Mparo Royal Tombs | Bunyoro Kingdom Heritage

Mparo Royal tombs is located in south western Uganda about 4km away from Hoima town on the Hoima-Masindi highway.

The tombs are the resting place where Omukama (King) Kabalega was laid after he was exiled in Seychelles in1899 by the British for resisting colonial rule. Other princes and princesses as well as royals of Bunyoro kingdom were buried here.

 At Mparo tombs, each tomb is covered with bark-cloth: a cultural cloth made from tress and royal regalia as well as belongings of the Kings and royals during their reign.

The tomb that holds the most importance at Mparo royal tombs is the one of Omukama Kabalega who is regarded as a true hero for fighting against British colonial rule. He is praised for his courage and wisdom as a king. There are a number of buildings, schools, hotels and road that are named after them.

The traditions and customs of the Banyoro demand that once a King passes on and is buried, his wife if still alive has to sit by his side at the tomb. If the wife passes on, the sacred ceremony is held where another wife is chosen to sit beside the King’s tomb. This goes on until the wife’s clan is no more. If the clan of the wife is exhausted, another clan is chosen to carry on the duty of sitting beside the late king.

Tourist activities around Mparo royal tombs

Community visit

Get a chance to visit the Bunyoro community. Spend the day learning how to weave baskets, indulge in crafts making with the Kyamalera Women Handcraft Association in Kyambigambire sub-county which is about 10km on the Hoima-Masindi road. Also get a chance to be amazed by the cultural dances of the Banyoro: the runyege and entogoro dance which are fulfilling to watch and participate.

Nyamaro royal museum

Visit the Omukama’s palace at Karukiza where you will learn about the history of the Banyoro people. The palace has a royal museum inside called the Nyamaro where one can see the antique throne that is said to be 100 years. The throne has nine legs, ceremonial spears, tusks, and other royal regalia.

Chimp tracking

Track chimpanzees with an experienced guide in the community based chimpanzee habitat monitors. Get to view other wildlife species in the forest as well as bird viewing.  The chimpanzee tourism is managed by Muteme Technical Training Center and Catholic parish. It is located about 14km from Hoima town.

Katasiha fort

The fort holds great historical importance to the Banyoro as it was the largest fort built by Omukama Kabalega who fought the British when he was resisting colonal rule. He was however defeated due to the out numbering of the British who partnered with the Baganda and South Sudan.

 Murchison Falls National Park

Visit Uganda’s biggest and oldest national park where you will encounter exciting game drives, boat cruise, hike to the neautufiul falls and spend a night or two in the wild.