1520 AD Biharwe Eclipse Monument, National monument near Igongo Cultural Center, Mbarara District, Uganda.
The monument consists of three granite pillars that rise toward the sky with a spherical form at the top representing a solar eclipse. The structure stands beside the Igongo Cultural Center and offers insight into the interconnections between the Great Lakes kingdoms.
The monument commemorates 1520, when King Olimi I of Bunyoro abandoned his cattle and warriors during a solar eclipse. This event marks a pivotal moment in the history of the major kingdoms of the region.
The three pillars honor three rulers of the 1520s era: Nakibinge of Buganda, Olimi I of Bunyoro, and Ntare I of Nkole. Visitors can connect with the local royal history directly at this location.
The site is located next to the Igongo Cultural Center and easy to find when visiting that venue. The area is straightforward to reach on foot and offers a good chance to explore multiple cultural locations in a single visit.
The spherical top of the monument casts shifting ground shadows throughout the day that mimic the progression of a solar eclipse. This interplay of light reveals why the historical event left such a powerful impression on the king.
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