By Bayan Nalubwama
Mbarara City, found in the southwest of Kampala city is the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala, the Capital city of Uganda.
As of 2021, the population of Mbarara is 91,867 people according to population hub and all population.
It is a four hour drive from Kampala to the land of Milk as the place before civilization, was popular for it’s cattle keeping activity. One’s wealth was also measured on the herds of cattle they owned.
You receive a warm welcome to the city from a monument of a long horned cow and replicas of horns.
Mbarara City is the center of operations in Western Uganda and people here are of the Ankole tribe called Banyankole who speak Runyankore.
On the outskirts of this city, from Kampala, is a regional museum called Igongo Cultural center rich in western culture and tales of the past. The place also has the eclipse monument with a cultural historical story behind it. There is accomodation too.
Even Though Ankole Kingdom was not restored during the restoration of Kingdoms in Uganda, Ankole palace is under renovation and still, with in the city, there are kings’ tombs surrounded by graveyards of Ankole princesses and prominent personalities.
Besides culture, Mbarara is blessed with generous and diligent people who greatly contribute to the city’s infrastructure development.Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mbarara was one of the cities with busiest and lifeful nightlife.
The closure of night clubs however did not stop dwellers from enjoying their city as many, especially low income earners to River Rwiz beach, also found in the city. The hangout is usually done during the weekend.
