Monuments in Uganda : Uganda is graced with a number of monuments that were set up in the memorial of various events that occurred in Uganda or that Uganda was complex in. We take a look at some of these Monuments and a brief of the events that led to the construction of these monuments.
The Independence Monument
With many young Ugandans not acquainted with the real interpretation of this monument as many have always given differing opinions of this, the Independence Monument is one of the high profiled and relevant independence pieces in Uganda and its people since it’s the sign of freedom from no any other colonialism.
The independence monument is located along Speke road in Kampala City. The British Colonial government was the sole funder of the construction of this monument before the independence celebration and this construction was part of the celebration. And upon Uganda attaining its first independence on October 9, 1962, this was part of the sites that showed that we have received freedom after the Independence monument was put up “depicting a man unwrapping his child and raising it to touch the sky, the towering sculpture signifies a newborn country let free from the bondages of colonization.”
It’s open at any time of the day or night for viewing, photography and several good purposed reasons. The place is fully maintained by the Kampala city council authority. During the day, it is also widely used by Kampala vagabonds, street children, and other town dwellers due to the cleanliness around it and at night it is a red-light spot.
Sir Edward Mutesa 1 Monument
This was the first Ugandan president immediately after the attainment of independence from the British. His statue was also found on Speke road and Nile Avenue junction next to the independence monument. His statue was unveiled by the current Kabaka of Buganda His Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi in 2007. He was the 35th king of Buganda who ruled it till his death and he was also the first head of state for Uganda. His full names were; Sir Edward Frederick William David Walugembe Mutebi Luwangula Muteesa II
World War Memorial Monument
This is one of the oldest statues in Kampala located next to the central police station. World War II was a very terrifying time for the whole world and all the colonial masters had asked their subjects for support during the war. For instance, Britain asked for help from Uganda to join forces to fight the opponents. This led to the series of loss of lives of Ugandans who had gone to support the British forces thus culminating in the construction of the world war memorial Monument by the British colonial government in 1945 that is also printed on the back of 5,000 Uganda shillings note for World War I and II.
The Centenary Monument
This was built by the Makerere University Artist called Sylvia Katende to commemorate Kampala City council’s centenary celebration mark. This is the governing body of Kampala city. The statue is found along Jinja road inside Centenary Park next to Hotel Africana.
The Statue of Leadership
This was uncovered in 2002 in remembrance of the Buganda Sir Apollo Kaggwa the Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom from 1890 – 1926 that agitated and fought for the extension of clean water and electricity to Buganda kingdom at a time when it was needed most yet many had not recognized. It is found at Amber House along Kampala road. The building of this sculpture was funded by the Electricity body and National Water, Monuments in Uganda
Education Monuments
Many academic institutions have had their own statues depicting their visions, morals, or mission. And the few of the listed sculptures are in universities like;
Kyambogo University has a sculpture with three kids striving to get a touch on a book and it was put up in one of Uganda’s notes currency. The monument was unveiled by Kintu Musoke in 1996 and is one of the most outstanding ones among all monuments existing in various institutions compounds. On the other hand, Makerere University has the statue titled hatching a new generation in front of the college of Natural Sciences. This symbolizes “the new dawn in the world of academics in Uganda with rising of many institutions under the example of the fully established Makerere University. Other Universities like Makerere University Business School and other several academic institutions have monuments too depicting several meanings.
The Stride Monument
In commemoration of the CHOGM 2007, a sculpture bearing the father, mother, and son aluminum assemblage moving forward that symbolizes the togetherness of commonwealth states like one family developing together.
This statue is found in between Kampala Serena Hotel and the Parliamentary gardens. The Queen of England commissioned or uncovered it and about 150 million Uganda Shillings were spent building it.
Other places to places to visit after visiting the monuments in Uganda
Besides the Uganda monuments there are other money areas to have a tour at on your Uganda city safaris and all these as well offer great moments of education and fun, Monuments in Uganda
Mengo Palace
Also known as Lubiri and Kabaka’s Palace, Mengo Palace is the historic residence of the Buganda King (Kabaka). While you cannot go inside the palace, you can view the lush grounds and get a history lesson on the Buganda Kingdom. You can also view the tunnels that Idi Amin used to incarcerate and torture political prisoners.
While on the Royal Mile stretch, you can also check out two of the world’s oldest tortoises living in Uganda.
Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made of traditional organic materials, the expansive hut is a former royal burial ground for four Buganda kings (Kabakas) and members of the royal family.
The tombs are an impressive example of traditional architecture and offer another opportunity to learn about the Buganda Kingdom.
Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine
The Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa. It is dedicated to the 22 Martyrs who were killed on the orders of the former Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887.
On June 3 Uganda celebrates Martyrs’ Day. The national public holiday commemorates the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs killed during that period. If you are in Kampala around this time you are likely to see thousands of people making the pilgrimage to the site.
Ndere Cultural Centre
Without a doubt, Ndere Cultural Centre hosts the best dance troupe in Uganda! The dance troupe showcases cultural dances and music from tribes across the country.
In addition to the music and dancing, the show sprinkles in some comedy and provides a delicious dinner buffet and barbeque for attendees. We highly encourage making a reservation if you plan to attend the show, Monuments in Uganda.
Seeing the dance troup perform at the Ndere Cultural Centre is the one of the BEST things to do in Kampala, Uganda.
Uganda National Cultural Centre
The Uganda National Cultural Centre in Kampala houses the National Theatre and the Nommo Gallery. The Centre provides a space for performances, including a stage and cinema, as well as a gallery that exhibits local and foreign artists. Local crafts are also sold at the Centre in Craft Village.
The Uganda National Cultural Centre offers a number of activities and events in Kampala. The UNCC is also home to Craft Village.
A visit to one of the many art galleries in Kampala is a great way to see the beauty and soul of Uganda as depicted by the talented artists here. We recommend Nommo Gallery located at the Uganda National Cultural Centre, Asante Art Gallery, AKA Gallery, Umoja Art Gallery, and Afriart Gallery.
Craft Markets
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, home goods, or a new addition to your wardrobe, you will likely find it at one of the craft markets in Kampala. A visit to one of the local craft markets is also a fun way to try your hand at bargaining.
Craft Village is located behind the National Theatre at Uganda National Cultural Centre, and Exposure Africa is on Buganda Road. There is also a weekly Friday craft market on Old Kampala Road behind the Gaddafi Mosque near Fort Lugard that has items from Uganda as well as neighboring countries in East Africa.
