ON THE LOOK OUT OF THE INHIBITED SHOE BILL STOCK.

Whale Headed stork is unusual ,impressive and captivating and main concern number one for any birding safaris in Uganda . With a world population estimated of 12000- 15000 individuals , the bird belongs to Appendix ii of cities and is classified as a globally near - threatened species . Shoebills are initiate only in nine African countries and their range extends from south Sudan ,through Uganda and western Tanzania to south east Democratic Republic of congo and north west Zambia .In Uganda the shoebill has turned out to be the chief tourist attraction which leads to uganda birding tours . It has been recorded in the following areas. Queen Elizabeth National park and Lake George. Frequent in the swamps north of lake George and the shoe bill swamp west of the Hamukungu fishing village as well as swamps on lake Edward. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. Commonly on the shores of Lake Goerge and occasionally recorded on a fresh water crater marsh ,kineraSemliki Wild life Reserve.It has recored on the edge of reed beds near to the mouth of Semliki Riiver close to Ntoroko fishing village and on lake Albert. Lake Mburo National Park. Quite a lot of pares recognized to crop up in the papyrus swamp elongated in the river Ruizi. Unusual bird within the park, but encountered in the flooded seasonal grass swamps as well as clearings in stable swamp. Nabugabo Wet Land, Masaka District. recorded in marshes nearby to Lake Nabugabo and expected to be normal. Mabamba Bay, On the sea shore of Lake Victoria, is the Mabamba Bay wetland casing about 17,000 hectares of an breadth of miscanthus—a type of grass inhabitant to tropical and subtropical region—but more regularly known as papyrus. The open water in a shape of a canal, is worn to trail birds and away in Busi island that is a dwelling to over 40,000 people. Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the most excellent places to see shoebills and wildlife safaris.In 1997 a total of 15 birds were counted in one day. Ajai wildlife Reserve ,Nebbi district –reported by local people from swamps near to the Nile River. Lake Nakuwa,soroti,Kamuli district –common in the swamps but highly mistreated by the local people for food and for sale. Lake Bisina, Kumi district - the far reaching swamp has not been surveyed .The most recorded were four pairs with young at the edge of the lake. Lake Opeta,Katakwi,Mbale ,Kumi and sorotiMajorswamps along Lake Victoria shores The predictable shoebill population in Uganda birds is between 350 – 400 breeding pairs however the population of sparse available information shows that shoebills have very specific habitat requirements in terms of vegetation cover. They mainly roost inside papyrus swamps but feed in fairly open places with thick but short floating vegetation. In addition to that about 3.2squarekms of appropriate habitant to breed. A mixture of these factors hinders the allocation of shoebills to curbed areas within apparently fit habitant .even here, the population size can only remain small .Like all long-lived birds shoebills have low recruitment rates requiring many years before becoming and will easily abandon their nests with eggs or young at the slightest provocation.

A key threat to the continued existence of the species is a lack of information a bout the birds .In addition to this ,habitant loss is a particular problem .This results mainly from conversion of wet lands to agriculture .Also swamps are burnt for cultural reasons in search for grazing ,hurting and fishing among other reasons .These fires are mainly set during the dry season , but is not un common to find a wetland burning in every month of the year. These fires decimate any eggs or chicks that may be on the nest. Up till now ,another problem the birds face is direct harvesting for food and trade –shoebills are trapped and / or shot in some areas of Uganda .This is especially true in the areas a round Lake Bisina and Opeta and the northern fringes of Lake Kyoga.Shoebill hunting for food is more widespread than hunting for trade. There is also some persecution of the birds due to a belief in the fishing communities on Lake Kyoga that sighting a shoebill casts a bad omen on fishing endeavors. Therefore , in order to minimize the chances of sighting shoebill ,they are usually hunted and killed. Travel Hemispheres arranges birding safaris for anybody that may be interested.

UGANDA A UNIQUE SAFARI TOURISM DESTINATION IN AFRICA

Uganda is a comparative newcomer to today’s international tourism scene, which has benefited both the country’s natural environment and the tourism experience it offers. We have avoided the trap of courting the mass market and have instead followed the path of eco-tourism. Uganda boasts of some the most stunning scenery on the continent from shimmering lakes, lofty mountains, mysterious forests and game parks teeming with game. National parks contain a wide range of habitats, while the private sector is setting up new safari lodges, sympathetically built to blend in with the surrounding scenery. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, Uganda is endowed with a vast array of landscapes of incredible aesthetic beauty. The geographic features of Uganda range from glacier-topped mountains, rain forests, and Savannah and dry deciduous acacia bush-land to wetlands and swamps.These, along with a wide variation in climate and soils, combine to give the country an impressive range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The pearl of Africa has two interesting animals, the mountain Gorilla and the Uganda Kob So interesting! in 2012, the lonely planet declared Uganda as the World’s number one tourism destination confirming Churchill’s historic finding that Uganda was truly the Pearl of Africa. Indeed, the country’s wide range of habitats supports a very high and rich diversity of both animal and plant species. With a recorded 18,783 species of fauna and flora , Uganda ranks among the top ten most bio diverse countries globally. Our population is united in providing a warm welcome to foreign guests. You will find that even in the smallest of villages local people will go out of their way to make you feel at home The Ugandan people are traditionally hospitable. . Uganda is host to 53.9% (377 Individuals) of the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, many peoples’ minds drift to the mountain gorillas which this country boosts of. Many people flock into this splendid country to carry out gorilla trekking in the wild forests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks which has led to gorilla safaris .The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the 2 dry season of Mid-December- February and June – September. However, there are other primates which a visitor can enjoy while trekking these rare Apes like the chimpanzees, golden monkeys, baboons, colubus monkeys and others. Trust me; spending a day with the primates is one of those experiences that you will never forget because of the adventures that come with it. Game viewing is another thrilling activity which will enable you have a glance at some of the rare-mammals like the tree climbing Lions, leopards, cheetahs, African Elephants, a big number of hippos, Rhinos, Warthogs, endangered Rothschild Giraffes, and others. These animals can be clearly viewed in any of the 10 National Parks of this “pearl of Africa”. A wild safaris to Uganda is the best in terms of adventure that is more rewarding because it takes you closer to the animals in their natural habitats. . 11% (1063 species) of the world’s recorded species of birds (50% of Africa’s bird species richness) .The presence of over 400 bird species in Uganda makes it the leading bird watching paradise in Africa. Birding safari to this great nation guarantees a chance of seeing the rare species which cannot be found in any other country in the world. It doesn’t matter what time of the year to visit specifically for bird watching because even during wet seasons, many birds are seen in plenty around the various water bodies. The best birding spot is around Lake Victoria where various birds including the migrants converge making it hard to see the sky as the birds roam over the whole place, 7.8% (345 Species) of the Global Mammal Diversity (39% of Africa’s Mammal Richness), 19% (86 species) of Africa’s amphibian species richness and 14% (142 species) of Africa’s reptile species richness, 1,249 recorded species of butterflies and 600 species of fish.. The country’s immense biological diversity is important both nationally and internationally,and offers good opportunities for cost-effective multiple species conservation. Uganda’s endemic species are primarily associated with high mountains, forests, and the major Pleistocene refugium of the Albertine Rift Valley. Among the larger mammalian species, Uganda is endowed with relatively stable populations of among others elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, eland, zebra, hartebeest, water buck, reed buck, and Uganda kob. The country is also home to the Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Hunting dog and hyenas among others. Uganda therefore hosts all the ‘Big Five’ animals. Because of this great diversity, Government has designated wildlife conservation and other protected areas to protect this endowment and harness environmental and tourism development benefits.The geographic features of Uganda range from glacier-topped mountains, rain forests, Savannah and dry deciduous acacia bush land to wetlands and swamps. These, along with a wide variation in climate and soils, combine to give the country an impressive range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Uganda is flat with Mountainous areas in the western part of the country.Travelers are drawn to Uganda by stunning landscapes green rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for a safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned. Uganda’s altitude is at 1500 m above sea level in the South and 1000 m in the North. It’s one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with fantastic scenery beyond imagination. One of the things that have marketed Uganda’s tourism is its nomination as the leading tourism destination in Africa and Kidepo National Park’s nomination as the best game viewing park in Africa. These put this East African country to the world scene and many visitors have been convinced to transfer to this wonderful nation. On their arrival, they get surprised with what they see while moving around touring the various destinations. Apart from wildlife, culture is another attribute you should not live the country without exploring , Ndere toupe center 0ffers you the variety of indigenous cultures plus a number of other night life entertainment centers in Uganda. Enjoy Uganda’s local dishes like Luwombo dish. Every 3rd June Christians make pilgrimage to Namugongo to commemorate Uganda Martyrs who were killed in 1884 by King of Buganda by then, Kabaka Mwanga. “In 1884 Mwanga the son of Mutesa, ascended to the throne of his father and demanded total obedience from his subjects. When Mwanga, who, like his father, had embraced Christianity, converted to Islam, he issued a decree stipulating that anyone caught reading the Bible would be executed. Each year on June 3, the Episcopal Church commemorates the Martyrs of Uganda, the 32 men who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for failing to renounce Christianity – 12 of whom were burned to death on June 3, 1886. The Rev. Canon Petero Sabune, the Episcopal Church’s officer for Africa, explains:“In 1884 Mwanga the son of Mutesa, ascended to the throne of his father and demanded total obedience from his subjects. When Mwanga, who, ike his father, had embraced Christianity, converted to Islam, he issued a decree stipulating that anyone caught reading the Bible would be executed. The Uganda Martyrs shrine in Namugongo was built in 1973, with a group of Catholics and Anglicans at the royal court of Buganda which started reading the bible in preparation for baptism. the king’s executioner pleaded with him to say just a few words so that his life might be spared. My prayer during this season is

” Almighty God, by the Foresight of the blood of the Martyrs who shed the blood of for the good of the church, grant that we who remember before you blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them , be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience, even to death, and by sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever”.Amen The country has over 40 ethnic groups each with its own beliefs and customs and this avails a wide collection of cultural atmosphere which you can easily explore while on a trip. Believe me; this country will help you know the true lifestyle of an African as you tour the different villages from different cultural settings. Forget about the sky scrapers in your country, Ugandans have their own style of building which talks much about their history and trust me you will be amazed by this rare building design. You can easily arrange your trip to this “pearl of Africa” with the help of our credible company with all the necessary experience. We can arrange for you a classic, moderate and tailor-made itinerary which you will follow while on a Uganda tour. It is as simple as inquiring with us on this website telling us what safari package you are interested in and we shall give you an immediate response.

POPE FRANCIS’S VISIT TO UGANDA BASED TO PROMOTE UGANDA FAITH TOURISM AND TOURS.

Uganda hosted Pope Francis recently and this has generated several benefits .Infrastructure like Namugongo Road has been renovated and the Catholic Martyrs museum has been refurbished .At the Protestant shrine , a martyrs has been constructed .Ecumenism has been strengthened through enhancing inter- denominational co-operation among Catholics, Muslims and Protestants at Namugongo .The Pope’s visit has given Uganda great publicity as a faith – based tourism destination and will promote uganda safaris if combined. Uganda to be marketded as a land of Martyrs given its status as the land of the Martyrs and other safaris like gorilla tracking by Travel Hemispheres too the destinations. There were also dividends of a re-conciliatory attitude . As Ugandans, we may wish to consider taking these gains a step further .Besides the country’s martyrdom status ,Namugongo could be recognized as a peace ,Reconciliation and conflict resolution centre targeting families , institutions and nations where they could retreat to reflect on their differences and forge an amicable solution for the common good of humanity .In remembrance of Pope Francis ‘s visit ,November 25- 27 could annually be put aside as the for promoting faith – based tourism in Uganda .The commemoration of his visit should , on these days highlight his message of peace, love , forgiveness and care for the disabled. This event could be promoted globally , regionally and domestically in order to generate tourism traffic to Uganda leading business for tour operator and all the other players along the value chain. Uganda’s mission to Rome and the Vatican should be supported to promote Uganda and Namugongo as the land of martyrs through linking up with the Vatican for visibility in their media and publicity programmers which target millions of the catholic faith fuls on the matters regarding the Ugandan to commemorate the lives of pilgrims to Uganda to commemorate the lives of those who have been canonized. The support in promoting tourism may require recruitment of a Vatican based tourism marketing specialist to design packages and messages targeting the millions of pilgrims to the Vatican, production of tourism promotional materials in the languages used in the target market namely Italian, French ,Spanish , etc. Familiarization trips for Italian- based travel writers should be initiated and supported leading tour operator to visit Uganda and generate favourable appeal about the country as the land of the martyrs. The embassy should be staffed with some knowledgeable personnel in tourism promotion and digital marketing for purposes of co- ordinating tourism marketing I Italy and the Vatican .The embassy should be branded to depict Uganda’s unique faith – based touristion destination in which all the Catholic faithful in the world should endeavour to make a pilgrimage to Uganda during their life time, as is the case with other faithful like the Muslims travel to Mecca for the Hijja and Christians to Jerusalem. Since the resource allocation to the Uganda Tourism Board has been significant upscalled coupled with the World Bank Competitiveness Enterprise Development Project loan which also caters for tourism promotion , increased access to this new market should be less cumbersome. Uganda should learn a lesson from Rwanda after going through the genocide of 1994 , the country came with a rebirth of tourism that is almost entirely based of this genocide. Today Rwanda is positioned for this and worldwide through sympathy many people would like to come to Rwanda and share that bad experience the country went through. But in turn the country benefits from these people expenditures.

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIROMENTAL SERVICES IN UGANDA

Uganda is blessed with a rich diversity of natural habitats ,species and genetic resources in its forests which has enhanced tourism in form of Uganda gorilla safaris. It is one of the most diverse countries in Africa with ie 11% and 7% of the world’s bird and mammal species .This biodiversity as a great intrinsic valve .It is also important to human health and wealth , for example by providing traditional plant medicines , wild relatives of domestic plants , a variety of ecosystems and species important in the tourism industry which has promoted Uganda safaris. And potential opportunities for Ugandans to adapt to local and global change. The heart of Ugandan’ s approach to habitant and species conservation lies in a protected areas system of National Parks , Wildlife Reserves and forest Reserves. These areas are currently managed under two different administrations (The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Forestry Department ) , under different Acts (principally the Wildlife Statute and the Forests Act )and generally focus on different components of biodiversity (Wildlife and trees) Uganda’s rich forest biodiversity is under threat from: -Unsustainable harvesting , habitat conservation , the introduction of alien species and pollution. -The illegal trade in plants and animals , including poorly regulated access to genetic resources . -Split administration between the Forestry Department and Uganda Wildlife Authority to address similar management issues (forest protection , beneficiary participation , sustainable utilization ) Forest also provide important environmental services in the protection of watershed and soil .There are increasing pressures on important watersheds due to their high agricultural potential .Poor crop and livestock management practices , including the cultivation and over grazing of steep slopes and riverbanks, have contributed to extensive soil erosion , and in some areas landslides. The destructive harvesting of forest resources in watershed catchment forests is further contributing to soil erosion and sedimentation , and to a reduction in the quantity and quality of water.

Uganda to be among Africa leading Safari destination for year 2016 and beyond.

CNN Travel has named Uganda as one of the top 16 emerging travel destinations in the world for the year 2016. According to the American based news organization, meeting eye to eye with a silverback mountain gorilla across a misty jungle, after an arduous hike through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, leaves everlasting impressions of arguably the best wildlife uganda safari in the world. “But there's much more to Uganda. Rich in nature, it's an outdoor sanctuary of crater lakes, white-sand beaches on lake islands, thundering waterfalls and national parks,” says CNN’s travel writer Anisha Shah. A top highlight is Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, where rescued and orphaned chimpanzees live out their days on an island in Lake Victoria. Visitors can cross the equator by boat there, slicing through Africa's largest lake. Besides CNN Travel, LONELY PLANET describes Uganda as follows: "Emerging from the shadows of its dark history, a new dawn of tourism has risen in Uganda, polishing a glint back into the ‘pearl of Africa’. Travellers are streaming in to explore what is basically the best of everything the continent has to offer. For a relatively small country, there’s a lot that’s big about the place. It’s home to the tallest mountain range in Africa Mount Rwenzori that offerbest challenging mountain trekking options, the source that feeds the world’s longest river and the continent’s largest lake. And with half the remaining mountain gorillas residing here, as well as the Big Five to be ticked off, wildlife watching is huge." River Nile which is the World’s longest river begins its 6,670 Kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea through Sudan and Egypt in Eastern Uganda and it is at the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park where this river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. The Nile River has the best white water rafting safari experience in the world. Other notable attractions are Queen Elizabeth National Park, The Rwenzori Mountain - Ptolemy’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon”, Semliki National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park which boasts of untamed African wilderness north of the country. In a nutshell, Uganda is a bird watcher’s paradise with 12 per cent of the world’s bird species found here, half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas inhabit Uganda and so does more than 7% of the world’s mammals. Uganda is an adventurer’s paradise, an explorer’s perfect haven and a country where those keen on Eco- tourism will find the ultimate destination. Please feel free to contact us : Travel Hemispheres:info@travelhemispheres.com for any safari or holiday requests to Uganda, or any information or assistance that you may need in order to understand and start selling this wonderful destination to your client base. Uganda, "The Pearl of Africa" was in December 2015 the proud host to a team of world famous FC Barcelona Football Legends. The delegation, led by former player Rayco Garcia comprised of big names like Patrick Kluivert, Gaizaka Mendieta,"Deco", Edgar Davids, Simao Sabrosa, Ludovic Giuly among others. During their stay, the players coudn't resist the temptation to enjoy an activity which is now arguably in every adventure traveler's bucket list, Gorilla Tracking deep in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as enjoying game drives and a launch cruise at Murchison Falls National Park. The coverage of their visit is definitely going to increase the awareness of the awe inspiring tourist products that the country has, increase demand for leisure travel to Uganda from across the world and hopefully promote sports tourism. Kindly contact us on: info@travelhemispheres.com for more details, bookings or request for more tailor made safari packages to Uganda.

Uganda among 12 emerging top travel destinations that you have to visit in 2016

Uganda has been listed among the top 12 emerging destinations in the world for 2016 tobe visited by tourists.Uganda safaris offer varied attractions including mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Half the world’s wild mountain gorillas inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trekking mountain gorillas is the most darling life time activity to many to see them is a wildlife experience of a lifetime. Uganda has the best and cheapest gorilla trekking gorilla safaris to offer. The larger-than-life, humanlike gorillas and chimps induce an indescribable affection for nature. Uganda sits on the corridor of migration, it’s national parks, Queen Victoria and Kidepo Valley, attracting much wildlife. Gushing Murchison Falls, Jinja’s source of the River Nile and Explosion Crater Lakes turn the landlocked nation into a lush oasis. Head to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, an island in Lake Victoria, crossing the equator on the boat there, to meet orphaned and rescued chimps living in a pristine island paradise. Why Now? The country aims to become middle-income by 2040, a plan incentivized further by the Pope’s recent landmark visit. Pope Francis visisted uganda last month of November 2016.Uganda has hosted 3 Popes and the only African country that has done so. Uganda is the land of Matyrs where christian converts were burnt alive for this. One has tovist thecountry to have the experience of matyrs Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/

Pope Francis comes to Uganda: Lessons to learn on his maiden 1st appearlence at Basilca Rome

Unaware he would inherit the throne of St Peter, then Cardinal Bergoglio had in his decisive four-minute speech to fellow cardinals cut out the work for Pope Benedict XVI’s successor: He must be a man who helps the Church to go out to the existential peripheries that helps her to be the fruitful mother, who gains life from the sweet and comforting joy of evangelising. The crowd in St Peter’s Square in a drenched evening was frenzied, if not fanatical, when the White Smoke billowed to confirm the election of a new Pope. Cardinal Bergoglio who, upon accepting his election, had taken a papal name to honour Francis of Assisi then moved into the adjacent Sistine Chapel Room of Tears to wear his distinctive cassock and sash. He, against tradition, kept his old black shoes and silver pectoral cross instead of the traditional red and golden papal ones. The account by Austen Ivereigh shows that Francis spurned the ornate chair offered for him to sit on in the chapel, instead standing and embracing each cardinal. He declined to live in the splendour of papal apartments --- cavernous, marble-floored rooms with heavy furniture --- and chose to stay at Casa Santa Marta. “‘My brother cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to give Rome a bishop’, he said when he appeared on the balcony at 8:22pm,” Ivereigh writes, to greet electrified faithful as their new leader. A groundswell of revolution was underway. On his return to Casa Santa Marta, the Pope declined the papal limousine and rode in a bus together with the electors. That night over dinner with cardinals, he said “may God forgive you for what you have done [electing him Pope]”. Four months later, in July 2013, the English and Welsh bishops had an audience with Francis. When he saw Westminster’s now emeritus Archbishop, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor who ran his campaigns, the Pope broke into a wide smile, and joked: “It’s your fault. What have you done to me?” On the first of his pontificate day, he crossed Rome to the Patriarchal Basilica of St Mary Major. On his return, he stopped at the Via della Scrofa to “collect his suite case --- went up and packed his belongings himself --- and to the astonishment of his staff, paid his bills, telling them that as Pope he should set an example”, something he has continued to do. Back at Casa Santa Marta, he against practice papal vested together with the cardinals in the Hall of Blessing the same way before his election. Ivereigh writes that when masters of ceremonies clamoured to guide him on protocols --- what to say, when as Pope -- he replied: “That’s alright; you don’t have to worry about me. I have been saying prayers for 50 years. But stay close, in case I need you. At prayers, he preached standing like priests and not seated like a Pope and rather than read from a prepared text, he spoke spontaneously”. That is the same way in which, while flying back to Rome in January, this year, he announced his six-day, three-nation Africa pastoral visit now underway incluuding Uganda Pope telephones his sister, newspaperman and parishioners In the impromptu manner that has come to define his papacy, Francis telephoned his dentist in Buenos Aires to cancel an earlier appointment, and dialed up to thank his newspaper supplier Daniel del Regno, saying “seriously, it’s Jorge Begoglio, I’m calling from Rome”. And his telephone call to parishioners at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires was blared on loud speakers and, in the message, he tells them to “care for each other, the young and the old, and the world”. This is how Ivereigh captures the maiden telephone conversation between the new Pope and his sister, Maria Elena Bergoglio. Pope: “Look, it happened, and I accepted”. Maria: “But how are you, how do you feel?” Pope: “…[Francis laughs] ‘I’m fine, relax’.” Maria: “You looked really good on Television, you had a radiant expression. I wish I could give you a hug.” Pope: “We are hugging, we are together. I have you very close to my heart.” Maria to interviewee: “It’s not easy to explain what it is to talk to your brother, and your brother is the Pope […between sobs and laughs …] it’s complicated”. It was a new dawn, different ways of doing things, Vatican officials acknowledged. “We are going to have to get used to a new way of doing things,” Ivereigh quotes Vatican Spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi telling journalists who cover the Vatican. After celebrating his first Mass as Pope, Francis greeted the congregation one by one, prompting the media to christen him “the world’s parish priest”

ROLE PLAYED BY WOMEN DURING IMBALU CEREMONIES

Imbalu is an ancient cultural ceremony where young boys from Bagisu tribe are circumcised to initiate them into manhood. In this kingdom, its only circumcised men that are regarded as true men who can be given attention in a clan meeting or during any gathering. Uganda tours can be turned to view such culture activities. So we ask what role does women play In the event that a candidate makes his intentions to get circumcised early. It’s a woman who till the gardens and plant crops that will later be harvested ,cooked and eaten during the imbalu .Women search for firewood ,fetch water ,brew malwa (the tradition brew).and cook food for the candidates and the relatives that join the celebrations .They are not just relegated to the dancing and merry making it is important in the tourism industry relating to Uganda safaris the part of culture and people so travel hemispheres is here to take you to have experience in the imbalu. The mother is not supposed to behave in ways that unnerve her son .She has to show her son a strong heart. This may not be manifested in a manly manner, but in a more subtle feminine way ,like pep talks and moral support . As the months leading up to a candidate’s circumcision draw close ,the mother owes it to her family and her son to cultivate enough crops. Multitudes of relatives and family friends will be coming to her son’s circumcision and will need to be fed .The mother ,joined by her sisters, should also accompany the candidate on his dancing sprees. The woman are also relied on when the male moral boosters of the candidates need ululation(shikalakala) “Shikalakala “is like a celebratory sound made by the women showing joy, especially when he has successfully finished his circumcision .Women in addition should respond to the lead singer in case there is no kadodi”. As the three –day millet yeast smearing rite approaches ,the mother will grind millet to make yeast that will be used to brew malwa. Later the malwa for circumcision is brewed. After the candidate finishes the two rites that follow each other. “Khutsukhamo” is when the candidate brings water from the nearby spring and pours it in the pot of roasted dough of fermented millet or maize flour and the yeast .The other rite,”khukoya” is when he pours the water into the pot and he is smeared with millet yeast thereafter. The “Kamayeku” (pre-brew) prepared by the mother has to be tasted by the intending candidate .

THE SOURCE OF THE NILE WHERE THRILL SEEKERS GATHER

It was the cascade rapids and powerful water falls of the Nile which led by John Hannington speke to Jinja in the mid -19th century .The colonial explorer was the first European to be drawn to the area by the white waters , spewed from Lake Victoria with enough force to drive them on to Cairo and beyond .He was certainly not the last. A century and a half later Jinja is still Uganda’s tourism capital, attracting more visitors for doing Uganda safaris for white water rafting. Thrill – seekers from all comes of the world come to the source of the Nile to experience what is ,some say ,the best white water rafting on offer any where. For some reason I decide to join them doing whiter water rafting ,although as we set out in the sweltering mid-morning sun from just above Bujagali Falls. The river is relatively flat and most of our outing is spent paddling casually a cross the calm water, chewing on pineapple, chatting idly as we watch the green riverbank drift into the past. Every half hour serenity is shattered. Its hard to describe the sensation of those brief few seconds you spend cascading down the gauntlet of white water. There is the exhilaration in the split second when the boats teeters over the edge of the gushing torrents below. Then ,the grim determination to keep paddling in spite of the waves crashing in your face and the bumps throwing you from your seat ,to fight on for the greater good like to a soldier in a battle . Next comes the belated realization that it’s every man for him self, the desperation to save yourself ,to hang on at costs .And finally ,the blindness, the breathless and the simultaneous sense of triumph and failure when your head re-emerges from the water and you realize your raft is 50 meters away and your paddle carried off to South Sudan. There are 12 rapids on this part of the Nile three of which are grade five – the most intense stretches of water that can be “safely” descended in a raft.” safety” in this context, is relative concept. White water rafting is an inherently dangerous pursuit for many , there in lies the attraction ,But the rafting companies on the Nile have a strong safety record .The river is deep, mitigating the risk of being caught in jagged rocks .Lifejackets make it difficult to drown, and a fleet of skilled canoeists accompanies the armada, swiftly picking up anybody who falls from their boat. We finish six hours after we set out and, after confirming that we are all still alive, take the bus back to Kampala/Entebbe. Uganda tours are really splending to every one that come to Uganda.