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SSEZIBWA FALLS PICTURE LINK

"Beauty and healing in harmony."

On the way back from Jinja, we stopped here. The spiritual Ssezibwa Falls have long been a favorite of the Kabakas (the Kings of Buganda). It's a place for traditional healing, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The site has been used for royal relaxation throughout the history of the Kabakas.

Just a forty-five minute drive from Kampala, we were escorted by a guide named Ali who told us many stories and legends about the Falls. It's here that the ‘black-river water’ tumbles over the rocks into the pool below. A traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, a good harvest, or successful business deal.

Ali led us up to a cave-shrine, covered in bark cloth, said to be inhabited by Musoke, the God of the Rainbow, who helps women to become pregnant. He explained the meaning of the pots and spears in the shrine, and showed us the coffee beans and cowrie shells people bring as offerings.

It's said that Kabaka Mwanga II planted a giant tree here to show his love for the Falls and Mutesa II planted another. Both trees are regarded as sacred gifts from the Kabaka.


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Copyright © 2002, Dawn M. Dalton.
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