Kagulu Rock in Busoga : Kagulu rock is a cultural site for Busoga Kingdom and now a well-developed cultural tourism site, in Buyende district 40kms from Kamuli district and 100kms from Jinja city. The site is 180kms from Kampala the capital city of Uganda and takes 4 hours’ drive to get there, giving visitor’s great scenery after hiking the 3600ft Rock. The journey to Kagulu rock hill may not be a very exciting one, though you will be astonished at the sight of Kagulu hill and the secrets that lie behind this hill which is just adjacent to Lake Kyoga. Talking about the history of Kagulu rock in relation to Busoga and Uganda at large you will get to know why for years it is still referred to as (secret) ”ekyama Kya Busoga Kingdom “
In the very first place most sources have it that this hill of rocks was the first home of the founders of Busoga kingdom. It is believed that when Mukama Namutukula a prince from Bunyoro kingdom found in western Uganda, was escaping from leadership clashes in his home area following the death of their father. He moved Northwest with his wife Nawudo and through Lake Kyoga and only this hill provided a suitable home for this family in the first days.
While here, Mukama Namutukula enjoyed hunting among other activities and with Nawudo his wife they were in position to have five sons namely; Gabula, Zibondo, Tabingwa, Ngobi and Nkono and later on as Namutukula was going back to his home in Bunyoro he left his sons in charge of various parts of Busoga namely; Bugabula,Bulamogi,Luuka,Kigulu and Bukono respectively these administrative points later became the major chiefdoms of Busoga. For affordable tours to Kagulu rock hill Uganda safaris is your number one choice. Namutukula being a royal the hill became the first place of the BAISENGOBI CLAN and to date all coronation ceremonies of the Bugabula chiefs take place from this very place kagulu rock hill.
Political history of kagulu hills
Politically way back in the 1970’s, this hill was mainly put to use by President Idi Amin Dada. Having discovered the beauty of Kagulu rock hill, President Idi Amin decided to build Ladders on this hill in 1972; additionally he installed tale communication masts on this very rock to ease his communication with the military troupes in the east and northern region of Uganda.
It is also asserted that he used Kagulu rock as his military base simply because of its strategic location and height.
This really made his attacks successful because it was very easy to notice his enemies from whichever direction. This enabled him to be a very strong fighter and before the end of his reign as president, he was looking forward to turning Kagulu rock into his official military base though this wasn’t attained.
The control of Kagulu rock was later handed over to Mama Kagulu a spiritual lady who leaves on the rock and still leaves to date.
Economically, the rock was and still is a a beehive of activities. In the first place the rock was a forest with very many wild animals however, But in 1970s during the reign of president Idd Amin Dada, all animals such as hyenas, Impalas, chimpanzees and many others were all shot to death simply because of their negative effect to the society. Not only was it a game park but also a stone quarrying site it being a rock. Furthermore, it was s also asserted that the rock was mineral Rich with mercury among other minerals. Presently, the economic activities on the rock include animal rearing with a goat farm on top of the rocks, quarrying, community tourism and obtaining of grass for other animals at home.
The locals of Kagulu are happy and hospitable people who have been blessed with hobs arising from Kagulu rock, the fertile soils around the rock which mainly support the growth of tomatoes and watermelon.
Attractions at kagulu rocks in Uganda.
Kagulu Rock: It’s such a majestic rock elevated as high as 3,600ft making hiking as challenging yet interesting and rewarding once you find yourself atop and treated to amazing views. Breathtaking sights await you atop Kagulu Hill; these include the waterfalls flowing from the ancient caves and the sight of Lake Kyoga at a confluence with River Nile.
Caves: The ancient caves were home to the early settlers, and the rock is believed to have been the first place where migrates settled in this region, which is a true place where the Busoga tribe emerged and thus holds a strong cultural heritage. At this point one is entertained by the fireplace stories, of when the caves was discovered way in 1686 in the reign of Olimi the King of Bunyoro, its believed that the King spent most of his leisure time on Kagulu Hill.
Iddi Amin’s Trail: The hill gives visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of Amin the most famous former President of Uganda. It’s said that Amin wanted to build himself a palace atop the hill where he could easily communicate to his people across the Kyoga while having an eagle eye’s view on Teso and Lango region, a concrete structure atop the hill, a communication center setup in 1972 and concrete staircase still exist. Kagulu Hill is not only a beautiful rock but has a strong cultural value and it’s at this point that you will understand the source of the Busoga culture and its history.
Sight Lake Kyoga: Lake Kyoga is one of the closest water bodies around the hills and this gives a number of electrifying activities that one would love to explore and also involve in for its fascinating adventures as well.
HOW TO GET TO KAGULU ROCK HILL
Kagulu rock , is located in Eastern Uganda Busoga kingdom, Bugabula chiefdom, buyende district which is 40kms north of kamuli town and 100kms from Jinja city the adventure capital of East Africa popularly known for white water rafting, Kayaking and Bungee Jumping. The journey is 4 hours from Kampala the capital city of Uganda Kagulu rock.
