Bigo bya mugenyi | Uganda Cultural Site

Bigo bya mugenyi | Uganda Cultural Site

Bigo bya mugenyi | Uganda Cultural Site: translated as the “Fort of a stranger” is an extensive alignment of ditches and geographical features. These comprise of ancient earth works which are believed to have been put in place between the 13^th and 17^th centuries. The place is located in the inter-lacustrine regions of south western Uganda in Mawogola County. Furthermore, the place is believed to have been the first settlement for the Bachwezi group (duo–rule dynasty).

These are also considered as the first settlers in Uganda between the 11^th and 16^th centuries. The inner part of Bigo bya Mugyenyi is made up of 4 openings that pour into each other while the outer trails connects with Katonga River. According to stories from the locals and legends the historical site was dug out to shelter the Chwezi Empire. This was done to avoid incursions from other foreigners such as the Luo from South Sudan. The origin of these people is not known however, the historical site is preserved as one of the country’s culture treasures.

Interesting facts about Bigo bya Mugenyi 

As you make your way into Bigo bya Mugenyi you will be accompanied by an armed tour guide. He will later lead you through a place called Kabeho. This place has got some of the cultural tools that were used by the Bachwezi guards. In fact, these were used before making their destination to rivers Katonga and Kachinga. These include; arrows, spears, shields, not to mention but a few. Tourists do fetch water from these spots for cleansing themselves before taking on the long treks to Bigo bya Mugyenyi. The idea of cleansing is to seek for protection from the gods so that they don’t get annoyed with you. After cleansing yourselves, you will proceed on with your journey to Bigo bya Mugyenyi through the jungle. This is believed to harbor dangerous wildlife such as leopards, bush bucks, water bucks and reptiles such as snakes.

However, these animals have never attacked tourists even if you come insight with them. As a matter of fact, it is believed by the locals that once it rains while still at the historical site it shows bad omen. After along trail, you will enter into Bigo bya Mugenyi which is filled with numerous grass thatched huts particularly set up to shelter the keepers. You will also have sight of a well maintained and fenced site. Here, the locals go for prayers asking for blessings and wealth from the Chwezi gods. Besides, the Bachwezi people were believed to have mysterious powers. These include; leaving foot prints on rocks, vanishing in thin air, flying with wind, etc.

How to get to Bigo bya Mugenyi?

Bigo bya Mugenyi is 60km from Sembabule town Centre however, tourists are supposed to first visit the tourism office which is within a given distance from the site.