Ssezibwa Falls in Uganda – Attractions and Background

Uganda’s hidden Cultural treasure

Ssezibwa Falls, a renowned hidden cultural treasure, is located 32 kilometers from Kampala city along the main road between Kampala and Jinja in the District of Mukono, just a few hours’ drive from Kampala. Ssezibwa Falls is a natural wonder formed by water passing through a narrow opening in rocks and cascading at a high speed of 17 meters into a deep pool that measures approximately 14 meters deep.

Ssezibwa Falls and the neighboring areas are ideal for relaxation after an extensive wildlife safari in Uganda or after demanding adventure activities such as Whitewater rafting, gorilla trekking or bungee jumping at the source of the Nile River.

The name “Ssezibwa” is a local name derived to mean  “something endless”. The falls hold significant cultural and spiritual value for the Baganda people and are among the top attractions in Uganda.

Characterized by sharp-edged rocks and a sizable pool below, Ssezibwa Falls receives its continuous water flow from the River Ssezibwa, which flows all the way to Lake Kyoga. The area surrounding the falls is inhabited by small primates like Vervet and red-tailed monkeys, as well as snakes such as the African cobra, green mambas, and horned adder. There are other wildlife species that can be witnessed in your Ssezibwa Falls encounter; among them are otters, tadpoles, mongooses, and some wild cats.

The History of Ssezibwa Falls.

To many local inhabitants of the area, the Bagandans, Ssezibwa Falls has more cultural and local attachment. It’s not just a waterfall. This cultural value enhances the magnificence and charm of the falls.

According to the Bugandans, history has it that a woman named Nakangu Tebatuusa had a disagreement with her husband, Nsubuga Sebwaata, and returned to her parents’ home. She was pregnant. In an attempt to mend her marriage, her father advised her to reconcile with her husband, and she was accompanied by her mother, but as she neared her marital home, since her pregnancy was due, she grew weary and gave birth to twins in the form of water.

Her husband later found her with the help of a man who had spotted her heading towards the forest. They discovered a pool of water flowing, which later split into two rivers known as Bwanda and Ssezibwa. Bwanda flowed towards the East to Nyenga at birth, while Sezibwa encountered numerous obstacles as it flowed towards the west. A spirit named Nalongo Nnkubo supported Sezibwa in overcoming these obstacles.

As a result, shrines were built near the waterfalls to worship these spirits. In addition to Nalongo Nnkubo, other gods such as Walumbe (god of death and life), Musoke (god of rains), Ddungu (the hunting god), Kibuuka (god of war), Musisi (earthquakes), and Mukasa (fertility, wealth, and good health) are revered. The legend of Sezibwa and Bwanda has led to a high regard for twins in Buganda until now, with their birth being considered a special blessing and rituals performed to appease the gods. The parents of twins are given special names like Salongo (Father) or Nalongo (Mother).

To tap into this incredible blessing, It was customary for anyone passing by the Ssezibwa waterfalls to throw stones into the water to tap from this incredible source of blessings.

In order to live longer and in better health, the Kings (Kabakas) of Buganda used to regularly visit this place to tap into its powers.

During a journey between two of his palaces in 1889, Kabaka Mwanga planted a wild olive tree known as the Mwanga tree. This tree, which is now over 100 years old, was a testament to the captivating beauty of the waterfalls that enchanted him. King Muteesa II also planted a tree as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the spiritual significance of the waterfalls and the river Ssezibwa.

In 2002, King Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II visited the site to officially designate it as one of Buganda’s important tourism destinations. The kings may not be present, but individuals from various regions of Uganda continue to visit the site in search of blessings from the deities for their well-being, employment, offspring, livelihoods, and loved ones.

Traditional healers, known as medicine men, either call upon the gods or utilize indigenous herbs to treat ailments such as illnesses, toothaches, stomach discomforts, and skin conditions.

Offerings made to gain the favor of the deities may consist of items like coffee beans, eggs, local brew, poultry, or livestock like sheep and goats. These animals and birds are sacrificed at the top of the waterfall before being cast down to satisfy the gods and nourish Ssezibwa. It is not uncommon to encounter deceased animals at the base of the falls.