Located in the heart of Kasese town, next to Bakoko Sawuriyako Market, Akasesa gave Kasese town and district their name, having been somewhat mispronounced by foreigners who first visited the area.
The swamp is believed to be the dwelling place of Kalisya, the god responsible for domestic and wild animals among the Bakonzo. Rituals for the protection of animals, and concerning hunting and grazing are therefore performed here. This includes erighanga omundu, the cleansing ritual for people who have erred in dealing with animals, for example mistakenly killing a pregnant one.
The swamp provides a habitat for wildlife, especially marabou storks, hence the more complete name of the site, Akasesa k’Esyokaroli (the small swamp for marabostorks). Tales are recounted of hunters coming from the hills of Kitabu village in Kasese district to hunt wild game, especially during droughts, when animals gather here for water. To date, the swamp provides a good birding hotspot.
The impact of climate change on the site
Akasesa has been affected by the excessive water run-off from the surrounding hills during rainy seasons and the flooding River Nyamwamba. The damage is worsened by irresponsible dumping of garbage into the drainage system, human settlement, unsustainable methods of crop and animal farming, and the replacement of natural trees with non-swamp-friendly trees such as eucalyptus. A nearby salt market could also be affecting plant growth in the swamp.
Read more about Kasese’s heritage treasures and the impact of climate change on them, here.
CCFU’s efforts to safeguard and promote built and natural heritage
In 2020, CCFU established a heritage trust – the Heritage Conservation Trust of Uganda to champion the safeguarding of historic sites, cultivate pride in our heritage and help citizens and foreign visitors alike experience the “spirit” of a city, community and nation; and to protect our natural heritage. Having a dedicated Trust accelerates our efforts to protect historic sites in the country.
In 2015, we embarked on a programme whose ultimate objective is to protect and promote historic buildings and sites in Uganda. As a first step, maps of historic properties in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja and Fort Portal were produced. This was followed by a training for owners and managers of historical buildings and support to the development of information materials on selected properties. The Foundation has also worked with Mengo Hospital and the Ham Mukasa family in a bid to celebrate specific historical buildings in Kampala (these appear on the historical buildings map of Kampala).
CCFU is also engaging with KCCA to promulgate an Ordinance to protect Historic Properties in Kampala. This work complements our active engagement with the International National Trusts Organisation.
In 2018, with support from the European Union, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) recognised and unveiled commemorative plaques on notable historical sites in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe. These events were preceded by a training of photographers and researchers on how to document historical buildings and seminars on the value and contribution of historical buildings and sites in Jinja, Entebbe and Kampala. Three outputs including an executive book, maps and a mobile app (for android and IOS users) were launched.
In 2022, CCFU in partnership with the Uganda Railways Corporation and support from the European Union and SOGEA-SATOM established the Uganda Railway Museum. Its role is to highlight the role of the railway line on Uganda’s history and nation building.
The Uganda Railways Museum is premised on CCFU’s previous work on the history of the railway in Uganda. A book titled “Our Railways, Our History” was produced in 2020 to recognise and celebrate the story of our railway lines; explore their role in the lives of Ugandans who lived and worked along them, and their place in the country’s economic and political development. The book is available at 90,000shs at selected bookshops and CCFU offices.https://crossculturalfoundation.or.ug/ccfu/2022/09/02/historical-site-of-the-week-akasesa-swamp-kasese-district/