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Luwombo Meal: Ugandan Traditional Dish Cooked in Banana

LUWOMBO meal is a Ugandan delicacy and one of my favorite meals. If you have never been to Uganda and may have plans of visiting this beautiful country one day please do not leave with out trying out a luwombo prepared meal. Most people eat this special meal on special days but I could have it any day, everyday! Luwombo is basically sauce cooked in banana leaves.

The banana leaves are specially prepared over heat with low smoke to make the leaves aromatic and soft enough to contain the food. It is actually a method of preparing stews by steaming as you will get to learn as you read along. I am going to share how to prepare the different types which include: chicken luwombo, smoked meat luwombo, mushrooms in ground nuts paste luwombo, smoked meat in ground nuts paste luwombo and dry fish in ground nuts paste luwombo.

Writing this piece reminds me of my foods and nutrition practical exams way back in high school because this was one of my favorite meals prepared. Because it is easy, time saving and most important nutrient saving.

Malewa: The Delicious Taste of Bamboo Shoots

Malewa is obtained from crushing and drying special bamboo shoots that are obtained from the area of Mt. Elgon, found along Uganda’s border with Kenya. Malewa is harvested throughout the year, but especially during the dry season. The bamboo shoots are traditionally air-dried under mountainside caves, and can also be smoked to give a particular, burnt flavor when used in preparing food. Malewa can easily be confused in appearance for banana fibers, but the easiest way to distinguish these bamboo shoots is from the sweet smell and the visibile joints that characterized the short pieces of malewa.

Regardless of differences in the preparation method, malewa has a taste reminiscent of forest mushrooms. It is said that the best traditional taste of malewa emerges when it is mixed with groundnut paste to make a paste or sauce that can be eaten with millet, banana or sweet potatoes. Malewa sauces or soups are compatible with many other local and traditional dishes in Uganda.

Malewa is the traditional food for the Gishu people in eastern Uganda, and it has been in the area since the Gishu occupied the slopes of Mt. Masaba, also known as Mt. Elgon. It is served widely in the region during the traditional circumcision rites that are performed in each even numbered calendar year. Mothers would serve the product to their sons to give them bravery before embarking on a week-long journey to travel through the community and receive blessings before the actual circumcision (imbalu).

Malewa may be collected by individuals for personal use, but it is also sold in local markets, mainly by boys of the Gishu communities; however the quantities that can be found at local markets are declining. This is due to encroachment on the mountainside habitats for settlements and agricultural land as a result of growing populations in the area.

6 Reasons to Go on a Road Trip in Uganda

Is Uganda your dream safari destination in Africa? Have you ever wished to encounter breathtaking experiences that come once in a lifetime? Uganda is credited for its most exceptional biodiversity, that are all confined within its magnificent protected areas. Visitors either choose to go for game drives and catch a glimpse of amazing big five game in the savanna national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park or visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or simply catch up with adrenaline adventures in Jinja as well as life changing experiences at the Rwenzori Mountains ranges.

Below are some of the reasons why you need to embark on a road in Uganda

You get in control of your trip

There is nothing as adventurous as taking a self drive trip to an unknown destination in the remotest places in Uganda. This allows you make a plan on your own and you arrange it based on your interest. But you have to be careful with the schedules of other transportation means like airlines and trains, otherwise you will be left out.

There is no need to eat airplane food

This is based on the note that the airlines still provide real food, but rather you can simply make a stopover at the nearest restaurant, pack a picnic, or swing via drive all the way.

Flexibility

With self drive road trips in Uganda, you can easily switch directions depending on what attracts you unlike where you are in a group or guided safari and you are required to dance to the tunes of other people and yet you also your own. When it comes to make stopovers at specific areas, a self drive is the best option for road trips in Uganda.

Elephants – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ability to view Uganda’s natural wonders in reality

The amazing bit of taking a road trip in Uganda is that you have higher chances of catching a glimpse of a wide range of tourist attractions and interacting with communities adjacent to the protected areas while on safari in Uganda.

Pack appropriately while keeping in the space of the car boot

There is no need to book an extra car unless other people are traveling with you. You can fold the seats as well to create more room for the luggage and this can save you from paying extra charges.

Money saving

Traveling in a group is one thing exciting when it comes to a road trip in Uganda. If you have ever been on a road trip before or you plan one, make sure that you get on the road with your friends or colleagues of the same interest and experience the fun bits of a road trip in Uganda.

In conclusion, a road trip is the best way for you to catch a glimpse of the variety of attractions that Uganda has to offer to the world. There are a lot more things to experience while on a road trip, and given its flexibility, you can make a stopover at any point of interest at your own time.

Uganda’s Most Adorned Popular Foods

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” – Anthony Bourdain

Several million miles away from home and you are wondering what to eat. When you travel to a different continent, you don’t only deal with the change in weather, culture and lifestyle. You also have to adapt to the local food.

Today we bring you a couple of Uganda’s most delicious foods:

Rolex – To prepare Uganda’s most popular street food, a Chapati is made of whole wheat flour salt and water mixed into dough and then flattened. An omelette is then made to your preference and wrapped in the Chapati.

This snack can be found around almost every street corner and is known for being affordable, delicious and filling.

Matooke – This is a starchy variety of banana that is typically boiled then mashed and is accompanied with a protein of some kind, Matooke is popular in the central and western regions.

Katogo – Katogo is a dish of boiled/ fried plantain with either beef, beans, groundnut sauce or offals served with traditional vegetables. It is traditionally a breakfast dish though it can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Though considered unconventional to the rest of the world, a heavy breakfast like this is popular in Uganda and is a great hangover remedy just in case you’ve been exploring the nightlife.

Groundnut sauce – This is a creamy paste made from sweet red peanuts and is typically served with a carbohydrate like matooke or sweet potatoes.

Smoked fish can be added for an elevated experience. When you’re in Uganda, there is no buffet that doesn’t include this delicious sauce and with good reason.

Luwombo – This dish can be prepared with beef, chicken, groundnuts, smoked fish or goat. This Ugandan special meal is one of great heritage and tradition and cooking it in banana leaf is actually what gives this dish that unique taste. It is served over matooke, rice, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.

This and more local dishes can make your weekend more superb, try out any of the above foods.

Buganda Culture at Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs have always been considered a national monument by Ugandans and the location was recognised internationally as such when it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2001. Then, tragedy struck on 16 March 2010 when the tombs were gutted by a fire. It was like a stab in the heart to many Ugandans – but especially the Baganda.

The Kasubi Tombs are a traditional burial site for the late Kabakas. The Kabaka is the king of Buganda. The Kasubi Tombs are also referred to as Ssekabaka’s Tombs in Buganda. It was first constructed in 1881 and is located on Kasubi Hill – 5km out of the city centre. This monument is witness to the well kept traditions of the Baganda people and the tombs hold the remains of four Kings: Muteesa I, Muwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa II. The guards and caretakers at the tombs are the descendants of the original guards and caretakers since it was first constructed.

While the fire destroyed some major buildings the remains of the kings were saved by the caretakers. Reconstruction of the tombs has taken some time but did start in July 2012. The delay in reconstruction was due to gathering funds and the investigations into the cause of the fire. The reconstruction will be a replica of the former tombs which were made of reed and bark cloth.

Before the tombs were destroyed, visitors entered by a small gate and would be met by guards dressed in yellow. After paying the entrance fee, a visitor would be assigned a guide to take them around and tell them the history of the tombs. The tombs were located at the end of the compound with other huts surrounding it. Some of the other huts were homes to the widows and granddaughters’ of the former kings and they were charged with the responsibility of looking after the tombs. It is an honor in the Buganda culture to be charged with taking care of the kabaka’s tombs.

The widows, and/or granddaughters, of the kings would sit by the pictures of the king. Visitors were required to take off their shoes before entering the hut to protect the bark cloth carpet that lined the tombs. Inside the tombs, the guide would explain the different artifacts that included spears and the stuffed leopard that was Kabaka Mwanga’s pet.

The tombs still remain an important spiritual and political site to the Baganda people. In as much as the original site was constructed using mud, reeds, and wattle, the main significance of the site is the continuity of the Baganda traditional and spiritual beliefs.

While it is unclear when reconstruction will be completed that does not mean that visitors need to remain away entirely. While there isn’t much to see visitors may still glean information from the guides and caretakers. In Kampala, all schools organize a trip to the Kasubi tombs for classes throughout the year. To learn about the rich Buganda culture, visiting the kasubi tombs is always a good idea. Pictures of the original tombs can be found at the Uganda Museum as well as the Uganda Tourism Board.

To know more about the tombs and the Buganda culture contact the Kabaka Foundation, Bulange in Kampala by phoning +256 412 273 600 or emailing kabakafdtn@utlonline.co.ug. To read more about the Kasubi Tombs go to www.kasubitombs.org.

Driving Uganda on Honeymoon

Uganda is a safe country and welcomes every kind of travelers, among those who come to this country are the honeymooners. There are many attractions to Explore, and one of the best ways to enjoy the country is through driving or road trip in the country. Renting a car in Uganda is easy and affordable.

Advantages of self-driving on honey moon

Visitors on honey moon need privacy, and renting a car and drive is the best way to enjoy privacy on the trip, you will be just you in the car, interacting while enjoying the beauty of the pearl of Africa.

Visitors on Honey moon, will enjoy the freedom of not being limited by the all-inclusive safari involving a set Itinerary, there are some places which may seem to be good and better for honeymooners, visitors can decide to stay longer in such destinations.

To a certain extent, It becomes easy to change accommodation when visitors find they are not satisfied by the kind of the first choice. Honeymooners prefer a stress-free safari and the care from the accommodation facilities is paramount.

Honeymooners can decide to go with Rooftop tent to enjoy the thrill of sleeping on top of the car. This is magical, the two love birds to be on top of the car in the African wilderness.

Visitors can decide to go with the Ground tents. This camping safari reduces on the costs of accommodation. Meaning even honeymooners who are on tight budget can explore the country. Camping safaris are fun and enjoyable, it’s another way of exploring the country.

Destinations which can be visited on Honeymoon trip by Self-driving

Primate parks of Uganda: These parks include Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga national park. They are known to be home to the great primates, the Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. Honey mooner can drive to these parks to spend some time with the close relatives of humans as scientists confirmed. The permits to track these creatures can be secured by the car rental company prior to the dates of the trip. This is because they are subject to availability.

Wildlife Parks: Road trip safaris to these parks is perfect idea, explore on your own in parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and many more. Game drives are conducted to Enjoy the wild animals including the big five. Clients on Rentals Uganda can see animals like Leopards, Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Antelopes and many more. There is an idea of hiring the park guide for the game drive to give useful information in the game drive.

Jinja in the Eastern Uganda: This destination has many adventure activities which can be relaxing and fun to Honey mooners. Drive to Jinja and engage in activities like white water rafting, Bungee Jumping, swimming, boat cruises, Horse riding and among others. Renting a car and drive to Jinja is one of the best ways to enjoy the place, Honey mooners are free to spend many days at this destination, discovering wonders on Lake Victoria and River Nile.

Lake Bunyonyi: This is one of the Deepest lakes in Africa. Found in Western Uganda Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the best relaxing places. Book a car hire trip to lake Bunyonyi and enjoy the boat cruise to many Island of the lake, Visit the Batwa, swimming, and among others. Relaxing at the lake is so cool and you enjoy the honey moon experiences.

Drive to Kapchorwa, around Mount Elgon National Park. This place is so beautiful, starting from the topography of land, the culture of the people and the weather. Enjoy the sipi falls on the slopes of Mountain Elgon, this is one of the best places to visit on the Honey moon driving trips. Nature walks are conducted by local guides and the falls has 3 series. Book with 4×4 rental cars Uganda have a wonderful driving safari.

Accommodation Facilities for Honeymooners on Driving Trip

Four Gorillas Lodge

The lodge is found in Rushaga a section of Bwindi National Park. It offers luxury services to visitors including those on honey moon. The lodge is near the starting point or briefing point for most of activities in Bwindi. This of an advantage as there is no need to drive long distance to access the starting point. Their cottages are surrounded by the forest providing the cool breathe to the honey mooners. The cottages are Ensuit offering both local international cuisines.

Turaco Tree Tops:

It is located around Kibale national park, one of the best destinations. They offer guests unique experience; the lodge has stunning views of snow-capped mountain Rwenzori.  The rooms and cottages were built for comfort and let you be immersed in nature. There are attractions around the accommodation like the birds, monkeys and butterflies, the lodge also prepares you for the unforgettable experience the chimpanzee tracking in kibale and other activities around.

The Uganda Martyrs’ Trail

The Uganda Martyrs Trail is Uganda’s exclusive faith-based tourism product that takes you through different places where the first Christian missionaries passed and preached from, and where some of the Uganda Martyrs were killed before their bodies were taken to be burnt at Namugongo.

The death of these martyrs has always been memorable in the hearts of many people especially Christians who celebrate the lives of the martyrs on 3rd June of every year  a day the republic of Uganda considers as the Uganda Martyrs’ Day and a public holiday. Their remembrance was amplified when the Catholic Church of Rome beatified the martyrs of its faith in 1920 and canonized them in 1964.

Many pilgrims, especially Christians, from all over the world descend to the Pearl of Africa to join together with Ugandans to commemorate the martyrs’ day. This is celebrated in remembrance of 45 young men (recorded) both Anglicans and Catholics who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II (then the King of the Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda), for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ or Christianity. The execution took place between November 1885 to June 1886 with a climax at Namugongo on 3rd June 1886, after the Kabaka (king) thought the Whites were ‘infiltrating’ his subjects with Christianity to cause rebellion against him. As a result he killed most of his servants at Namugongo.

Since its launch in 2014, the Uganda Martyrs Trail was expanded to cover such places like:

1. Mapeera site in Ssese
   ‘Mapeera Site’ at Bugoma, Buggala Island in Ssese is the spot where Fr. Simeon Lourdel, who was later named “Mapeera” and Brother Amans first touched Ugandan soil when they landed at the site to spend the night of 15th February 1879 on their way to Lubaga to meet with Kabaka Muteesa I, seeking permission to set up a camp in Buganda to preach, teach and spread Christianity.
2. Kigungu Church, Entebbe
   This is the second spot where Fr. Simeon Lourdel & Brother Amans landed on 17th February 1879 after spending a night at Bugoma, Buggala Island in Ssese, en route to Munyonyo to meet with Kabaka Muteesa I.
3. Mapeera site in Kisubi
   On their way to meet with King Muteesa I at Munyonyo palace, the missionaries also stayed at Kisubi, on the shores of Lake Victoria along Entebbe road, a place the Catholic Church later revamped and established a seminary, schools and a well maintained beach and gardens.
4. Uganda Martyrs’ shrine, Munyonyo
   In the same area where Kabaka Muteesa I had his palace lies the Munyonyo Matryrs’ Shrine. This is the place where the missionaries met with the Kabaka who had earlier on written a letter to Queen Victoria of UK in 1876 inviting Christians to come, teach and preach in the Buganda Kingdom. It’s also the place where the journey of the Martyrs, both Catholics and Anglicans, began before their martyrdom at Namugongo, happening after Kabaka Mwanga had assumed power when his father (Kabaka Muteesa I) died in 1884.

It was at Munyonyo where King Mwanga took the crucial decision to begin putting Christians to death. The blood of Uganda’s martyrs was shed on the soil around Munyonyo. The first three Christians to render their lives for Christ’s sake after the king’s decision did so on 26 May 1886. They included, St. Denis Ssebugwawo and St. Andrew Kaggwa. It is also in this place where in 1886 Saint Charles Lwanga, leader of the Christian community in Uganda baptized St. Kizito, St. Mbaga, St. Gyavira and St. Muggaga.

The place has now been refurbished with a Cathedral and a monument which were inaugurated by Pope Francis on 27^th November 2015, when he visited the Pearl of Africa.

5. Uganda Martyrs’ shrine, Namugongo (both Anglican & Catholics’ side)
   The climax of the plight that befell the Uganda Martyrs between 1885 and 1886 happened at Namugongo, and the place was earmarked by the construction of a church. The construction of the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine (Catholics section) began in 1967 and it was completed and formally opened by the special Papal envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli on 3rd June 1975.

The Uganda Martyrs minor basilica/Shrine is a Catholic church dedicated to the Martyrs of Uganda who shed their blood because of the Christian faith. The Shrine is well known for its beautiful and unique interior and exterior, but it is especially notable for its shape and architectural plan: the 22 copper pillars-over 100 feet long that support the shrine built in form of an African hut and its wooden doors that depict the history of the Martyrs. The Shrine has a capacity 1000 seats arranged in a circular form.

It is here that 14 of the 22 Catholic Uganda Martyrs were burnt alive, on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886, having refused to denounce their Christian faith. Following the holocaust of these Martyrs which reached a climax on 3rd June, 1886 Namugongo has steadily taken on the image of attraction as a place of pilgrimage, as God simultaneously has honoured them before Believers.

On 6th June 1920 Pope Benedict XV beatified the Uganda Martyrs. Pope Paul VI canonized them on Mission Sunday, 8th October, 1964 in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. The same Pope honoured the Martyrs with a pilgrimage on 31st July to 2nd August 1969 – the first visit ever by a pope to the African Continent.

Remembering the work executed by St. Charles Lwanga when still a page in King Mwanga’s palace, when he spearheaded the excavation of the legendary Kabaka’s lake in Ndeeba, a Martyrs’ lake was excavated at Namugongo. Many pilgrims have often drawn water from this lake and later given testimonies about this water healing them of various diseases.

The Pavilion (Island) in the lake is another unique feature at Namugongo with a clear view that can be seen from all angles of the over 15 acres Shrine compound. It is inside this pavilion where the main celebrant sits on big occasions like Martyrs’ day, June 3. This grass thatched pavilion, also in circular form like the Shrine is supported by 4 pillars and can accommodate more than 300 priests and a number of bishops that turn for the High Mass on Martyrs Day.

In remembrance of the 23 (recorded) Anglican martyrs, the Anglican Church of Uganda also constructed a museum that collects all the information of the story, right from the coming of the first missionaries, to the torture of the martyrs and the spread of Christianity all over Uganda. Visiting these places shall provide you with all inspirational and spiritual knowledge.

Both sites have so far been visited by three Popes; including; Pope Paul VI in 1969, Pope John Paul II in 1993 and Pope Francis in 2015.

When to do it
One can visit at any time of the year but the most favorable time is between May and July every year, during which you can also join in the annual celebrations of 3^rd June every year.