Lake Victoria is under threat, and the very people this natural resource is supposed to serve are the ones threatening its existence. Until World Environment Day on June 5, in a campaign, Save Lake Victoria, Vision Group media platforms will run investigative stories and commentaries highlighting the irresponsible human activities threatening the world’s second largest fresh water lake. Today, we bring you the story of Musambwa Islands, one of the largest bird breeding places in Africa.

Things are falling apart on Musambwa Islands. Fish catches have dwindled. The fishermen are selling and eating eggs, threatening a tourism industry which rakes in over $800m in revenue.

At least the snakes on the islands are still happy and men only dream of women. But the mother birds are in misery, while the young fish live in constant fear of ending up in a saucepan.

Until recently, Musambwa Islands was perhaps the only place on earth where man and nature co-existed harmoniously, minus women. However today, scarcity of fish has brought an ugly twist.

Location

Found on Lake Victoria in Rakai district, this tiny rocky island is a recognised Ramzar site, an important bird area. It supports large populations of congregatory breeding birds like the grey headed gull, greater cormorant, little egret and the long-tailed cormorant, among others. It is known to be the largest breeding site for African birds.

Over the years, fishermen have been settling on Musambwa and using it as a spring board to reach the deep waters of Lake Victoria. Today, Musambwa hosts about 150 fishermen, yet most of them are too poor to afford motorised boats to fish in far off waters.

Consequently, overfishing close to the shores has depleted fish stocks in waters surrounding the islands. The fishermen use illegal fishing gear and sweep immature fish out of the lake.

With fish stocks no-longer enough to growing populations, fishermen have done away with taboos of the Islands that prohibited the eating of bird eggs and started preying on the eggs.

Myths about the island

In the old days, fishermen lived in harmony with snakes and birds. They earned a living out of fishing while conserving nature by fear of superstitions, taboos and customs.

One of the first people to settle on the island is Mzee Emmanuel Kaberenge.  He came to the island in 1964, found many taboos and passed them on to subsequent fishermen.

By then, he says, only four people lived on the islands. Women and sex are prohibited. That initially kept the population small and minimised thefts.

The second myth prevents people from killing snakes as they are believed to be gods. Consequently, Musambwa is the only location on earth where people live with cobras of all sizes, with mutual respect for one another.

The third commandment, which has now collapsed, prohibited fishermen from eating or selling eggs of the thousands of birds that live and breed on the Island.

However, to compensate for loss of income and food from fish, the fishermen have turned to birds for survival. They eat and sell eggs of the thousands of birds which have lived and bred on the islands for centuries.

What authorities say

According to the executive director of Nature Uganda, Achilles Byaruhanga, the population of grey-headed gulls on Musambwa dropped to 30,000 birds, from 120,000  in one year, between 2004 and 2005, due to commercialisation of their eggs.

The eggs were increasingly attracting higher commercial value on the mainland, replacing fishing as the major income-generating activity at the island.

However, with Nature Uganda intervention, the bird population has since increased Byaruhanga says.

Nature Uganda, working with other development partners has been sensitising the fishermen and promoting Musambwa as birding tourist destination.

In Uganda, the tourism sector is the second largest foreign exchange earner. It generated $805m ( sh2b) in foreign exchange in 2011/2012. The sector’s total contribution to GDP is estimated at $1.4b, representing 7.6% of GDP; in 2011 trailing only remittances from abroad.

Uganda a bird paradise

Over half of all bird species in Africa can be found in Uganda, making it the richest African birding destination.

Uganda was recently declared a preferred bird-watching destination 2013/2014, a development expected to uphold the country as the continent’s best birding destination.

Birding is a high end tourism package, where tourists stay longer and spend more on tourism. Birding generates about $6.3m (about sh16m) annually doubling revenue from gorilla tracking and is still growing. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species; accounting for about 50% of birds in Africa and 11% of the global population.

Internationally, Musambwa Islands are known to be the largest breeding site for the African race of the grey-headed gulls in Africa, whose eggs the fishermen eat and sell.

Byaruhanga estimates the price of three eggs at sh1,000 though the fishermen do not want to talk about it.

Despite the importance of birds to the economy, in Musambwa, they have been attacked, with fishermen cutting trees where they nest to construct shelters and for fish smoking.

What spiritualists say

Although Nature Uganda has intervened and is trying to reverse the trends, Joseph Bagorogoza, 67, and has lived on the island for 44 years, says respecting the gods is more effective.

Currently, Bagorogoza is the diviner entrusted with appeasing the gods of the islands. The gods are believed to reside in the numerous cobras on the island. He is the caretaker of a shrine under a fig tree. The ‘holy place’ consists of two spears and a calabash.

People with spiritual needs drop money under the spears as they pray to the gods.

Bagorogoza also keeps white cocks for the gods and only eats them when they grow old.  His other work is to tell people not to kill snakes, birds and not to eat birds’ eggs.

Bagorogoza blames newcomers and overfishing for the breakdown of Musambwa Islands cultural norms which initially bonded men and nature together.

“These days even the money for the gods is stolen from the shrine. The thief seems not to know the fury of the gods,’’ he muses. For theft of the cash, he blames a sickly looking old man nicknamed Mutumbafu (Swahili word for a stupid man).

Written by Matthias Mugisha  For the New Vision

Apart from Africa being a home to of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, there is a lot to see and to enjoy birds, wildlife, natural scenery, rich culture, mountains and many more. Conservationists in Africa are looking forward to a bright future for the mountain gorillas because according to a census conducted last year, Uganda’s endangered apes have increased in number from 302 to 400 between 206 and 2011, hence the total number of gorillas in Africa is now at 880.According to the Ministry of Tourism, the increase proves without uncertainty that Uganda’s conservation efforts are paying off and is testimony to the sound natural resource management policies that are being implemented in the protected areas,”

By putting some of the revenue into local projects, converting formerly hostile groups into friendly advocates for the gorillas’ survival, Ugandan wildlife officials have been able to build successful partnerships with local communities. The endangered mountain gorillas have their home in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla National park found in the south western part of the country and in other parts that’s Rwanda and Congo and is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. A Gorilla Tour permit goes for 500USD per person in Uganda and all other areas except in Rwanda where its sold at 750 USD per permit. According to Mike Cran-field of Gorilla Doctors, “The mountain gorilla is the only non-human great ape that is actually growing in number and the growth of the mountain gorilla population can be attributed to the intensive conservation and collaboration between multiple conservation groups and government authorities.”

The increase in population growth was partly due to “extreme conservation” methods such as daily ranger monitoring in the forest, this is according to the conservation group Gorilla Doctors. Think of African Beauty with the Gorillas in their natural habitat.

According to the National Geographic an international travel channel affiliated to the National Geographic Society, Uganda is among the top 20 global tourism destinations in the year 2013 unlike the lonely planet, which named Uganda as the best travel destination for 2012, National Geographic listed Uganda among the top “new year’s 20 must-see places.”

“The pride of Uganda’s tourism lies in the undisturbed green nature that welcomes you the moment you land in Uganda whether by air, water, land or any means of transportation,” stated the National Geographic.” Getting out of the city will be a rewarding experience with a variety of bird species, wildlife, and the rare mountain gorillas that have been ‘a hot cake’ to Uganda.”

Abiaz Rwamwiri, a tourism expert with Africa Wildlife Foundation said, “We have a lot of potential we are not tapping into and this is what the recommendation by the National Geographic is telling Ugandans.” He also a explained that Uganda has got a beautiful scenery, unique wildlife such as the Mountain gorillas and easy to visit or stay because of the hospitality of the people.” He added, “We have got much more because there is even Kidepo National Park, which is a unique destination, but is still undiscovered by tourists.” A lot is known about Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to Rwamwiri, but Kidepo is unique and truly wild yet not many tourist visit northern Uganda. He said this was going to improve with the implementation a new programme funded by USAID and Africa Wildlife Foundation.

Also Lillian Nsubuga, the Public Relations Manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said Uganda’s tourism industry is gaining visibility, but aggressive marketing is needed.” As UWA there has been a big campaign to participate in the international world travel market. So, many people know about Uganda, but we need more aggressiveness,” said Nsubuga adding that marketing efforts undertaken by private sector should be harmonised with Government initiatives.Above all, find all that’s happening and what happened, and all the latest holiday deals in uganda and in all other African countries with African Secrets Limited.

“This is the first time we are introducing this form of tourism. We feel that after climbing the mountain, usually tourists remain dull during descending so this will be able to give them another exercise down the hills as a modern form of tourism in Uganda,” said Mr
Nyadru.He also said that the new activity complements other old tourist’s attractions. They include scenic peaks, gorges, hot-springs, magnificent waterfalls, caves, and flora & fauna.

Others are the talking tree along in Kapkwai, and the caldera and crater lakes/pools. The Mt. Elgon area conservation manager, Mr Adonia Bintorwa, said on the first day of launching, the park earned Shs12 million from Ireland bikers – Concern Worldwide -
who were on a tri-adventure of Mt Elgon. Mr James Mcmanas, the expedition leader of about 17 bikers from Concern worldwide Ireland, said mountain bike or mountain bicycle (MTB) created for off-road cycling, makes Mt Elgon now a place to go for all bikers.
Climbing the mountain is an experience not soon forgotten and when you combine it with biking it becomes more interesting. If you enjoy mountaineering, Elgon is a place to be.

For instance the Baganda specialize in making bark cloth which is made from a particular tree specie. Referred to as Olubugo in the local language, it is a stiff orange fabric material that is used to make bags, shirts, hats to mention but a few.

Other crafts include woven baskets and mats which are an essential in a local homestead. They are usually woven into intricate patterns to display a high level of skill. Mats are used to decorate the home or used as a seat during meal and story time.

Baskets are beautifully crafted bowls which are made from reeds and bamboo. Large baskets keep millet bread from going cold while the smaller ones are filled with snacks like groundnuts and roasted maize seeds to serve the visitor as a sign that they are welcome in the host’s home.

Spoons, bowls, stools and mingling sticks are artfully carved out of wood. The outcome is at times so breathtaking that instead of being put to use, they are decorated. They are produced out of the best wood like mahogany and ebony and then polished to give it a spotless look.

Musical instruments are also made out of bamboo and wood. These include flutes, hide drums, African harps that are used to make entertainment and during leisure. Drums are at times played when a local meeting is about to seat or to make a death announcement. During the happier times, flutes, harps and drums are played to thank the gods for a big harvest.

Jewellery like necklaces, bangles and earrings are made from paper, wood and beads. Jewellery making has improved the welfare of women in East Africa.

So please next time you are in Uganda, do buy a souvenir to support the women and local communities at large.

Posted by; Uganda tourism guide

 

Uganda’s new minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, Hon. Minister Maria Mutagamba while speaking to the media on September 11, 2012 said that even with the isolated incidents of poaching, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s last large mammal census revealed that the elephant numbers for Queen Elizabeth national park had increased from 400 in 1988 to 2,959 in 2010, the population of buffaloes also rose from 5,000 to 14,858 in the same period and hippos from 2,200 to 5,024.

Various methods have been adopted to curb down on this vice. In Uganda, there has been an introduction of the Uganda Tourism police, which is also assisted by the Uganda army. According to the acting director, tourism and business services at Uganda Wild life Authority (UWA) Mr. Stephen Sanyi Masaba, they are recruiting 300 more rangers to perk up the force while plans for an intelligence force are underway.

According to SENAPA’s acting Chief Park warden Mr. Godson Kimaro, the Tanzanian National Parks (TANAPA) has started using sniffer dogs as well as aircrafts to augment anti-poaching efforts in the park. TANAPA also employs the Anti-poaching and Outreach Department which supports community initiated projects in the surrounding villages.

In Kenya, the Kenya wildlife Service (KWS) has launched a five-year conservation and management strategy for the black rhino, this has been done by raising the rhino ranger force by more than 25 percent, changing rhino scouts on private lands into Kenya Police Reservists, offering formal training of community scouts in wildlife protection, using sniffer dogs for monitoring and relocating rhinos from areas of high risk to areas of low risk. KWS director Julius Kipng’etich also gave a strict warning to poachers that KWS would deal severely with them and do what it takes to protect the country’s wildlife.

During a recent incident when locals were chasing away an elephant that had strayed out of the park into their gardens at around 9pm, a 35 year old cyclist Mr. Charles Okello Otyem was very unfortunate to ram into the elephant as it was crossing the road. According to eye witnesses due to the speed at which Mr. Otyem was riding he died instantly. The incident happened at the village of Gwara as Mr. Otyem was riding from the trading center of Diima to the town of Karuma all of which border Murchison Falls National Reserve.

For a longtime now the local community around the park has been complaining to the Uganda Wildlife Authority about the marauding elephants to no avail. Uganda Wildlife Authority the body charged with protecting wildlife in Uganda has not compensated the locals in any way or managed to control the elephants.

Tom Okello the Chief Warden of the Murchison Falls Game Park told the press the Uganda Wildlife Authority regrets the incident and has given food and a coffin to the family of the deceased to help meet the burial expenses. The Chief Warden also appealed to the local community to help Uganda Wildlife Authority in caring for the wildlife in and around the national park.

The local leaders including the Member of Parliament of Nwoya district Mr. Todwong Richard have appealed to the government to help in compensating the local communities whose property and crops have been destroyed by the marauding elephants.

Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda and one of the most visited by tourists. It has wide range of both plant and animal species. However, there has been a high level of poaching by the local communities around the national park and if left unchecked could adversely affect the high volume of tourists visiting the Park. A Murchison falls tour includes a visit to the top of the falls from which the park derives its name as well as birding watching, sport fishing and wildlife game drives.

Though there are several airlines all over the world but Brussels Airlines having ‘Flying your Way’ as its slogan, stands out best and operates a fleet of about 50 aircraft connecting its home base at Brussels Airport with over 50 European destinations and operates direct services to Africa. Nearer home, it operates 14 flights into East Africa. Broken down, it has five flights a week from Brussels into Nairobi- Kenya, four to Entebbe- Uganda, and three to Kigali-Rwanda and two to Bujumbura-Burundi.

Besides being a true East African representation, the airline has office stationed in most of African countries and all over the world plus sales-presence in other places in order to make it easy for all there customers who wish to travel and those who already travel with them to be close to all the services they need. However the airline has made tourism in Africa very easy by operating in countries which have combined trip destinations in Africa that is Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Such combined trips also exist in the Tourism Sector, where for example European tourists plan to visit gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda (double trekking expedition), Uganda and Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda and Kenya or Tanzania (Gorillas and wildlife).However, doing combined trips and travelling across Africa for either leisure or tourism has become more easy and cheap and to those who intend to do so very soon the answer is Brussels airline.

According to Martin Gray an Anthropologist spent thirty years studying and photographing hundreds of sacred sites in more than one hundred and twenty-five countries. After his study he was able to discuss the mythology and history of sacred sites and presents a fascinating explanation of the miraculous phenomena that occur at them.

As people continued to learn and know more about the sacred sites, many sacred sites have been identified as places of tourism interest in different countries across the world. For example the Kasubi tombs in uganda, sezibwa falls, Roman Catholics in Uganda (St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga Cathedral), Bahai temple, Namugongo shrines,Ssese Island Sacred sites at both at Nanziri falls (Bukasa ) and Bubeke famouse for Wanema historical shirine plus many others.However,Roasted coffee beans wrapped in dry banana fibres, varying sizes of baskets, gourds and spears with unique shapes are the commonest features in the sacred shrines of Ssese islands.

The Nanziri falls

This is an hour’s twisty trek through grassland and thick forest to the first sacred site en-route to Nanziri falls and the Nanziri cave. Tourists have to keep quiet and remove shoes as they approach a rock shaped like a chair, which is believed to be the guard’s seat. It is here that the guide briefs visitors on dos and don’ts as well as the sacrifices including roasted coffee beans, coins or meat to appease the spirits and Nanziri, the god of the waterfalls. The remains of burnt firewood is evidence of sacrifices offered at this site.

Visitors also move down to the Nanziri cave with various chambers believed to be rooms from where more sacrifices are made and prayers for blessings and fortunes including fertility, wealth, protection, long life, safety while travelling on water and heavy catches of fish, are sought. The waterfalls cascade over a 40-feet high rock into a shallow pool in which people seeking blessings and healings from various ailments swim oblivious of anyone looking at them. The guide insists that there is no known river feeding the falls but a spring that never dries and is powered by Nanziri, the god of this site, Kibuuka the god of war and Mukasa, the god of the lake.

Wanema’s shrine

This is found on the same island about four kilometres away at Bubeke.The palace characterised by grass-thatched houses and a well-maintained reed fence which is maintained by elderly women, who are armed with a wealth of information about its history, cultural and importance to the islanders and Buganda kingdom. Taking photos is by luck on this site because even camera shutters might not open after all. Various rituals are performed, sacrifices made and prayers offered by hundreds of people who are seeking fortunes. The attendants explain that only prayers for healing are encouraged as long as one believes in what they are seeking. Those whose prayers are answered return voluntarily with gifts of appreciation like goats, money and chicken. On another island called Bugembe is a popularly visited site, which is treated with awe. A well-maintained compound with grass-thatched houses, where rituals are performed for fortunes. According to the custodians, it is famous for giving wealth, fertility to women and partners to the singles. For those looking for a unique cultural tour in Africa, Uganda is your place to be.

Posted by; Uganda tour guide