VISIT THE KABAKA'S LAKE

Picturesque: Vegetation frames a view of the lake



Visitors enjoying the environs of the lake

 Visit one of the man-made lakes in Uganda near the Kabaka’s (King’s) palace at Ndeeba on the Kampala-Masaka Road. Local folklore has it that one of Buganda’s Kabakas, Mwanga gathered all the Baganda at the site; all one million of them at the time, about one thousand (more like five hundred) years ago and told them to dig the lake. And that because the Baganda loved their King a lot, they decided to dig the lake. Then they introduced fish like eels and Nile Perch into it.

‘At first, the lake disappeared because the rituals were mishandled. But after they were performed in the right manner, the lake came back!’ A local resident who preferred anonymity quipped in awe.



The writer enjoys the scenic beauty of the lake

 Also at the time, the islands on Lake Victoria like Kalangala and Goma had just been annexed. A lake near the palace and a channel linking it to Lake Victoria was what the Kabaka had in mind. The Kabaka thought this would improve the ease with which these islands could be governed. Trade with other Kingdoms on the lake would also be eased. Unfortunately, the Kabaka died before the channel was completed, hence the stand-alone lake.

Enjoy the serene surroundings and the calm of the lake. There are no fees or tour guides. After scouring the edges, some peaceful sites can be found for fishing and for picnics. Nets are not permitted though, only hooks are. This is because nets can easily scoop all the fish out. There were no boats around, so boating may not be one of the activities here.

There are a few little islands floating around on the lake. Bricks are made on one of the islands, so there are probably one or two boats around for transport to these islands only and not for hire. Swimming is not advisable, as there are no lifeguards here.

All kinds of people visit the lake. Working people visit at lunch times, to have lunch and to rest. Students visit to study in the calm surroundings, whose atmosphere is conducive for this. Several Christian groups also visit the site to baptize new converts and for retreats.

A taxi from the old taxi park at Kampala to Ndeeba costs Ug. Shs. 400. You will have to tell the conductor that you are going to the Kabaka’s lake, I’m afraid, as there are no signs leading to it. From the stop on the main road, ask for directions through the rickety trading centre to the lake. It is a five minute walk from the main road to the lake.

You may have to part with a few shillings if you want to know anything about the lake.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

• TRAVELITE last visited the Kabaka's lake in the year 2000. Please double any shilling amounts mentioned in the article.
• One US Dollar equals Ug. Shs. 2,800.