Uganda People & Culture

You have two options for lodging in Kitgum, Uganda the Bohma Hotel or Fugly's. Look no further then the second choice listed as your final destination. After spending a week at Fugly's I could never stay anywhere else in the region. In fact it was one of the best hotel stays from my vast travels.
The proprietors of Fugly's are Patrick and Lynn, two natives of South Africa. They are some of the most enjoyable and animated folks to be around while sitting at the bar enjoying a Club, Nile or Bell. The region contains a very high concentration of NGO and IGO activity. As such you find yourself running into people from all over the globe. They are working in a post conflict environment after the scourge of LRA activity ending just under two years ago.
The grounds of Fugly's are well maintained. It used to be their home before turning it into the place to stay. It is a bit like a hostel in the way you live, sharing facilities and potentially sleeping with another in the room. There is no A/C and you have to ensure you grab a mosquito net as not all beds had them waiting overhead.
The staff is incredibly kind and courteous. They are a blast to talk to and will learn your name the first time around and not forget. The meals are incredible. There is no menu, you eat what they serve, but will be mindful if you have special requirements. One in our party was a vegetarian, his food was equally incredible. Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not that much more if you require it.
There is no TV and no internet so plan accordingly, but then again in this part of the world not having these luxury's is the luxury. Many nights spent around the fire enjoying some incredible conversation with a cold beer. You can't really ask for more.
You won't find a website or a book that has information on Fugly's, but rest assured it is there and waiting. The intrepid need only apply. If you're in Kitgum chances are you are just that person. Even if you don't stay, enjoy a meal or a drink, you'll be happy you did.

Many of us Westerners find Ugandans to be very considerate and polite to foreigners, and for the most part they are. But DON'T take this for granted or think of the citizens as 'quaint'. A lot of the people you talk to are probably busting ass in a way that benefits your stay, so show the proper respect. Exploring down the wrong alley or testing that nice man's patience can be asking for trouble. Remember, you're in someone's hometown- don't take liberties.
That said: be polite, try and make connections, show the same respect and patience you are shown, and it will likely foster a positive experience. Just don't be too pretentious about it.

Kingfisher Safaris Lodge does not intend to grow very big and get involved in mass tourism. It wants to be an exclusive, environmental and cultural friendly tourism business. ...i'd say it's not realy a backpacker's hotel..but if you're visiting the source of the nile, it s not quite far to walk, and you just have to pay very little money to use the great swimmingpool and you get a great view of the victoria lake!

see the Ndere dance troup.  You learn a lot about the culture and have a fun evening of entertainment, dance, music and food.

see the Ndere dance troup.  You learn a lot about the culture and have a fun evening of entertainment, dance, music and food.

If you have some time, take a guided hike through Mt. Elgon with fantastic views of Kenya and the Ugandan countryside!

Bunagana is a small town located on the Uganda-DRC border and has a sister city of the same name on the other side. It is important transit point and visitors taking gorilla tours in Congo will inevitably cross here. The Ugandan border post is located at the eastern most edge of town next to a movable barrier and an anachronistic sign which still reads ‘You are leaving Uganda and entering Zaire’ (Zaire became the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998). Trips to the Congolese side are possible but unless you have a multiple-entry visa you will have to buy a new Ugandan visa (currently 50$) on your return. Congolese visas are available at the Congolese post (also costing 50$).

The town is small but busy, with crowds of gaily dressed Congolese ladies hawking dried fish and other commodities. Visitors not simply passing through on a tour will find a number of places to eat and stay, all of which are basic but adequate enough for seasoned travellers. The terrain round about is green and hilly with scattered farms and amazing views.

The nearest large town is Kisoro, 15km west. Transport options out of Bunagana are limited though with patience you should be able to hitch a ride on a truck. If you feel like walking, eg. as a day-trip from Kisoro, it is well worth the effort. The road bends through villages and fields and brings you into close contact with locals. There are several village shops along the way where you can buy water, coke and 660ml bottles of Primus beer. The last time I made this journey was in 2009. The road was still in abysmal condition, heavily eroded and full of pot holes. Since then it has been asphalted all the way and no matter what transport mode you are using the journey should now be a lot more comfortable.

If you want to call it a hotel, do not stay at the flight motel without a mosquito net!!!!!

Women, note that local women do not wear shorts or pants. Children and men are the only ones who do. It is purely out of necessity or comfort when it comes to bathroom needs. It will be hard to find bathrooms in town that would not require you to strip down completely from the waist down in order to relieve yourself if you don't wear a skirt.

Bug spray! The mosquitos are very thick in the evening. I have never had so many bites.

Track down the Nile River Explorers. Raft the Nile while you can. Another damn is in the works and the river will no longer be raftable. The price is great and the rapids are awesome. One of the best days of my life. You will get tossed out of the boat, so be prepared to get wet. There are several class 5s and they can be knarly, but what a thrill so ride the source of the Nile. There are a couple crocs who make their home wear you launch, so stay in your boat until the guide tells you it is safe. You will see some amazing wildlife and have a great afternoon. Buy the DVD of your trip. You will want it to remember this amazing piece of teh river that will never be the same after the damn is built. Plus the extra footage shows the best wipeouts of the season.

Hire a driver or take one of the many little motorcycle rides if you have to go anywhere. There is almost no order or yeilding in Ugandan traffic. The most aggressive driver gets the right of way. The traffic circles are very intimidating and there are a lot of them. If you are not accustom to driving in local conditions, don't even try it.