Bigo bya Mugyenyi, loosely translated as “Fort of a Stranger” is a 10 square kilometers array of archaeological earthworks that are believed to have been put in place between the 13th and 17th centuries. There are two trench synergies at Bigo bya Mugenyi, the inner is made up of 4 openings that pour into each other while the outer is the one that trails and connects with Katonga river. The earthworks at the fort are claimed to be linked to the ancient Cwezi people, a duo-rule dynasty (Ndahura and Wamala) that didn’t last long. Its an awesome historically spot that you should visit on your Uganda safari holidays.
As you make your way into Bigo Bya Mugenyi, you will pass through a place called Kabeho. This place has ancient spears that guards used at the camp before making their destination to the Katonga river. This is a spot where tourists fetch water for cleansing themselves before making the long stride to Bigo Bya Mugenyi. The idea of cleansing your self is an act of seeking for protection from the gods so that they don’t get annoyed with you.
After cleansing yourselves, you proceed with your journey by moving through a thick jungle. Bigo bya Mugenyi has been re-declared by the jungle. It is believed there is plenty of dangerous wildlife like Leopards, Snakes but surprisingly they have never attacked any tourist, even after setting sight on them. This is just one of the signs of the gods presence in the area and besides, it’s also claimed that getting rained on at Bigo bya Mugenyi was an omen of bad luck.
A number of grass-thatched huts where set up at the fort to shelter the keepers. Right next to it is a fenced and well-maintained site on an elevated ground where people seek for wealth and blessings from the Chwezi gods.
Bigo bya Mugenyi is situated about 60 km from a town called Sembabule. Book a Uganda Tour with us today and we arrange for you a visit to the historic site.
