Bujagali Falls Jinja: A List of the Top Things to Do and See

Often called the source of the Nile, Bujagali Falls is pronounced as “Budhagali” by Lusoga speakers of Uganda. 

The Bujagali falls, pronounced as “Budhagali” by the “Lusoga” speaking people of Uganda was once a waterfall in Jinja City, It is also commonly referred to as the Nile’s source. 

Bujagali falls were more like a sequence of rapids than a waterfall. It is a world-famous spot for thrilling Class V Rapids. Most adrenaline junkies looking to run into them usually come here in large numbers.

Unfortunately just like the Rippon Falls, in November 2011, the new Bujagali Dam flooded the falls.

Tourist Attractions within the Area

The Bujagali Dam/ Power Station

Here’s why the new dam was constructed. For a long time, millions of Ugandans’ livelihoods were negatively impacted by a severe electricity crisis. This also jeopardized the country’s progress. 

Daily power outages affected hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes. This even prevented Uganda’s economy from growing by 1% of its GDP.

A 200 MW hydropower plant called the Bujagali project was built on Uganda’s Victoria Nile to help the nation’s energy needs. The initiative was in line with Uganda’s overall development plan, which is largely centered on enhancing the investment environment. It was going to boost growth and lessen poverty.

Many people said the dam’s power wouldn’t meet the needs of the vast majority of the country’s population. Culturists advised that the dam would drown a sacred waterfall. 

They also said it could do further harm to Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake. After construction, it’s said that the dam directly affected approximately 6,800 people.

The Bujagali Spirit 

Locals claim that a spirit known as the “Spirit of Bujagali” resides near the falls and performs rituals there to safeguard the neighborhood. Jajja Budhagali, a man who lives close to the falls, is the spirit’s thirty-ninth physical manifestation.

However, Budhagali was pronounced dead on October 26. He had been diagnosed with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) stroke. 

This resulted from unmonitored high blood pressure and diabetes. Blood had poured into his brain, and, he couldn’t move one side of his body.

During his time on earth, he claimed that the spirits were always in control and not him. He said he was chosen by the spirits that blow speed in the falls. 

According to him, he traveled from wherever he was unconsciously and found himself at Bujagali. He says he sailed on a mat across the river.

He was crowned Mandwa Budhagali and given powers. The name meant the one on whose head the spirits rest. He believed he had the power to drive violence in the waters, passing judgment on mankind and riding out disease. 

Tourist Activities at Bujagali falls

Due to the nature of the place, Bujagali falls has attracted many Tourists. On weekends it’s very common to find the area flooded with locals. 

Here are some of the activities tourists like to participate in:

Swimming

At Bujagali falls, locals swim using a Jerry. As bizarre as this sounds it happens. It’s important to make sure the jerry can you use does not have an inlet for water – no cracks, and no holes.

These Jerry can-swimmers are trained for this. Not anyone can do this because it’s very risky. The rapids can throw you off and drown you in the water.

To do it right, you need to stay on the right-hand side of the bank, where there are fewer rocks. You also must control your body even as the water pushes you to speed up.

Most importantly, you need to avoid the rocks, which are becoming an ever-greater hazard as the water level drops.

To see a trained local swim it costs 30,000 shillings which is $9 or sometimes more.

White water rafting

White Water Rafting tour is one of the most adventurous activities for tourists while in Uganda. White water rafting is an activity that teaches one how to handle pressure. As the rapids come in fast you must remain calm under pressure. 

Tourists can expect to be taken through the turbulent sections and rapids of the river Nile at Bujagali falls. The Rapids are categorized in grades 3, 4, and 5. Here you can expect some of the best white water rafting experiences on the continent.

It’s also an activity that also allows you to unwind, socialize with other rafters, watch birds, and appreciate nature. You will observe locals working as fishermen and washing clothes along the river banks.

Fishing

Tourists can hire local fishing boats for trips out into the calmer waters below the falls.

You may go and watch how the fishing is done or participate as well. Tourists are allowed to carry their fishing equipment if they can.

Horseback riding

Nile Horseback Safaris is a company around Jinja that offers horseback riding. They offer short (2hr and 3hr) safaris and longer overnight and multiday horse safaris. For their shorter trip, no riding experience is necessary. 

Recently they introduced a 1 hour, walking only, safari. It can be taken by people with children under 6 years old, nervous riders, or people who are in a hurry.

Mountain Biking

Using high-quality bikes, tourists can safely pedal their way in and around the Bujagali submerged falls and Jinja area. This is usually done with the help of expert local guides. 

They can arrange for you to take on a physical challenge or to stroll through communities along the banks of the Nile.

Volunteer work on Bujagali falls

Some genuine NGOs are helping vulnerable children together with their families. Most of these live around Bujagali falls.

Soft Power Education is among the notable NGOs helping around. They provide education to children that are unable to access it.

The organization also provides healthcare facilities to everyone living in the area including tourists. You can be sure that any money donated to this NGO goes towards helping the children. Tourists can as well invest their money and get a placement to work with them.

Conclusion

Bujagali Falls will always be one of the most beautiful tourist attractions sites in Uganda. The location still has the most spectacular waterfalls and rapids on the Nile River.