Places to visit for free in Uganda
Which places can I visit for free in Uganda? Have you ever dreamt of experiencing Uganda’s adventurous landscapes for free? Well, this article is just for you. Exploring Uganda’s adventurous attractions can tend to be priced to fund conservation efforts. However, not all places are priced for them to be explored in Uganda, and these are our main focus in this article. Uganda is anyone’s favorite destination, be it nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, or even birders. This is because of the country’s ability to handle any experience thrown at it. This is short to say as long as you can dream, then Uganda will always provide and turn your wildest dreams into reality.
When one thinks of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, a lot of triggers the mind, from the exclusive mountain gorilla primates to the Big 5 that roam the savannah plains. Off the savannah grip and the topographic highlands of natural montane forests and tropical rainforests to the historical and cultural sites in Kampala city. Uganda will always be unmatched as it delivers adventures that you have never experienced before yet for free. Some of these places in Uganda to explore for free are unveiled below.
Kabaka’s Palace
The Kabaka’s Palace is the residence of the King of Buganda, the biggest kingdom in the country. It is located in the city of Kampala on Mengo Hill. It is locally known as Bulange Mengo, as the local Baganda people call it. Although Uganda as a country is a republic, kingdoms in the country were reinstated even when the country gained independence from the British. From 1966 to 1986, the kingdoms in the country were abolished and not recognized by the central government. This was during the regimes of H.E. Milton Obote and Idd Amin. However, in 1986, when the current government took power, it was agreed that kingdoms should be returned to the country. The Buganda is the largest kingdom in the country, located in the central region of Uganda. Visitors can tour the Kabaka’s palace for free and experience the traditions of the people of Buganda.
Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi tombs are of great significance to the people of the Buganda Kingdom. These tombs are located on Kasubi Hill on the outskirts of Kampala City. Kasubi tombs are a royal site to the Buganda Kingdom because they are the burial places for the kings of the Buganda Kingdom. Exploring these tombs is priceless, not just in terms of money but also traditional importance. Visitors can tour the tombs for free and learn the history that surrounds these tombs.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, also located on the outskirts of Kampala City, is one of the historical and religious sites in the country. Their existence is a true definition of faith and religious commitment. The martyrs shrine of Namugongo is the backbone of Uganda’s religious journey, especially for the Catholics and Anglicans. The story that surrounds the Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine is one of pure sadness, braveness, and faith. In 1885, during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga, religion started to spread like wildfire in the country. This, however, did not please the king of Buganda Kabaka Mwanga who saw it as a threat to his reign.
As people converted to Catholicism and Anglicanism, Kabaka Mwanga declared war against the religion and decided to execute those who did not denounce this religion. It is on this account that the martyrs of Uganda refused to denounce their faith and were burnt alive in Namugongo. The place of their execution was laid aside to commemorate their faith and braveness. Visitors can hence visit this place for free and experience what these people passed through.
The source of the Nile
The River Nile is undeniably the longest river in the world. To hold this record, the river needs to flow unstopped for years, and this requires it to have a big source supplying it. Witnessing this wonder is truly magnificent and being free makes it even more interesting. The source of the Nile is located in Jinja City in the eastern region of Uganda and Kampala. This area is a place where the Nile begins its journey to the Mediterranean Sea crossing over 11 countries. This great river has its source on Lake Victoria the biggest freshwater lake in Africa.
Local markets
The country’s local markets flourish with amazing fresh and organic fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Visit the local markets like the Nakasero fruit market and Owino market and experience some of the country’s cultures and cuisines. These markets can experienced for free, and interact with the locals one-on-one.
Independence Monument
Uganda’s history of independence can be summarized at the Independence Monument in the city center of Kampala. The architectural design of the monument, portraying a man carrying a baby high up in the air, symbolizes the country’s break away from colonial rule. The independence monument was unveiled on the 8th of October 1962 a day before independence. This monument is one of the places in Uganda to visit for free.
Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls are located in the Mbale district in the eastern region of Uganda. Sipi Falls is situated at an elevation of about 4,321 meters above sea level. Sipi Falls gets its name from a wild plant called Sep, which looks like a banana and can be found on the banks of the River Sipi. The falls are made up of three different falls, Sipi Falls which is the biggest and tallest, the Simba Falls, which has the second largest volume, flowing from a height of 95 meters, and the Ngasire Falls, flowing from a height of 74 meters. Visitors can tour Sipi Falls for free and explore its adventurous wonders as they interact with the locals at a free cost.
