UGANDA

In 2013, the Uganda 50,000 shilling note was named among the three most beautiful currencies in the world. Apart from their use as a medium of exchange, the Uganda Shilling notes showcase our culture and some of our top tourist attractions. Below are the cultural, historical and eco-tourism attractions that are featured.

Fifty Thousand Shilling Note

1.Mountain Gorillas

Uganda’s highest denomination, the 50,000 shilling note features mountain gorillas, the most cherished tourist attraction. Uganda is home to more than 50% of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla Species. Altogether, there are less than 1,100 of this particular species left, and a good number of them are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park, both in South Western Uganda.

2.Material Culture: The Shield

The shield was used by our forefathers as a means of defence against their enemies in battle. African shields were divided into two main types; those made of wood and covered in cane, and those made of animal hide. While the former were usually long, oval, with pointed tips, and used by tribes in the interlacustrine region, the latter had a rectangular shape and were used by cattle keeping tribes of northern Uganda like Acholis, Karamojong and Langi. Both types had hand handles for a stronger grip. Shields of the northern tribes were given rectangular shapes as they also doubled as umbrellas. They were used for protection against the scorching sun, and thus the need for them to have a wider surface area. Bantu shields had sharp pointed ends as they were used for striking enemies by poking. They were made of softwood and were light and easy to carry on a battlefield. On the other hand, pastoralist shields were made of buffalo hide as it was very resilient compared to cowhide.

3.Stride Monument

The monument on the 50,000 shilling note was built in commemoration of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that took place in November 2007. It was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II, and is believed to be the most expensive monument in Uganda; its construction cost over 150m UGX. It stands in the gardens at Uganda’s Parliament and was constructed by Kann Artists. Known as The Stride, it celebrates the unity of the Commonwealth countries, as is represented by the stride of a nucleus family. It is made of copper and stainless steel and captures a child with a book in hand, alongside his mother and father. The father holds a flag bearing a sunflower, and all three members of the family are walking in the same direction. In 2013, the 50,000 shilling note was named among the three most beautiful currencies in the world by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS) due to its distinctly rich and well-designed features. Other features on this note include the watermark of the head of a crested crane, an outline of a map of Uganda highlighting the equator, a man wearing the Karimojong headdress, and an indigenous basket.

Twenty Thousand Shilling Note

1: Crater Lake

Countless times, Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley has been profiled among the 10 places on Earth with the most beautiful crater lakes. On the 20,000 shilling note is Lake Nyinambuga found in Kamwenge District, not so far from Kibale National Park. It is representative of the many craters in Uganda that are found in protected wildlife areas especially in Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori, and Mgahinga national parks. Bunyaruguru, a county located 350kms west of Kampala and north of Bushenyi town, boasts 52 crater lakes. As is typical of lakes in dormant or extinct volcanoes, they have fresh water and their clarity is extraordinary.

2.Material Culture: Long-Horned Ankole Cattle

The note also features long-horned Ankole cattle, an indigenous species that is profoundly cherished by the cattle-keeping tribes of Western Uganda. Their eternal love for cattle is also seen in the foods they eat, most of which are products of cows. One such dish is an Ankole delicacy, eshabwe - a thick creamy sauce made from cow ghee and best served with steamed matooke (green bananas) and millet.

Ten Thousand Shilling Note

1. Sipi Falls

Deep in Kapchorwa District is Sipi Falls, three waterfalls flowing off the edge of Mt Elgon National Park. It is one of Uganda’s most visited falls, attracting over 10,000 tourists a year, but that is not the main reason why it features on the 10,000 shilling note. Rather, it is because Sipi is the highest falls in Uganda. The falls have three levels, with the last one measuring 95 metres high. A hike to the top will treat you to stunning views of the Karamoja plains and Pian Upe, the second biggest wildlife conservancy in Uganda. Along your way, you will also get to see ‘Sep’, an indigenous plant that resembles a type of wild banana. It is used by the locals to treat measles and fever. The note also features three distinct species of plantain - a celebration of Uganda’s fertile soils.

2.Material Culture: Gourd and Pots

The 10,000 shilling note bears an illustration of a pot and a gourd, both of which served as utensils in the yesteryears. Gourds grow naturally throughout Uganda and don’t require bandaging (while growing) to produce desired shapes. Their preparation for use started with them being dried in the sun until they hardened. During this phase, the soft pulp inside them would rot and get washed out with water. Gourds served several domestic purposes; they were used to make plates, serving spoons, mugs, and other drinking vessels depending on their shape. If the gourd had a spacious base and thin long neck, housewives would cut them vertically into two halves. This made the neck convenient as a handle and the base good for scooping food. On the other hand, if they had a spacious trunk, they would be cut at the lower part of the neck and used as milking containers or calabashes to store food. For extra beauty, the gourds were burnt under low heat after which they were polished with butter and different patterns inscribed.

3.Historical Monument

The 10,000 shilling note features the Statue of Education, located in front of the main administration block of Kyambogo University, a reflection of Uganda’s formal education. The note depicts a lecturer guiding a student as he concentrates on something in an open book.

Five Thousand Shilling Note

1.Mount Rwenzori

In the background of the 5,000 shilling note is Mountain Rwenzori, a good number of towering, mesmerising block mountains. Rwenzori is found in Western Uganda, in the Albertine Rift Valley. It is Uganda’s highest mountain, standing at an altitude of 5,109 metres above sea level. The Bakonzo people who live around the mountain consider it home to their god, Kitasamba, son of Nzururu. According to them, “Mt Nzururu means ‘the snow’ whereas Kitasamba means ‘the great one who does not climb because there is no need, he is the summit’. Kitasamba’s wife is named Mbula Been - meaning ‘heavy rain’. His sister, Nyabibuya, safeguards women’s fertility. She is strongly associated with Bakonzo homesteads and domestic life. Together with his family, Kitasamba, the beloved god, feeds their land, allowing crops to flourish.

2.Flora and Fauna: Birds

Uganda deserves a special place on every birder’s bucket list because it boasts over 1060 recorded bird species. The 5,000 shilling note is largely green in colour, a representation of the country’s vegetation, where most of these birds are found. One such bird is the weaver, featured on the note. It is a black and yellow beauty that boasts perfection in building nests. The story reflected here is the ongoing construction and reconstruction of the country, in a bid to make it one of the most developed tourist destinations in Africa. This is represented in how a male weaver bird builds its nest until its beauty impresses the female weaver bird, prompting her to pair with him.

Two Thousand Shilling Note

The Source of River Nile

The note showcases Africa’s biggest freshwater giant, Lake Victoria, and bears an illustration of one of the world’s wonders, the Source of the Nile, in Jinja. On its back face is a statue erected in memory of John Speke’s historic discovery of the River Nile’s source in 1858. It is a chapel-like monument that stands at the vantage point from which Speke stood as he marvelled at the “powerfulness” with which water jetted off the Nile riverbed to start its majestic journey to the Mediterranean Sea. The monument has a concrete triangular roof with tips pointing in the directions that influenced the discovery by Speke. One of them points towards the Mediterranean Sea, its final destination. The other one points towards the source of River Nile and the third towards Buganda, a kingdom that immensely supported Speke’s pursuit. The Nile, the world’s longest river, flows through several African countries - Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt.

The Independence Monument

This is the most visible monument on the 2,000 shilling note, featured on the extreme right at the back. Located along Speke Road, the monument is six metres high and commemorates the state of self-leadership Uganda attained from Britain on 9th October, 1962. The statue depicts a man unwrapping himself from bondage and raising his child to the sky. It is symbolic of the birth of a new nation free from colonialism and slavery; a story of Uganda’s independence.

One Thousand Shilling Note

1.The Equator Monument

Like all the other notes, the back of the 1,000 shilling note bears an illustration of the equator. This is in honour of the fact that Uganda is among the 11 countries in the world that boast both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, thanks to the equator that passes through it. Entebbe, Mpigi, and Kasese (Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mountain Rwenzori) are among the places in Uganda where you can stand at the equator line.

2.Nyero Rock Paintings

It is not every day that one gets to see prehistoric rock art. Kumi District is home to such paintings. The Nyero Rock paintings date as far back as before 1250 CE and are believed to have been dyed by the Batwa, a pygmy tribe that lived in Eastern Uganda before the arrival of its present occupants, the Nilotics and Luo. The artwork shows concentric circles in white, alongside drawings in the shape of ‘acacia pods’.

3.Flora and Fauna: Antelopes

This note’s brownish colour is in harmony with the wildlife species it features. Most are in the antelope family, including the Uganda Kob, which you are always guaranteed to see whenever you visit Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, and Lake Mburo national parks. Beyond celebrating art, the note implores Ugandans to conserve their history and eco-tourism attractions, as symbolised by the rock paintings and wildlife.

An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks

Words and pictures By Bella Falk, Passport & Pixels

In 2020, I spent four months living and working in Kampala. During that time, I took a few weekend trips out of the city, but I didn’t get a chance to explore the rest of the country until the very end of my stay, when a friend came out to visit me, and we embarked on an epic 2-week Uganda itinerary that took in all the top highlights of this amazing country. I’m not exaggerating when I say this trip was one of the best of my life, with literally a new WOW moment every day. This great itinerary allows you to soak up the very best of Uganda’s culture, scenery and wildlife on a two-week trip of a lifetime.

Backpacking Uganda

It is entirely possible – and much cheaper – to get around Uganda by public transport. Plenty of people backpack around Africa. But if you only have two weeks, you won’t be able to squeeze nearly as much in. Public transport in Uganda is still pretty unreliable and slow, and some places are not very welllinked at all. By far the best option, if you can afford it, is to hire a private car and driver. Without having to schlep to bus stations and wait for buses, you’ll be able to see and do so much more, and if you’re in a group and can split the costs, it doesn’t work out too expensive.

Our Ugandan Driver

Hassan Isingoma Navid was recommended by a friend, and I cannot sing his praises highly enough. We paid him USD 100 a day to plan our itinerary and drive us around, plus fuel and tips. Far more than just a driver, Hassan was a travel agent, guide, troubleshooter, photography assistant and friend. He booked our accommodation, park permits, and activities, recommended places to eat, and was an encyclopaedia of useful information.

Our driver, Hassan Isingoma Navid, was an encyclopaedia of useful information.

Our Two-Week Uganda Itinerary: The Route

Our Uganda itinerary took us north from Kampala and ended in the west in a big loop. This route takes in all the major highlights including the famous gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, and five national parks. We also took a short detour into the Democratic Republic of Congo to climb Nyiragongo volcano, an incredible experience.

Day One:– Kampala

Start your Uganda itinerary in the capital, Kampala. You’ll fly into Entebbe, which is just an hour from Kampala. Get your driver to take you to your hotel, and after you’ve had a rest, it’s time to explore the city. The best way to get around is on the back of a boda-boda – these motorcycle taxis are not for the faint-hearted but will help you avoid traffic. Boda-boda sightseeing tours are available, or you can flag one on the street Visit the stunning Old Kampala National Mosque, learn about the horrors of Idi Amin’s regime at Mengo Palace, or check out Nakasero market. In the evening, head to one of Kampala’s excellent restaurants and then get an early night. Your exciting adventure is just about to begin! Today’s WOW: being amazed by the size of the city, sprawling across seven hills, from the top of the minaret at the National Mosque.

Day Two:– Kampala To Murchison Falls Via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The second day of your Uganda itinerary will take you north to see rhinos. Get up early, and head out of town before the morning traffic starts, making sure you stop at Cafe Javas for a freshly-baked almond croissant – trust me, those things are addictive! Hit the road for the 3-hour drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can stretch your legs and get up close and personal with Uganda’s only wild rhinos on a 2-hour walking tour. From there it should only take you another hour or so to get to

Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most popular and the largest national park in the country and home to the famous Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Drive straight to the top of the falls and enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets over the River Nile, and then head back to your accommodation for dinner. Today’s WOW: rhinos and waterfalls!

Day Three:– Murchison Falls National Park

It’s another early start as you’ll need to be up before sunrise for your first morning game drive. Bring a packed breakfast and enjoy it as you wait for the ferry. This park is home to 75 mammal species including lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos and hyenas, so there should be plenty to excite you. After lunch, it’s time for a different point of view – from a boat on the Nile. The three-hour round trip gets you super close to all the animals that frequent the river’s edge, and allows you to get a great view of Murchison Falls from the bottom. If you like, you can get out here and walk back up to the top of the falls, or stay on the boat and take the easy route back to where you started. Today’s WOW: getting close to wildlife on the banks of The Nile.

Day Four:– Kibale National Park With A Stop In Fort Portal

You can have a bit of a lie-in this morning if you like, but don’t sleep too late as you’ve got a fairly long day’s driving ahead of you. The route southwest takes you from the lush green wilderness of the national park into the rolling hills of the Rift Valley, with its ancient volcanic landscape peppered with crater lakes. We stopped for lunch in Fort Portal at Kyaninga Lodge, a luxury hotel perched on the edge of a crater lake, and carried on to Kibale. After your long drive, you might want to stretch your legs by going for a wander around the area. Kibale is very calm and peaceful, with rolling farmland and tiny villages, where children will rush out to say hello. Or just relax in your hotel with

a cold Nile or Club beer, and make sure your camera batteries are charged for the next day’s chimp adventure. Today’s WOW: a five-star lunch overlooking the stunning Kyaninga crater lake.

Day Five:– Chimpanzee Tracking And A Swamp Or Village Walk

It’s chimpanzee day! Be at the ranger station at 8am for your briefing, and then head out into the forest with your guide for this incredible chance to see chimpanzees in the wild. If you’re lucky, they’ll come down to the forest floor, and you’ll be able to get within just a few metres of them. We did the half-day, but you can choose to do a full day if you prefer. If you just do the morning, then in the afternoon you can relax at your hotel, take a walk around the area, or if you’re still hungry for more wildlife, head into the Bigodi Swamp for a nature hike and a chance to see more African birds and monkeys. Today’s WOW: chimpanzees, of course!

Day Six:– Queen Elizabeth National Park And A Crater Drive

It’s only three hours’ drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, so have a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast. When you arrive, check into your hotel and relax for a bit before heading into the park for an afternoon crater drive. Soak up the stunning landscapes, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll see amazing wildlife including masses of elephants, and possibly, if you’re lucky, a leopard like this one. Today’s WOW: the stunning crater landscape – and that leopard! I can’t promise you’ll see one, but you never know…

Day Seven:– Game Drive And Boat Trip On The Kazinga Channel

This day requires an early start. Day six is pretty chilled, so today it’s a pre-dawn start for a sunrise game drive in the park. Animals are more active in the morning, so there’s a good chance you’ll see hyenas, hippos, elephants, and even some lions. In the afternoon, take a two-hour boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. This short, shallow river attracts a huge array of wildlife, including the highest concentration of hippos anywhere in Uganda. As a result, you’re pretty much guaranteed some of the best animal spottings you’re likely to experience anywhere in Uganda. Today’s WOW: elephants and hippos just metres away from the boat on the shores of the Kazinga Channel.

Day Eight :– Tree-Climbing Lions And On To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Back on the road again for the short drive to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a chance to hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions. Spend a few hours tracking and watching these beautiful creatures, before heading on to the mysterious hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Today’s WOW: the tree-climbing lions.

Day Nine:– Gorilla Tracking And Visiting The Batwa Pygmy Community

Time for the number one attraction in all of Uganda and what may well turn out to be the highlight of all highlights: gorilla tracking. Put on your sturdy boots and pack a raincoat just in case, and head to the ranger station to be allocated your gorilla family. It can take anything from an hour to the whole day to find them, and then you’re allowed to spend just one-hour watching. But I guarantee it will be one of the most memorable hours of your life. If you have time, in the afternoon a local guide can take you to visit one of Bwindi’s Batwa villages. The Batwa pygmies used to live a traditional hunter-gatherer life inside the forest until the national park was created and they were relocated. Now they live around the edges of the park and earn money by welcoming tourists and demonstrating their traditions. A visit is a great way to learn all about them and help support the community. Today’s WOW: I am pretty sure you can guess this one!

Day Ten:– Lake Bunyonyi

It’s time to head for some relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi. It’s only a short hop so you’ll easily be there by lunchtime and spend the afternoon relaxing in an idyllic lakeside retreat. Take a boat trip on the lake to learn some of the area’s interesting history, do a village walk, go for a swim in the lake, or simply relax in a hammock with a book and a beer after all your exciting adventures so far. Alternatively, if you have time, this is where you could take a little detour into Rwanda, or do what we did and travel straight into the Democratic Republic of Congo to climb Nyiragongo and see the world’s largest lava lake. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. This detour will take three days: on Day 1, travel from Bwindi to Gisenyi in Rwanda; on Day 2 cross the border, climb Nyiragongo and sleep at the top; on Day 3 descend and travel back to Lake Bunyonyi and then pick up the rest of this itinerary from there. Today’s WOW: the stunning tranquillity of Lake Bunyonyi.

Left:

The writer took a detour into DRC and had an incredible experience climbing Mt. Nyiragongo.

Right:

The beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Day Eleven – Lake Mburo

By now you may feel like you’ve seen enough of Uganda’s National Parks, in which case you might want to spend a full day relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi rather than get on the road again, and drive to Entebbe the next day. But if not, hop back in the car for the drive to Lake Mburo. There are no lions here, so this is the place where you can get active without the fear of being eaten. Go mountain biking or horseback riding, and if your budget can allow, spend the night at one of Uganda’s best places to stay, the stunning Mihingo Lodge. Today’s WOW: the views over Mburo National Park.

Day Twelve:– Entebbe, And A Stopover At The Equator

It takes about five hours from Lake Mburo back to Entebbe where you started. Split the journey with a stop at the equator to take that all-important photo and find out whether water does go down a plughole in the opposite direction. When you get to Entebbe, it’s time for a well-deserved sunset drink on the shores of Lake Victoria after all your adventures. Today’s WOW: a fruity sunset cocktail by the lake.

Day Thirteen – Entebbe

On your last day, explore all that Entebbe has to offer. Stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the Reptile Village, or do the amazing Behind The Scenes Tour at the Wildlife Education Centre and get acquainted with some very friendly animals. Today’s WOW: feeding the giraffes at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Day Fourteen – Fly Home

You should have enough time before your flight to pick up some souvenirs if you haven’t already, and then that, sadly, is the end of your Uganda itinerary. If you can spare a few extra days, you could head back to Kampala and from there head east to Jinja or Sipi Falls in Mbale. Otherwise, head home and make all your friends jealous with your incredible photos.