"Fort Portal Uganda...the town I love." Fort Portal by Amooti

In 1995 my wife and I moved from the states to the beautiful town of Fort Portal as missionaries. This is the center of the Tooro tribe. There are some really great people who live here. Don't miss getting to know some of the people.
At 5200 feet it is cooler than many other places in Uganda and we get or fair share of rain. It is a beautiful lush green. We are at the north end of the Rwenzori mountains, not far from the Kibali Forest where you can go on guided walks to see the chimps.
If you are looking for beautiful scenery one of my favorite drives in the dirt road towards Bundibugyo. The winding roads hugs the edge of the mountain as it drops down to the semulike valley floor.
If you are in good shape you could hike over the north end of the mountains. The trails go straight up.(There are no switch backs here)
There are number of nice crater lakes near Fort Portal. I've enjoyed CVK. They have a good selection of bandas or huts to choose from. If you decide to camp be warned that the frogs can get really loud!
In Fort Portal there are a number of cheap places to stay. A cozy place to stay in the moderate price range is the Rwenzori view guest house. Tell Morris ...Jeff sent you.

Fort Portal is near kibale Forest(chimp, butterfly bird viewing), Semuliki game reserve(The only park in Uganda where you can go on a night or walking safari) If you don't take a guide you won't find a thing!, Rwenzori national park (mountaineering) and my favorite...Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Fort Portal is an hour and a half to two hours away by car. The boat launch is an enjoyable 2 hour chanel cruise. This picture was taken on the boat launch. If you have the money Mweya Safari Lodge is really nice!
If money is tight there is Hostel or camping for the brave hearted.
The dining at Mweya is usally a pleasant experience. You will want to book the lodge in ahead of time in Kampala.

The Tooro palace.

King Oyo "Entale ya Tooro" (the lion of Tooro) was anointed king at this place. This "palace" was built for the kingdom by President Gadhafi of Libya.
Each year the kingdom celebrates the empango ceremony to honor the anniversary of the king's enthronement.
Everyone is given an empako (nickname) at birth. There are only twelve empakos so many people have the same name. They greet by asking Empako Yawe? (what's your nickname?) This is a way of showing intimacy and respect.
The Tooro are a beautiful people. If you get the chance... stay with some people out in the village. This bonding experience can leave you with lasting memories.
Webale Muno (thank you very much!)
Come and visit Fort Portal!

• Pros:mild climate, beautiful people, great place to tour from. Not a tourist trap just a nice little town.
• Cons:Small town, limited shopping..no malls ...movie theaters or traffic
• In a nutshell:My favorite place in Uganda