Mouthwatering Blend of Batwa Culture and Bakiga Hospitality (Coming Soon)

We are making significant headway towards launching responsible Batwa “Pygmy” boat trips on Lake Bunyonyi! What we initiated in August is now on track to be readily available in October: a mouthwatering blend of Batwa culture and Bakiga hospitality.

Last week we organised a meeting on the western side of Bunyonyi, at Mama Bena’s. We travelled there with two key items for our Batwa partners — a photo collection and a newly purchased phone.

Veronica Tindyebwa, the world-famous mother of Bena, lives in the village of Murungu (left) that faces the bi-weekly Kyevu market (right).

At Kyevu we collected a group of our Batwa friends, excited to hear our ideas. Their beautiful singing filled up the short boat crossing.

Once we docked below Veronica’s homestead, everything was ready for a conversation with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Mama Bena welcomed her soon-to-be partners with her signature warmth and hospitality.

Dominated by the impressive, century-old grass-thatched house constructed by her merchant father, the compound was full of sorghum spread out to dry.

The gathering was therefore held on the slope just outside of Veronica’s fence, attended by her family as well.

Mesach Ssemakula, leader of the Makanga Batwa community, voiced his support for the idea of his people entertaining visitors while Mama Bena treats them to a local meal.

Of course, this feast will feature some uniquely Batwa dishes. A list of wild herbs and other ingredients had already been prepared for discussion.

We shared a selection of printouts showing several recreated Batwa forest dwellings with the participants …

… who unanimously agreed on the design that most authentically represented their lost forest life.

They will soon build such a hut near Veronica’s home, with stupendous Lake Bunyonyi vistas.

Secretary Jack Tumwesigye Barinawe is awaiting our call for the construction to start.

Within a few weeks all shall be set for you to enjoy two cultures’ true taste!

photos by Miha Logar