national 7-point security plan. To assure citizens and visitors alike that Uganda at large is safe and secure.

The Karimojong ethnic group consists of several tribes including Dodoth, Taposa, Jie, and the Karimojong. Among other subdivisions of the tribe include the Pian, Matheniko, and Bokora. They’re considered as a single group called the Karamojong Cluster.

They live in the semiarid Karamoja sub-region of north eastern Uganda along the border with South Sudan and Kenya.  The region consists of 7 districts which include Kaabong, Abim, Napal, Nakapiripirit, Moroto, Amudati, and Kotido. The tribes within the cluster share a common culture and language.

They’re predominantly semi-nomadic pastoralists who rely on livestock herding and slightly on seasonal crop cultivation as a source of livelihood. The Karamojong society is organized according to a patriarchal social system and has never had a king in history. The men, especially elders, hold authority over the family, clan, and community.

Land was communally owned given that livestock must be moved from one place to another according to the seasons of rain and drought. Cattle is especially a measure of wealth and raiding is an ancient practice deeply rooted into the socio-economic setup. Men with a high number of cows have a high status and power.

The elders would bless and encourage young men to take part in raids to gain status and respect. Raids would also be done to restock or redistribute wealth especially after severe epidemics like famine. During the colonial era, part of the land was used to create protected areas including Kidepo Valley national park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The Karimojong also obtained guns from the army barracks that was established in Moroto after Uganda’s independence.

Cattle raids became violent within the cluster and the Karimojong would often clash with the neighbors often involving human rights abuses, loss of livestock and lives. The political instability from the 1970s to 2000s caused disintegration among the Karimojong cluster. The Karamoja conflict somewhat led to the decline in the traditional customs of people and underdevelopment of the region due to little government interest.

The putting up of a culture leader is part of the long-term efforts to restore peace, unity, and strengthen culture among the Karamojong clusters. Government along with several NGOs intensified efforts to create opportunities and diversify beyond the cattle economy. Between 2010-2019, the region has seen infrastructure improvements, including roads, electricity, schools and health facilities, improved peace and security.

Investment opportunities in Karamoja continue to grow especially for cultural tourism development, mining, and education. The cultural leaders within the Karamoja cluster came together and formed the Karamoja Cultural Association (KCA) in 2014. The institution’s symbol of unity is a cow. It is recognized under the laws of Uganda and includes an annual cultural event and a central council of elders represented at each of the seven districts.

KCA philosophy is all-inclusive and allows women, youth, and children, who have historically been excluded due to the social structure, to participate. KCA exists to confront the complex challenges faced by the Karamojong by finding better ways to redress the ills of the past that have bred mistrust and division within the cluster. The Elders Council from the districts across the region recently elected their cultural leader for the first time in history.

The first Karamoja Cultural leader known as Papaa Angasuban Peter Adei is 81-years-old from Abim district. He is responsible for uniting people and advocating for innovative strategies that will foster development and address the most pressing challenges. For instance, the KCA strives to create a good reputation which is essential to attaining peace and security in the communities.

Given that the Karamojong elders have always been accused of aiding and abetting criminals that they bless their sons to raid cattle and dominate the weaker tribes. KCA is also putting emphasis on strengthening culture and heritage through the annual Karamoja Cultural Event (KCE) which brings together people in the Karamojong cluster with those from the neighboring countries.

The cultural event is held every year on a rotational basis across the seven districts that make up Karamoja. Given that the tribes within the cluster share a lot in common, the aim is to address the problem of disunity and achieve solidarity.  The 2023 Karamoja Cultural Event under the theme ‘Celebrating Diversity, Resilience and Peace Building’ was held in Napak district at St. Daniel Comboni Senior Secondary School.

The Karimojong have been keen at preserving their unique ancient customs. However, the Uganda government has always encouraged them to move away from their traditional semi nomadism and adapt to the modern ways of living. KCE is therefore a platform to advocate for their cultural identity.

The Karimojong have rich cultural heritage including traditional high jump dance performance, the colorful beads and dress attire, facial scarifications, and African rock art. Some of the tribes have maintained their traditional housing systems known as Karimojong Manyattas. For instance, Nakapelimoru in Kotido district which is home to the Jie people is one of the last surviving African traditional villages.

Locals have been encouraged to embrace tourism development by welcoming visitors to their homes. Tourism provides an alternative source of income through selling arts and crafts and getting involved in guiding, hospitality, and conservation. Culture capitalizes on the rich biodiversity and beautiful landscape in Kidepo valley national park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The KCA leadership initiative will be integrated into tourism, security among other aspects of development.

Three East African neighbours Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have won a joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, famously known as AFCON 2027. The hosts were announced by CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe who also declared that the competition will be zonal oriented and will be hosted by all geographic zones of Africa.

The 2027 tournament will be the first ever edition to be hosted by 3 countries and the first to Be hosted in East Africa since Ethiopia in 1976. The East African co-hosts managed to beat their bidding rivals which included Senegal, Egypt, Botswana & Zambia as well as Nigeria & Benin.

Background of AFCON

This continental football tournament started in 1957 with 3 countries participating, namely; Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. The tournament kept expanding and in 2019 it reached 24 teams. All African nations are given chance to participate in the preliminary stages of qualifications before the final 24 teams are confirmed.

The first tournament was held in Khartoum Sudan where Egypt defeated the hosting nation. The first trophy to be won was Abdel Aziz Abdullah Salem trophy which was named after the first president of CAF Egyptian Abdel Aziz Abdullah Salem. Later in 2002 it was renamed  the cup of nations till date. This tournament has showcased the talents of Africans and promoted unity.

AFCON is held every 2 years. The 2023 tournament will be hosted in Ivory Coast in West Africa followed by Morocco in 2025. Uganda won the prize of hosting African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2027 with her neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania. This will be the first time to host AFCON in three different countries at once. It will be the first time for East Africa to host the AFCON tournament.

The teams will be grouped and these groups will be alternating in these 3 countries. These nations under East African Pamoja won the prize after meeting the requirements of hosting AFCON according to Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Minimum requirements to host AFCON

Nations should be with at least 6 stadiums with padded VIP and VVIP seats, turnstiles at all gates, and CCTV monitors. Stadiums should have a media center, press conference that can host 50 media personnel, a photography area, and Virtual Assistant Referee technology. 

Host Countries should have at least three training grounds near the match venues.

The nations must also have accommodations including five star hotels and hospitals. 

All these requirements are needed so as to facilitate the 24 teams that will  participate in the 2027 tournament and their accompanying delegates. 

By 2027, it is believed that these nations will be eligible to host the tournament. For instance Uganda is upgrading  Mandela national and Nakivubo  stadiums in Kampala capital city to meet the CAF standards. Several stadiums are being constructed like Denver Goodwin stadium in Garuga along  Entebbe road,Lira stadium in Northern Uganda, Hoima stadium in Western Uganda. Building these facilities will bring transformation in the Uganda sports industry through inspiring talents, boost tourism and create jobs which will lead to local economic development. 

Since these stadiums are located in different parts of the country one will have a chance to explore Uganda culture, attractive sceneries, heritage sites, wildlife. For instance Hoima municipality is located close to lake Albert, Kibaale forest, and Murchison falls national parks. The protected areas are rich in biodiversity including chimpanzees, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, birds. Short safaris and excursions are available for booking through a local tour operator with opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities such as boat cruise, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking.  

Uganda’s record in AFCON 

The national football team known as the Uganda Cranes first qualified for the 3rd edition of AFCON in 1962. The team again qualified in 1974 for the second time in a row and played against Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Zambia. Uganda lost in the first round and qualified for the third consecutive time in 1976 in Group A with Guinea, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Guinea defeated Uganda by 2-1.

In the 6th AFCON edition of 1978 Uganda reached the finals and lost 2-0 to Ghana. Since then, Uganda didn’t participate in AFCON until 2017, which was almost 40 years. Today, the sports industry, especially football, has grown beyond the  national level. There are over 30 teams that play under the Uganda Premier League including Vipers FC, KCCA, Express FC, and Sports Club Villa. These teams also participate in the regional tournaments under the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA).

What it means to Uganda

Hosting AFCON in Uganda will come with a variety of opportunities that will also affect other areas in addition to sports.

Hotel and hospitality

Many people who are going to be moving in the country will require accommodation where they will spend their time during the tournament. These include the executive staff of those teams, players, supporters among others. Hotels will boost due to the revenue earned from these people. Hospitality department will gain a lot since they have to prepare  food for these people thus increasing the government revenues and improving people’s well being.

Tourism

AFCON 2027 will boost the tourism sector since people will be moving from different countries to Uganda. During and after the tournaments there are opportunities for those intending to go on trips. Since some of these stadiums are located in different parts of the country one will have a chance to explore Uganda culture, attractive sceneries, heritage sites, wildlife. For instance Hoima municipality is located close to lake Albert, Kibaale forest, and Murchison falls national parks.

Infrastructure development

Since people will be moving from different countries to Uganda they will require using different means of transport to reach their final destination  including road transport, air transport and use of railway. People will need to move to places like training areas, hotels, airports, recreation centers among others. Since stadiums will be in different locations of the country, Uganda Airlines and the state buses will be used to take players and delegates.

Employment opportunities

AFCON will also create job opportunities for the unemployed youths both the skilled and unskilled laborers in places like training grounds, recreation centers, hotels, among others that will improve their well being. They’re also needed in construction and rehabilitation of stadiums. The tournaments will boost the agriculture sector since demand for food will be increased and other agricultural products like dairy products, fruits, coffee so as to  sustain the players and other people. This will boost the wellbeing of vendors, trades, and farmers. The hosting of AFCON will stimulate the construction of world class stadiums and ancillary facilities like hotels, recreation centers, roads and improve infrastructure development. 

What to see and do in Uganda 

Uganda is a diverse environment with breathtaking sceneries with many national parks. These protected areas are rich in biodiversity including chimpanzees, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, birds. Short safaris and excursions are available for booking through a local tour operator with opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities such as boat cruise, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking, gorgeous waterfalls,  mighty lakes and rivers, spectacular forests and  expansive plains. Top attractions in Uganda are. 

Rhino trekking is a one day trip from Kampala and offers an opportunity to see southern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary found in Nakasongola 166.7 km (3-hour drive) north west of Kampala and Entebbe. The sanctuary is home to over 40 rhinos as well as bushbucks, endangered pangolin, birds including shoebill stork, African fish eagle. 

Game viewing

Game drives and boat cruises are done in savannah parks which include;  Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo national parks. These activities offer one to see many African wildlife up close. For instance Murchison falls is a home to four of big fives which include; elephants, lions,buffaloes,leopards as well as Nubian giraffes, antelope species such as; jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck.

The highlights in Murchison is a boat cruise along the Victoria nile and hike of the top of the falls where one has a close view to the two falls.Queen Elizabeth gives one a chance to see tree climbing lions and other three big fives but the park has no giraffes.Boat cruise in queen is done on Kazinga channel which connects lake George and Edward. This gives one a close encounter  with hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, water birds like shoebill stork, kingfisher, 

Lake Mburo is located in Kiruhura district 240km (4hr drive) south west of kampala, making it the  closest park for an excursion and a 2 day trip. Wildlife  highlights in the park include; elands,zebras,impalas and Nubian giraffes. The park boosts lake Victoria Endemic birds like;papyrus gonolek, pared harrier,whistling duck and shoebill stork. The area covers about 5 lakes, the largest being lake Mburo where boat cruises are done. The park offers walking safari, cycling, horseback riding and night game drive. One will have to stop at the equator for photoshoots, buy art crafts and taste local foods  on the way to or from Lake Mburo. 

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks offers an opportunity to see half of the world’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Both parks are situated in south west Uganda and one can decide to visit one of the parks on a short 3 day gorilla tour from Kampala capital city. The trekking permit cost is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and $250,000 UGX for East African citizens available for booking through a tour operator. 

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimpanzee trekking is another trip one can take to Kibale national park famous for harboring 12 primate species including chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, gray cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobuses. The trekking permit cost is $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents and UGsh 100000 for East African citizens. In addition to chimpanzee habituation, swamp walks in Bigodi and Kihingani wetlands.  

Cultural and historical tours

City tour and culture. One can decide to take a bodaboda  and tour the capital city of Uganda and this can be accompanied with visiting cultural places like Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s palace. religious centers like the Old Kampala mosque  at its top where one can view the whole of Kampala , Bahai temple, Lubaga and Namirembe cathedral.

Mountain hiking

Mountain hiking in Uganda  can be done  on Mount Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabinyo in Mgahinga national park. All these are day hikes that range from easy to medium level. The snow capped Rwenzori mountains, the third highest peak in Africa and is ideal for technical mountain climbers and takes 5-12 days to complete. Those intending to enjoy waterfalls can visit Sipi falls in Kapchorwa district where one is able to enjoy abseiling over the view of the cliff face and also visit the nearby Arabica coffee farm. 

White-water rafting

Rafting and tubing at the source of the Nile River is done in Jinja city located 82 km (2-hour drive) east of Kampala capital city. On the way to Jinja, you can make a stopover at Mabira Forest for Ziplining. Other activities to do in Jinja include; bungee jumping, boat cruise at source of the nile.

However there are other excursions that can be done for example; Mabamba forest along Entebbe road for birding, Ssese and Kalangala island for beach and water sports experiences.

ACCOMMODATION. 

Uganda has got a wide range of accommodation that can facilitate visitors ranging from five star hotels to the budget ones. These include; Sheraton, Serena, protea, africana, imperial Royale hotel among others.