Uganda is a multicultural and multi-tribal society, with at least 33 different tribes and languages. Many regions have a kingdom, including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Kingdoms and tribal culture have great significance for the lives, beliefs and customs of people.
To learn a bit about this rich society, we decided to visit the community of Bigodi, not far from the Kibale forest.
In the last few years this community has seen the development of sustainable tourism, a series of activities are offered to travelers. The earnings are used to finance projects such as the construction of clean water kiosks or schools.
We had the opportunity to have lunch with a local family that, besides having let us taste their traditional food (mainly based on rice, tubers and vegetables), has made us become participants of the preparation of food and local traditions which, unfortunately, are disappearing with the new generations.
Our lunch ended with a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Given our origin, they prepared and served us coffee with the real Italian moka!
In the afternoon, we took a walk around the village where we had the chance to meet two very interesting people.
The first one was with the traditional healer who still uses local remedies to treat various diseases such as malaria, intestinal disorders, infertility and even adultery. Surrounded by his traditional medicines such as plants, distilled in various colors, he was speaking to us in his calm and deep voice.
He never showed his face to us: he was talking huddled on the floor, with his head bowed and his hat covering his face almost completely.
Despite the progress of modern medicine, there are still people who go to him to be treated. Unfortunately, he told us that the only disease he is not able to cure: HIV.
The second person we met was an elderly gentleman who told us about the customs and traditions of the Batoro and Bakiga people. he talked about the ritual of when a child is born, how the mother is treated during the first months, the gifts given to the child. We were fascinated by his stories.
Hearing the stories of these people and asking them questions, helped us to become a little more familiar with the culture of the country. It is an experience we highly recommend to those who would like to visit these areas.
In the evening we made a tour around the volcanic lakes of Kasenda.
You will find more information about eco-friendly tourism in Bigodi here: https://bigoditourism.com/
