Nkokonjeru Tombs

Nkokonjeru tombs in Kaakika, Mbarara district in western Uganda, are home to the remains of the last two Kings of Ankole. These are Omugabe Edward Solomon Kahaya II, who died in 1944, and Omugabe Sir Charles Godfrey Rutahaba Gasyonga II who died in 1982, after ruling for 23 years. They are also other eight graves around. The tombs are a historical site to the people of the obsolete Ankole kingdom and are significant for all those who want to understand the history of Ankole. Book Now

It’s said that King Sir Charles Godfrey Rutahaba Gashyonga ruled the kingdom for twenty-three years until the regime of Dr Apollo Milton Obote, who was president of Uganda, abolished kingdoms in Uganda on 17th of September in 1967. Nkokonjeru tombs hold a kind of a foreign structure house plus two other solid slabs. These tombs hold great significant value in the history of the Ankole people (Banyankole) but unfortunately, the kingdom could have lost control over the land. Some years back, it was alleged that the land could have been secretly sold off to private developers since the kingdom officials didn’t have a clear answer for the abandoned site. The late, Prince John Barigye is said to have sold the land because he was denied coronation before he died and that displeased him. He was known as a king who never sat on his throne. The site had been deserted for years, except for cattle grazers who encroach on it with their cattle, but it was recently refurbished. Apart from visiting the Nkokonjeru tombs, there are also other tourist attractions one can opt for.

Other Tourist Activities around Nkokonjeru Tombs

Visit Mbarara town & surrounding community

Mbarara is a town in the western region of Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative, and commercial centre of Mbarara District and the site of the district headquarters.

Safaris to Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park spans Kiruhura and Mbarara districts in western Uganda, and it is just close to Nkokonjeru tombs. Lake Mburo National Park is home to different animal species, including over 68 mammals like zebras, impalas, buffaloes, topis, elands, and bushbucks. The park also hosts more than 325 different bird species which include the rare shoebill stork, and papyrus yellow warbler. So, one can decide to do different tourist activities while here, such as a game drive safari, boat cruise on Lake Mburo, bird watching, and horse riding among others. Apart from a visit to this national park, visitors can make an extension to Bwindi Impenetrable, for a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. This is one of the most life-changing experiences, where visitors come face to face with the mountain gorillas.

Sanga Cultural Village tour

Visit the Sanga Cultural Village a cultural centre for the Bahima tribe, located at the Sanga junction leading to the Lake Mburo National Park. Traditional ornaments and regalia of the tribe are also found at the centre. It is possible to learn about the cultural ways, particularly of Hima women.

Igongo Cultural Centre tour

Igongo Cultural Centre has got many traditional grass huts on the display and the guides will always explain to you the way of life of the Ankole people. You will also enjoy the museum and then learn more about the ways of the local cultures, their dairy farming and video played narrating their traditional norms. Don’t miss enjoying the local food that is served in their beautiful gardens or restaurant, and the great roasted goat’s meat that is offered here. It’s really a must-visit while when you visit Nkokonjeru Tombs because it is significant for those interested in cultural tours.

How to reach Nkokonjeru Tombs of Ankole

If you are travelling from Kampala, the route to be used is Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara town, which is about 3 and a half kilometres west of Mbarara town.