The Buganda Kingdom has commended the Ndiga clan for its initiative to develop and promote its ancestral heritage site at Kibuuka Omumbaale in Mbaale, Mawokota, Mpigi District, describing it as a strong model for cultural tourism and heritage preservation.
The kingdom, through its tourism department, also called on other clans to emulate the Ndiga clan by investing in the preservation and development of their ancestral sites as a way of safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting tourism and local development.
Buganda Kingdom Minister for Tourism Anthony Wamala, in remarks delivered by Benon Ntambi during an inspection of the ongoing construction of a cultural museum at the site, urged clans across Buganda to take deliberate steps in developing heritage locations.
He said such efforts are essential in preserving cultural identity and contributing to socio-economic development in their respective communities.
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Located in Mbaale village, the Kibuuka Omumbaale site is considered one of the most significant cultural tourism attractions in Mpigi District and is historically linked to the Ndiga clan.
According to oral tradition, Kibuuka, believed to have lived over 500 years ago, was a renowned Buganda warrior known for his role in several battles.
He is said to have died at the site after being struck during battle while airborne, falling onto a tree where he eventually passed away.
He is remembered in tradition as a powerful fighter who used spears and was believed to have fought in extraordinary circumstances, including while in the air.
Some relics, including spears and the presumed burial area, are reportedly preserved at the site, which is currently under development.
The location is also associated with cultural beliefs, including impressions said to resemble a Mamba-like figure in a tree root, a buffalo head shape, and reports of drum-like sounds from the tree associated with Kibuuka’s death.
Ndiga clan head Eria Lwasi Buzaabo said the construction of the shrine is aimed at preserving the clan’s heritage for future generations.
“We want to ensure that everything related to our clan is preserved in one place. Over 500 years later, without preservation, we would have nothing to show to our descendants,” Buzaabo said.
He added that the project is also intended to boost tourism and local development by attracting visitors and consolidating historical information about the clan in one location.
Ronald Kazibwe, who oversees tourism initiatives in Mpigi District, pledged the district’s support, noting that cultural heritage remains a key tourism asset.
“As Mpigi District, we are privileged to host the Kibuuka Omumbaale site. We appreciate the Ndiga clan leadership for improving this site, which will enhance tourism standards in the district,” he said.
Buganda Kingdom’s tourism department reiterated its appreciation, urging all clans to take responsibility for developing ancestral sites as a way of preserving heritage and promoting development.
