Bigo bya Mugyenyi (Archaeological Earthworks)
UgandaDepartment of Antiquities and Museums
Cultural landscapes
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Description
Bigo bya Mugyenyi is 10 sq. kms series of archaeological earthworks dating to between the 14th and 16th centuries A.D. There is an outer trench system which runs around the ridge and joins the Katonga river banks on the north and south (see plan I attached). The inner trench system is composed of four enclosures which open into each other (see plan II attached).
Bigo bya Mugyenyi earthworks is associated in oral traditions with legendary Bacwezi, a two-reigns dynasty which was short lived. These were Ndahura and Wamala. The oral traditions also associate the Bacwezi with introduction of long horn cattle which came to dominate the economy of the Great Lakes region.