MUKONO
In 2016, Aisha Nabwanika embarked on a journey that would lead her to become a key player in Uganda’s cultural tourism industry. After joining the Uganda Tourism Association, she quickly realized the untapped potential of promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
By 2018, inspired by her desire to celebrate Uganda’s traditions, Nabwanika developed the idea of establishing a cultural tourism center. Her vision was clear: create a place where tourists could experience Ugandan culture firsthand through food, daily life, and traditional customs.
“Most tourist destinations abroad focus on monuments or history, with high fees. However, cultural tourism in Uganda has not yet reached its full potential in terms of foreign exchange or visibility,” said Nabwanika, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Her inspiration came from her own roots, particularly her mother, a renowned cook of Luwombo (a traditional Ugandan dish of boiled meat wrapped in banana leaves). Nabwanika envisioned a space where visitors could experience authentic Ugandan cuisine, but she soon realized the opportunity to expand the vision into something more holistic – a full cultural immersion.
Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited resources, Nabwanika persisted. By July 1, 2023, the Ewaffe Cultural Village officially opened its doors to the public. Located 30km outside of Kampala, in the Mukono district, Ewaffe is set on a five-acre plot of land and aims to preserve and promote the traditions of Uganda’s central region.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Ewaffe, which means “our home,” greets visitors with a traditional ambiance. The entrance, crafted from logs and reeds, is reminiscent of the homesteads typical of the Baganda people, Uganda’s largest ethnic group. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by girls who perform a traditional kneeling gesture and usher them into grass-thatched huts decorated with mats and small logs.
The cultural experience begins with a walk through the village’s medicinal gardens, where guests are introduced to a variety of herbs once used by ancestors for medicinal purposes. “Our forefathers didn’t have hospitals; they used these herbs to treat illnesses,” says Justine Nanyonga, the acting CEO during The NewzZone’s visit.
The tour continues as visitors explore different homesteads and even fetch water from a traditional well. Once back, they enjoy local fruits like sugarcane and jackfruit, as well as fresh juice made from bananas. Throughout their visit, guests engage in activities like weaving baskets, cooking local dishes, digging, fishing, and brewing traditional alcohol.
A Place for All Ages
The cultural immersion at Ewaffe is designed to appeal to a variety of guests, from international tourists to local students. Nanyonga shares that the village typically hosts 60 guests a month, but during peak times, such as school visits, the numbers can triple. The center also employs around 25 local workers, contributing to the community’s economic development.
For the employees like Asiah Nakitto, 20, Ewaffe offers a valuable learning experience. “I’ve learned so much about Buganda culture. I can now weave baskets, prepare local dishes, and understand the medicinal value of various herbs,” Nakitto explains.
Caroline Nambi, a nursery school teacher and instructor at Ewaffe, emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional norms, which are increasingly at risk due to modernization. “Parents are too busy to teach their children about their culture, and the world is becoming hostile to these traditions. It’s crucial to have centers like Ewaffe,” she asserts.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Elders like Moses Mayanja are concerned that Ugandan traditions are fading, particularly among the younger generation in urban areas. “Our taboos are becoming extinct. There’s a widening gap between the cultures of our children and their traditional roots,” he laments.
Despite the challenges, Nabwanika remains committed to her mission. Through Ewaffe, she not only provides a platform for the world to appreciate Uganda’s culture but also works to ensure that future generations grow up with a deep understanding of their heritage.
As Nabwanika continues to grow Ewaffe Cultural Village, her hope is that more centers will emerge across Uganda to preserve age-old traditions, offering both locals and tourists the chance to reconnect with their cultural roots.
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