Tanda Pits

Located along Mityana road, Tanda Pits is an archeological site with a group of over 240 circular pits in the forest. The Buganda tourism site which is also a spiritual place is believed to have been created by Walumbe, an angel of death during his fight against his brother Kayikuzi. Kayikuzi was a brother to Walumbe and Nambi who are believed to have lived in heaven. Nambi always visited the earth where she met the first man who lived on earth, Kintu. Kintu and Nambi got interest in each other and the two eventually got married. After their marriage, Nambi was to join Kintu on earth, but while on the way, Nambi had forgotten her millet locally known as obuulo, which she decided to return and pick. On her way back, Walumbe saw her and he forcefully came to earth with them. Walumbe’s visit to earth brough misery, suffering, sickness and death.

Ggulu, Nambi’s father ordered Kayikuzi to go to the earth and return with Walumbe but all to no avail. Walumbe fought with his brother and in an attempt to escape, he dug over 200 round deep pits which he used as a hiding place from his brother. These pits were believed to an entrance to the land of the dead and have become a tourism destination today.

This archeological site has an old white gate and a very dark and thick forested area having grass thatched houses, more than 240 pits, calabashes, spears and shields.

Religious Significance Of The Tanda Pits

People visit Tanda Pits to worship and seek blessings from the ancestors, Nambi and Kintu. Different people seek for different solutions like the barren women go in search of children, others go to seek for wealth and so much more. It is believed that one always gets what they seek if they an offering or sacrifice that has been asked of them. The place is also a cultural worshipping place for the ancient traditional believers who often visit the place to worship at the shrines.

The site is open to visits from people of different places to learn about its history, however, everyone irrespective of their class is supposed to put off their shoes while at the site. However, the Kabaka of Buganda and all the former kings were not allowed to visit the place.

How To Get There

The archeological site is located in Mityana 50 km from Kampala and is a 20 minutes drive from the main road. The site is a recognised tourism place and Vibrant Holiday Safaris offers visits to this historical cultural grund.