Tanda Pits
A field of deep pits in Mityana district that Buganda tradition links to Walumbe, the bringer of death.
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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 you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.