Uganda’s hidden Cultural treasure “Sezibwa Falls”

The Sezibwa River is a river in Central Uganda in East Africa. The name is derived from the Luganda phrase “sizibwa kkubo”, which translates into “my path cannot be blocked”. River Sezibwa is located in the southern central part of Uganda. It starts from the wetlands between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga west of Victoria Nile and flows in a general northerly direction to empty into Lake Kyoga. The source of River Sezibwa is located in Buikwe District near the town of Ngogwe River Sezibwa enters Lake Kyoga in Kayunga District near the town of Galilaya with coordinates. The length of River Sezibwa is approximately 150 kilometers (93mi) from source to end. Between its source in Buikwe District, before it enters Kayunga District, the river flows through Mukono District.

The Sezibwa Falls are approximately 20 miles (32 km), east Kampala, Uganda’s capital, along the Kampala-Jinja Highway. The site is a Buganda Heritage Site. It is marked with an out-span of sharp-edged rocks and the magnificent sound of soothing waters flowing down the steep ridged stones. It is one of Uganda’s hidden cultural treasures with one part owned by Buganda Kingdom and another by the Anglican Church of Uganda and it takes approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the capital Kampala depending on the traffic flowing out of the city. The tour to Sezibwa falls is usually part of the famous Jinja one day tour that takes you to Mabira forest and source of river Nile. Alternatively, you can also have this tour besides or included on your longer Uganda safaris like the gorilla safaris, birding safari or the cultural safaris and wildlife safaris. The Sezibwa Falls are 7 meters high with beautiful scenery for relaxation and enjoyment as birds sing in the trees.

The Legend or River Sezibwa

In the 19th century, the waterfall which lies on the Sezibwa River was a favourite spot of Kabaka Mwanga and Kabaka Mutesa II both of whom planted trees there that still flourish today. The river is believed to have been born by a woman named Nakangu Tebatuusa while on her way to Kavuma Bukunja who belonged to a Achibe (ox) clan whose husband was Nsubuga Sebwaato. The heavily pregnant Nakangu was expected to give birth to twin children, but instead what poured from her womb was a twin river, one that split into two distinct streams around an island immediately below the waterfall. the spirits of Nakangu’s unborn children-Sezibwa and Mobeya each inhabit one of these streams. The name Sezibwa is derived from a Luganda phrase “sizibwa Kkubo” which translates into “my path can never be blocked” and this the locals say is because its flow could not be stopped even with different obstacles it encountered along its 150 km long distance.

Cultural experience

On arrival at the sezibwa falls after being welcomed by the resident tour guide, you will soon embark on your tour of the area. Later you will come to an area with many shrines where people come for worship and other performing cultural rituals at the top of the Sezibwa falls. The traditional healers have different shrines where people camp for days or overnight depending on their request as they seek for blessings and removal of curses from their ancestors through the traditional doctors. Where by the worshipers believe the falls have supernatural powers that connect them to their ancestors to receive long life, defeat of their enemies, and wealth among their many needs. For example one of the prominent shrines is “Mbuga ya Musoke” where they claim to have a resident python known as Nalongo with a traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, business success or good harvest.

Bird watching

Sezibwa falls area is known as one of the many destinations for birding in Uganda. For an avid bird watcher this makes for a good weekend away exploring some of the common and rare species of birds. The area is rich in some water birds, forest species and some savannah species found in the agricultural gardens adjacent to the falls. Some of the birds found in this area include the rare African finfoot, giant Kingfisher, Long-tailed Cormorant, African Grey Hornbill, African Paradise Fly Catcher, Ashy Fly Catcher, Black-necked Weaver, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bronze Mannikin, Dark-capped Bulbul, Emerald Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Kingfisher and many others.

Rock climbing and Hiking

The Sezibwa falls sight has beautiful racked rocks for an interesting rock climbing experiences. This involves a hike on top of the fall where you will be able to see the River Sezibwa forcefully flowing down the rocks and escaping through the dense trees and bushes. The hike may be challenging for those who are not fit but the rocks are not too difficult or high but enough to give you a rock climbing experience among the other attractions in the area hence the final reward is great views of the waterfalls and surrounding scenery. You may even spot lizards and other creatures along the way.

Picnics and camping

The beautiful green gardens around the falls are perfect for picnics, small family parties and merry making without disturbing others. You can set up a picnic site under one of the tall trees and enjoy the cool breeze, watch the amazing waterfalls, play games as you have good time with family or friends. Those interested in camping will find the neatly mowed grounds after the bridge perfect. Camping close to the Sezibwa falls offers a cool environment with beautiful sounds of birds and primates. While camping or partying here you, are free to carry your food and drinks.

Nature and Village Walks

With the help of a local Guide, you will go safely for the most attractive activity after viewing the beautiful falls. The surrounding forests are the first place to go to. The main tree types are bamboo, Muvule, Musizi, Mahogany, fig, Eucalyptus and Ebony trees. Besides, you will also spot more birds, butterflies and small primates. The walk can be prolonged to include visits to local farms and plantations (sugarcane and tea) and more so to the four villages in the vicinity – Ngogwe, Madudu, Wamala and Kungu. Most of intentional tourists who come to the sight often wish to have close encounters and experiences the life styles of the local villagers in an African home. Field work and research are also done by students from different schools in Uganda.

Getting there

Sezibwa Falls lies 40km east of Kampala and it can be reached by following the Jinja road as far as Kayanja trading centre. At the signposted junction, turn right and continue south for almost 2km, then turn right again on to a signposted track that brings you to the entrance gate after 350m. Using public transport, any eastbound matatu out of Kampala old taxi park can drop you at Kayanja.

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