Rubirizi's Twin Lakes Katinda and Mirambi
Overview
Explore the Twin Lakes of Katinda and Mirambi in southwest Uganda, which is part of the East African Rift Valley's western branch. Both of these natural wonders are located close to Rubirizi.
Relatively larger than Mirambi, Lake Katinda is renowned for its serene waters and verdant surroundings. While unwinding in the incredibly cool surroundings, visitors may take in the views of birds.
In contrast, Mirambi provides possibilities for nature hikes around the lake shoreline and has pristine waters surrounded by stunning landscape. Similar to Katinda, Mirambi is home to a wide range of bird species, such as kingfishers, egrets, and herons.
Although there is a wealth of local mythology around the formation of Mirambi and Katinda, scientific data indicates that a volcanic eruption occurred in the 17th century. Nonetheless, via cultural interactions with the Banyaruguru people, tourists might gain an understanding of them.
Legends around the Twin Lakes
An intriguing story states that during the months of June and July, fish were able to float on the water of the twin lakes, making it simple for locals to catch them using spears or baskets. The event, known as "Okufa kwe Nyanja" (the death of a lake), was ascribed to heat at the lakes' bottoms. Katugano claims that the Bazumira, a tribe thought to be the lake's proprietors, were not involved in this. Their ability to find the bodies of those who had drowned in the lakes earned them recognition. It was thought that they sacrificed sheep as part of their rituals to keep people alive in the lakes. But since the arrival of Christianity, these ancient tribes and customs have vanished, and the twin lakes are now unowned.
People in the Twin Lakes area
The Banyaruguru tribe, who live in Bunyaruguru County, are the occupants of Lake Nkugute. Along with the Batagwenda, a tribe that has established in Kitagwenda county close to Bunyaruguru, there are Banyaruguru, a group of immigrants from Buganda. Drawing extensively from Buganda's past, Batagwenda and Banyaruguru discover that this occurred following a battle between two Baganda monarchs in which one of them lost his life in battle.
In 1797, Kabaka (King) Junju Sendegeya, the 27th Kabaka of Buganda, ruled with Magonga as his capital, according to the Bunyaruguru's version of events. Prince Semakookiro Wasajja Nabbunga, his younger brother, rebelled against him. Then, Ssemakookiro dispatched a military force to seize Junju. Temumulekaayo, which translates to "Do not leave him behind," was his parting command to the troops. Naturally, Junju sent his own regiment to drive the attackers back. As was customary for monarchs in those days, he took part in the combat himself. Unfortunately, he lost his life in the battle.
After thereafter, Ssemakookiro's soldiers went to Bamunaanika to inform them that Junju had been slain. Something infuriated Ssemakookiro. He had told them not to kill his brother, but to capture him! He was so furious that he gave the order for everyone who took part in the war, including their descendants and extended families, to leave Buganda or else they would suffer the same death that his brother had. The misfits escaped west to what is now Kitagwenda in the Kingdom of Toro's Kamwenge District. Those who remained strong enough to ascend Northern Ankole's hills and highlands continued into what is today known as Bunyaruguru, in the Rubirizi District. Although the facts in other accounts vary significantly, the flight of the Banyaruguru and the Batagwenda is a historical event that took place little over 200 years ago.
Fluent in Luganda, the Banyaruguru, especially the elders, also speak Runyankole and other languages. Their Runyankole dialect is comparable to Rutagwenda, a Rutooro dialect. Those that left were from 12 Baganda clans, and they still remain loyal to the clans from whence they originated. Many of the Baganda traditions were also preserved by the Banyaruguru, such as the tradition of caring for the family cemetery known as Ebiggya in Luganda. Until recently, family burial grounds were not customarily maintained in many of the surrounding villages. However, Bunyaruguru has family cemetery that date back many generations.
With a population of around 200,000, the Banyaruguru are a highly close-knit group. Families often hold land within the clan and within the family, invest together, and have very close ties. On about two acres of the family land, the Banyaruguru will construct a shared dwelling with a bungalow for each sibling, in contrast to Buganda, where the land is divided into small individual plots. The remaining acreage, which in certain circumstances may be large, will be planted with matoke. Cassava, beans, maize, and Arabica coffee are planted between the Matoke, while cabbage, tomatoes, sugarcane, and eggplants are grown in the lowlands. They are really diligent individuals who frequently get up and work in the gardens by six in the morning. Without the aid of fertilizer or pesticides, harvests are exceptional because the rich, fertile, volcanic soils were not widely used until quite recently.
Their names are a combination of Kinyankole and Kiganda names, while the Banyaruguru dress mostly like Banyankole and Baganda. With some Kiganda culture practiced, the majority of the traditions and rituals are Kinyankole.
Although there are no longer any wilder animals to hunt, the Batagwenda men were formerly hunters. However, if you let a lion or elephant to enter Kitagwenda from Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can be sure it won't return.
Batagwenda is divided into two halves. In Kikurungo, there are Banyakintara who reside in the hills of Kikondo and Kinyamugara, also referred to as Abakondo and Abakurungo, and Banyantara who dwell in the Ntara highlands above Lake George.
Although they cultivate and consume other crops such matoke, cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes, millet is the main meal of the Batagwenda and Banyaruguru. Banyaruguru often consume fish and millet.
The ideal time of year to explore Rubirizi's Twin Lakes
The dry season which usually lasts from June to August and December to February, is the ideal time of year to explore Rubirizi's Lakes Katida and Mirambi. The weather is often dry and bright throughout these months, making it perfect for outdoor pursuits like hiking, birding, and touring along the lakeshores.
In addition, the dry season guarantees pleasant temperatures and bright sky, making it comfortable to explore the Twin Lakes' natural beauties. Additionally, migrating birds swarm to the lakes during the dry season, making it the ideal time of year for birding, which increases tourist possibilities to see wildlife.
Getting to the Rubirizi Twin Lakes for a tour
Depending on your schedule and interests, you can choose between air or road transportation to go to the Twin Lakes Katinda and Miramba in Rubirizi. The trip begins in Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital city, via car. Depending on traffic, the 330-kilometer picturesque trip via Kampala, Mbarara, and Rubirizi takes around 6-7 hours.
Air travel is an alternate mode of transportation that is speedier and more convenient. From Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, charter flights are offered to a neighboring airport, such as Kasese Airstrip, which is around 80 kilometers away from the Twin Lakes.
Activities and Attractions
Points of Interest, there are several attractions here.
Numerous crater lakes, birds, wildlife, and a thriving, diverse culture may all be found in the surrounding region.
The well-known Kyambura river gorge, which is home to habituated chimpanzees, is also close by.
Nature hikes with a guide
Swimming
escorted wildlife drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and evening barbecues
Journey by boat via the Kazinga Channel
Customary Dancing
To finish the last portion of the journey from Kasese to Rubirizi and then to the Twin Lakes, you will need to make arrangements for ground transportation. This gives you a unique chance to see Uganda's breathtaking landscapes from above, including its lakes, rivers, grasslands, and more.
What should I bring on a trip of the Twin Lakes of Rubirizi?
Packing the most necessary goods for a pleasant and pleasurable journey is crucial for tourists considering a trip to the Katida and Mirambi Twin Lakes of Rubirizi. First and foremost, to stay cool and comfortable while navigating the landscape of the lakes, pack light, breathable clothes.
Remember to include a lightweight jacket or poncho in case of any unanticipated rain which is common in tropical regions. Additionally, you should pack hiking boots or shoes that are comfortable, have high traction, and are appropriate for locations with rough terrain.
To make sure you don't go hungry throughout these exhilarating experiences, bring some snacks or energy drinks. These may be stored in a compact backpack that you will carry during the journey, along with any other portable necessities listed above.