Fort Portal City is full of history, which attracts many tourists to visit. In western Uganda, south of the Albert Nile, you will find Fort Portal City, home to the Tooro Kingdom.
This is where a young king, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, was enthroned at an early age after the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Rwamuhokya Olimi III. Surprisingly, he has ruled until today.
The Bantu kingdom is made up of the Batoro people, who speak a language called Orutooro. The Batooro and Banyoro speak closely related languages and also share cultural traits, such as the giving of pet names known as Empako. Using someone’s Empako is a sign of respect and cultural connection. Some of these names include Amooti, Abwoli, Araali, Acaali, Bbala, and Okaali.
Tooro has had several kings since the 1800s. These include Omukama Olimi I, Ruhaga of Tooro (ruled from 1865–1866), Nayika Kyebambe I (ruled from 1866–1871 to 1872), Rukidi I, Olimi II, Rukidi II, Rububi Kyebambe II, Kakende Nyamuyonjo, and many others.
History shows that Buganda, Bunyoro, and Busoga were once under Tooro, but in 1993 they each became independent and re-established their own kingdoms.
The kingdom is not the only attraction in Fort Portal. Kibale National Park is also nearby, known for its wildlife, especially primates, which make up the largest number of animals in the park, followed by colorful birds. Kibale is open all year and is popular for chimpanzee trekking and nature walks in the Bigodi Sanctuary.
On your way, you can stop at the Tooro Botanical Gardens for an educational experience about nature, then continue to the Amabere Caves. These caves are connected to a story about a king who wanted to keep his daughter from eloping. He tried to stop her by cutting off her breasts, but his plan did not succeed, and he later took her to these caves.
After a long day of touring, you can rest at Dutchess Hotel and Restaurant, located 2.4 km from the Tooro Botanical Gardens. It offers free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace.
There is also Mountain of the Moon Hotel, which has a swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and terrace, with well-organized rooms for all visitors. Other places to stay include Palm Star Motel, Koi Koi Fort Portal, Kibale Guest Cottages, Home Bliss Hotel, Montane Safari Hotel, Kasenene Legacy Hotel, Fort Heights Homestay, and many others.
Visit Fort Portal Town if you want to discover the secrets of nature and culture in one place.
Visit Kibale National Park in Uganda with these recommended Uganda chimpanzee companies or inquire with us below to book your tour directly through this website.
