Ugandan Travel Diary: Part 1 Western Region - Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru

I have decided to start a series about my travels around my Country Uganda. Being “The Pearl of Africa” - Sir. Winston Churchill, Uganda has very many interesting sites to visit and explore.

These series will include places I have been to, those am planning to visit and what I would recommend for anyone planning for an amazing vacation.

I have started with the western region of Uganda which has numerous site seeing activities from the Great East African Rift valley to Mount Rwenzori (highest mountain in Uganda). I will also briefly tell of the origins of the sites and not in detail because I don’t want to make huge posts and also to keep you interested in knowing these places.

First site is the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru which loosely translates to *Breasts of Nyinamwiru.*This site is located in Fort Portal, Kabarole District which is designated as a tourism city of Uganda and the seat of the Toro Kingdom (one of the five kingdoms in Uganda). This area is occupied mostly by the Batoro people who are subjects to their 12th ruler of the 180 year old kingdom, HRH. Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV who is the youngest monarch in Uganda approaching 28 years. He ascended the throne at 3 years (1995) and his coronation in 2010.

Alright back to the our site (Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru). The naming of this site originated from a myth from the people in this areas which has been spread out the generations, different parts of Uganda even in the education syllabus about the history of Uganda Kingdoms. It is believed that King Bukuku who was one of the ancient Kings of the Batembuzi Dynasty that ruled that time and were believed to be demi-gods by their subjects, often disappearing to the under ground at given times. The princess was a beautiful young lady who had a strong personality. She refused to marry the man her father the King had chosen for her as was the custom in the day preferring to choose her own spouse.

This greatly infuriated the King and his subjects who could not understand how anyone could disobey the King. He then ordered that her breasts be cut off because of her disobedience, this would then ensure that she would never get married to whoever she would choose and never be able to nurse children. However with her allure still strong she became pregnant to the Batembuzi King Isaza and later gave birth to their son, Ndahura. Unable to breastfeed the infant herself she used what looked like milk dripping from the stalactites (resembling breasts), which appeared milky because of its calcium content.

From this site has breathtaking falls you will love, one can also take a hike to the nearby Nyakasura hill which will give you views of 3 different crater lakes and a visit to the marking of a large foot in the area believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giant like humans.

Be sure to also have a tour of the Fort Portal city with lots of souvenirs to take back hope and listening to stories about the Bachwezi people and their beliefs in this area

Thanks for following along, catch up on the next site in these travel series and do not hesitate to ask any questions for clarification or inquiries.

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