Bigo Bya Mugenyi | Uganda Adventure Safaris
Bigo Bya Mugenyi means the fort of a stranger. It is located on the Southern shores of the Katonga River in South Western Uganda. Bigo Bya Mugenyi is an extensive alignment of ditches and berms comprising ancient earthworks. These earthworks extend for more than 10 kilometres and date to around 1300-1500AD and are described as Uganda’s largest and most important ancient monument.
Bigo Bya Mugenyi is also known to be the area where the first Bachwezi settled in the early days between the 11th and 16th centuries. It is occupied by people who are popularly known as Bachwezi or Demigods because of their nature. It is believed that people still see it as a mystery because of Bachwezi’s nature. Bigo bya Mugenyi is one of Uganda’s hidden treasures.
Brief History of Bigo Bya Mugenyi
It is believed that the Bachwezi had a way of disappearing into the air and appearing mysteriously as well and during their disappearance, they would leave a footprint on stones and rocks. Bigo bya Mugenyi is one of the last strong cultural heritage sites remaining in Uganda and this site has been visited by most students from different schools as well as higher institutions of learning to help in finding out more.
It is situated on a high ground with an outer boundary where there are four enclosures from 1-4 with enclosures 1 and 2 being the largest of the group and sharing a North West South East ditch having two openings which are partially aligned on the Northern side. Enclosures 3 and 4 are smaller and are connected to the Eastern ends of 1 and 2.
Bachwezi is known well to have been the founder of the Kitara Empire covering the area of Uganda, Northern Tanzania Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Western Kenya. As you approach the Bigo bya Mugenyi site, you will see a lot of small grass-thatched huts and it is believed that Bachwezi usually goes there to pray to their ancestors for blessings, and protection from natural calamities like death.
Cultural Adventure at Mugenyi Site
Tourists should have it in mind that for one to go through the Bigo Bya Mugenyi, they have to pass through a specific place called Kabeho, and at this point, tourists are tasked to fetch water for cleansing themselves before continuing the journey to Bigo bya Mugyenyi. This cleansing is a way of asking for permission before entering to see if the gods have allowed you and are not annoyed with you at all.
As you take on the journey through the jungle, you spot different animals like leopards but due to the presence of the gods, these dangerous animals don’t attack the people. Grass-thatched huts that are located on the site were to provide shelter to the people that keep this area.
As you visit this site, you kneel and pray and as well place offertory in the basket to appease these spirits as well as ensure the safety of the tourists while at this sacred site. If you need to enjoy this great adventure, it is better to book with a reliable tour company and in time so that the trip can be scheduled.
Accessibility to Bigo Bya Mugenyi
The site is located on four square miles of land, approximately 60 kilometres from Sembabule town, and can be accessed using a comfortable safari vehicle.
