Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru historical And cultural caves.
This is another fascinating tourist site with remarkable cultural history in Western Uganda. This is a must stop over cultural site when going for a tour to Semliki National Park for viewing the hot springs or Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee tracking or to Queen Elizabeth National Park for viewing wildlife or boat cruises.
The Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves are also called the Nyakasura Caves located 32 kilometers from Kibale national park west of Fort portal town. The caves convey great history of the Batooro tribe that is common in the area.
Culturally is strong belief which is also considered as myth to some people that the caves were named after the king Bukuku’s daughter called Nyina mwiru. Bukuku was a king of the former Tembuzi dynasty and were believed to be demigods who could at times appear on earth or disappear in the ground. The Batooro andBanyoro are said to have originated from the Batembuzi dynasty.
Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves
NyinaMwiru was a beautiful princess of Bukuku who refused to marry the man who had been chosen by her father (the king). She instead wanted to have a man of her choice. On hearing this, the King (Bukuku) was very angry and ordered that her breasts should be cut off because she was disobedient. This would ensure that she would never marry and unable to nurse her children.
From that day the milky substance flowing from the scenic rocks came to be called “the breasts of Nyinamwiru”.Amabere ga NyinaMwiru in local language.
The other side of the myth states that, king Bukuku heard of a prophecy that his daughter would give birth to a son( Ndahura) who was going to take over his kingdom. The king was so furious and ordered that his daughter’s breasts be cut off as a way of deforming her. Unknowingly the girl was already pregnant. It is said that when the baby was born, he was fed on the whitish substance from the rocks.
When on a tour to wester Uganda, immerse in culture and visit the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru site for more folk tales from the natives.
However geologically the whitish substances on the rocks are stalactites and stalagmites that are as a result of chemical reactions between water and limestone in the area.
Apart from the cultural and mystical experience in the Amebere cave, there are three scenic crater lakes in the Nyakasura area.
Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves
Lake Kigere is the most popular lake in the area. It is unique in shape of a foot. Its is believed that it might have been formed from the footprint of Nyinamwiru. This lake is surrounded by dense palm trees and is safe for swimming. Lake Wabikere meaning lake of frogs and Lake Saaka where people do most of the fishing.
The breathtaking waterfalls at the caves also make a wonderful scenery. The place is cool and best for photography. At his site you are advised to have flash photos as some parts of the cave are dark.
The paths are at times slippery and so advised to have better hiking shoes. Always move with a guide to the place to have a wonderful visit and a memorable experience.