The Ssese Islands form an enchanting archipelago of 84 islands in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria, Uganda. Here’s what you need to know about this captivating destination:
Location and Geography:
The Ssese Islands are coterminous with the Kalangala District in southern Central Uganda.
They occupy the northwestern corner of Lake Victoria, which is the second-largest freshwater lake globally.
The largest island in the archipelago is Bugala Island, covering more than half of the total land area.
Kalangala, the district headquarters, lies approximately 51 kilometers (32 miles) southwest of Entebbe, across the water.
Inhabitants and Spiritual Significance:
The islands are inhabited by the Bassese tribe, who speak a language closely related to Baganda and Basoga.
Before European arrival, the Ssese Islands were vital spiritual centers in the region.
About 43 islands are inhabited, varying in size from less than 10,000 square meters to over 40 kilometers for Bugala Island—the largest.
Travel Routes:
The most popular route to access the islands is via MV Kalangala from Nakiwogo near Entebbe.
The transfer between Nakiwogo and Bugala Island typically takes around 3½ hours.
Alternatively, from the western part of Uganda, a free car ferry links Bukakata mainland (36 km east of Masaka) with Luku on Bugala Islands (about 50 minutes sailing). Whether you seek relaxation, cultural exploration, or scenic beauty, the Ssese Islands await with their unique charm!
