Kagulu Hill | Rock Climbing in Kamuli District, Uganda
Kagulu hill or rock is located in the Eastern region of Uganda. It sits in Buyende District. It is about 42kms to the south of Kamuli district, a few km from jinja, Bugabula sub-county until you reach Kagulu hill. Kagulu hill neighbors Jinja town, one of the biggest industrial and tourism districts in Uganda. The Basoga people settle around Kagulu hill, they speak Lusoga language.
Kagulu hill is a solid rock which is more than 3,048 ft above sea level. It is even said to be the first settlement place for the Banyoro-Basoga who were by then led by Mukama. While at the top of the rock, you have a full view of Busoga near by districts and Lake Kyoga.
BACKGROUD OF THE KAGULU ROCK
The Kaguku hills are said to have been discovered in the during the power regime of Olimi I of Bunyoro Kitara in the year 1686. Even spoken tradition says the Basoga migrated to now Busoga from the east and arrived beyond Lake Kyoga where they settled in caves at the bottom of the hill. When Bunyoro occupied Busoga, the Prince Mukama Namutukula of Bunyoro took over the Kagulu caves and made them his personal residence. The Basoga also have traditional keepers who live on the hill since many years back.
The Namutukula of Bunyoro landed by boat at the shores of Lake Kyoga. There are six smaller hills are to the west, they are; mawaale, Bukolimo, Kagwese, Nakyeere, Butadewo and Mpanga.
The towering hill today has a manmade lake at the top, it is said to be a lake with blessings.
HOW TO GET TO KAGULU HILL
The journey starts from Kampala city in the Central part of Uganda. It takes 3hours and 40 minutes by a motor car. The route takes you through Mukono district to Jinja district via mabira forest. While at Jinja town , one can have a stop-over for a meal or a drink.
It is 1 hour and 50 minutes from jinja to Kagulu hill, the journey takes you through kamuli district to Buyende district. While at Buyende district, it is just 2km to the Kagulu hill which is easily sighted as you approach it.
It is basically accessed by road though at some point you cross on water to the other side.
ATRRACTIONS AROUND KAGULU HILL
Kagulu hill is strategically located with a beautiful view of Busoga region, Victoria Nile and the green canopy that covers the region. The Victoria Nile pours it’s waters into Lake Kyoga.
The water fall that runs from the top and flows down to the caves gives a thunderous sound making it so amazing to view.
Kagulu hill is another spot for those who love hiking. While hiking to the top, you are led by a well-trained guide. He will take you through the stages till the top. From the start at the bottom, there are man-made stares that lead you. The hike checks your physical fitness. The stress were built on the southern part of the hill.
Visiting of the natives of Buyende district, learn their traditions and also their language (lusoga). The Basoga traditionally did not have many gardens for domestic use close to the homestead. It is the women of the household who cared most for their common staple foods – bananas, millet, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Men generally cared for cash crops – coffee, cotton, peanuts, and corn.
