From Gangama hill in Mbale you will have more than a pleasant panoramic view Of Mbale town

By Richard Wetaya

Gangama hill is to the West of Mbale Town.
It is where the

late Semei Kakungulu, the veteran Buganda imperialist chief of the 1890’s established his residence in 1917.
Astonishingly his residence still stands.
Kakungulu moved his residence here under duress from the British.

The British were intent on reducing his powers after he fell out with them.
Kakungulu apparently wanted the British to allow him rule and become King of Bukedi and Busoga.  
The British took exception, instead using civil servants to govern the above areas.
Bugisu then was part of Bukedi region.

After his death in 1928, Kakungulu was laid to rest in a mausoleum. 
To all appearances, the Mausoleum looks much better than his old residence, currently occupied by his great great grand children.

Kakungulu’s huge grave inside the mausoleum is a marvel in itself.
The grave has the Star of David engraved on it, perhaps a testament to his inclination towards Judaism.
“Kakungulu’s inclination towards Judaism was so strong that in the years following 1917, he started the separatist Kibiina bya Abayudaya or Jewish community in this very place. In the subsequent years, he also wrote and published his 90 page Bayudaya book of rules and prayers,” Kakungulu Nambali, site caretaker, explains.

On his grave too is a small basket placed conveniently for visitors who wish to leave a token.
There are 3 spears firmly placed in the ground just in front of the grave, perhaps pointing to his militaristic past.  
Inside the mausoleum as well are gigantic graves of his wife and son.
Just outside the mausoleum, there are a myriad of graves, all belonging to Kakungulu’s kinfolk.

“Contrary to what historians or what other people may say, Kakungulu was given this grant of land on Gangama hill in recognition of his services to the protectorate government. Kakungulu and his 5,500 followers built their first houses not only on Gangama hill but around the surrounding villages. It is from this hill that Kakungulu led his operations against revolting Gisu clans like the Bawalasi and Bafumbo to the north of Bugisu. It was also a tactical center for conquest operations in areas south of Bugisu like Busoba, Bubulo, Bubuda and Magale,” Nambali says.

From Gangama hill, you will have a pleasant panoramic view Of Mbale town and the famous Mbale College.
Gangama hill top is accessible whether you are driving or riding on a boda boda.
A car or a boda boda can ably reach the hill top whether you are coming from Mbale town or whether you are passing through Nabweya village.
From town, it will take you roughly 20 minutes to reach the hill apex.

On a boda boda, it will cost roughly 6000 ugx to and fro. If you fancy using a special hire car, set aside Ugx 10,000.

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