Tanda Pits
A field of deep pits in Mityana district that Buganda tradition links to Walumbe, the bringer of death.
Updated 2 September 2026
At Tanda in Mityana district the ground is pitted with several hundred deep holes, some many metres down, and Buganda tradition explains them as the work of Walumbe, the brother who brought death into the world and who dug himself into the earth here to escape his pursuing brother Kayikuzi. The story is one of the central Buganda origin myths. The pits are a shrine and offerings are made at them, and custodians explain the tradition to visitors.
What's there
- The pit field - several hundred deep holes across the site.
- The Walumbe story - the Buganda origin myth of death attached to the place.
- The shrine - offerings made at the pits by those seeking help.
- The custodians - the families who keep the site and explain the tradition.
When to go
June to September and December to February are drier for the approach. The site is open in daylight with custodians present. Ritual activity takes precedence.
Things to know
Physically it is a field of holes and the interest is entirely in the tradition. The pits are unfenced and deep, which is a real hazard. Fees are negotiated on site and can be arbitrary.
Nearby
Mityana is nearby, and Kampala is east.
What to pack for Tanda Pits
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.