Nakayima Tree

The Nakayima tree stands on Mubende Hill, an enormous tree known locally as Mukoko, about 40 metres tall, with buttress roots forming chambers large enough to walk between, estimated at several centuries old. It is a shrine associated with Ndahura, a Bacwezi ruler, and with Nakayima, the spirit medium of the site, and offerings are still left in the spaces between the roots. The hill was a centre of the Kitara polity and archaeological material has been found around it.

What you'll find

• The buttress roots - root walls forming chambers large enough to walk between.
• The shrine - offerings left in the root spaces by those seeking help.
• The Bacwezi association - the site linked to Ndahura and the Kitara rulers.
• The hilltop position - the view over Mubende and the surrounding country.

When to go

Year round; the site is open in daylight hours. Ritual activity happens at any time and takes precedence. Mornings are quietest.

Good to know

It is an active shrine and offerings and ceremonies are not a display; photographing them needs permission. Shoes are removed at the tree. The site is modest apart from the tree itself.

Nearby

Mubende is below, and Bigo bya Mugenyi is south.

Key facts