An idea of the many that Buganda can borrow to make Kabaka's Lake a viable income earner
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND - The lake is located in Uganda’s capital Kampala,
a few kilometers from the city center, it was established by King
Mwanga II (1884-1888). To date it is one of the only two excavated lakes
in East Africa and one of the biggest of this kind in Africa. It
occupies 2km 2 and is about 200 feet deep on average. King Mwanga had a
liking for swimming and fishing. Whenever he desired to engage in these
water sports, he would be carried 11km from his Mengo Palace to his
lakeside palace in Munyonyo. One day an idea occurred to him in 1887
during his return from Munyonyo; if a lake were to be constructed; it
would bring his water sport home and serve as an escape waterway in the
event of armed conflict with the British (which was eminent) and other
territorial enemies from Mengo to Munyonyo. In spite of the low
technological advance at the time, construction of the lake began using
rudimentary equipment like hoes and bare hands. From chiefs to his
subjects, no one was exempt from this intensive labour which always
started from 3:00am till 4:00pm each day and was to last 11 months. Many
lives were lost due to fatigue, hunger, accidents and diseases.
However, the work was abruptly brought to an unplanned end by a
rebellion of Christian converts in1888. By then the lake had reached
Najjanankumbi, 2Km from Mengo, the basin then contracted and the current
lake has maintained more or less the same state since 1888 The lake is
home to hundreds of water rare animals and plants. Without many visible
tributaries, the lake maintains an almost equal volume of water
throughout the year. This is the background of this high value resource
urgently threatened to extinction by encroachers, who out of ignorance
and greed are conducting illicit activities in the lakes vicinity which
are greatly compromising its ecological, social and diverse cultural
history.
Below are photo impressions of Kabaka's Lake (Kabaka is the Luganda word
for Buganda King). From the 1st picture, one gets the experience of
what the Lake looks like and may be, what developments are possible. It
is important to note that driving around the lake is possible as a road
goes round. Given the economic activities, the water is dirty, and
this can be easily seen, this is due to the in-flow due to storm/rain
water which drains into the lake, 2ndly, the washing of vehicles which
gets all the dirt into the lake. One important feature of the lake is
that its water drains out through a channel made of concrete. There is
also an island with birds and its quite impressive and a potential
tourist attraction. A few developments can boost the Lake. It is
possible to have a Conference facility which floats on the lake. A
modern hotel can be put up. For those who love music, it can be great
having permanent seats around the lake while entertainers may be
floating around. It is also possible to make a demonstration venture
for Cage Fishing. Buganda Government could look around for a Joint
venture arrangement as the site can really generate good money for the
region and Uganda at large.
1 comment:
malwadde calebJanuary 10, 2013 at 4:53 AM
Measures
should be undertaken to see the Buganda Kingdom start to earn from this
lake, its in the middle centre of the capital of uganda, this is a
potential tourist attraction, even to the neighbouring areas most
especially st. lawrence university students who would wish to cool down
their temperatures and chill,,its all about modernising this site, God
bless u all. Caleb a loyal servant to the throne,
