Since ancient times, sacred sites have had a mysterious allure for billions of people around the world. Legends and contemporary reports tell of extraordinary experiences people have had while visiting these places. Different sacred sites have the power to heal diseases, enlighten the mind and inspire the heart.
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.
