Ekisaakaate

Origins and revival

Historically, the word referred to a royal enclosure constructed with papyrus reeds. In pre-colonial times, Buganda chiefs ran these spaces as training grounds where young men studied leadership, hunting and kingdom traditions. After British colonial rule and the abolition of traditional kingdoms in 1966, this custom lapsed. In 2006, Sylvia Nagginda, the Queen of Buganda, re-established the retreat to ensure that younger generations do not lose touch with their heritage. The modern program welcomes both girls and boys, balancing historical practices with contemporary guidance.

Daily learning and crafts

Young attendees, known as abasaakaate, engage in hands-on workshops throughout the retreat. They practice traditional court etiquette, such as kneeling when offering a respectful greeting. Mentors instruct them in regional crafts, including pottery, bark cloth production and basket weaving, as well as cooking customary meals like oluwombo. Alongside music, dance and the board game omweso, sessions incorporate modern elements such as karate for self-defense, financial education, career planning and discussions on mental wellbeing.

Sessions and philosophy

The retreat runs twice each year. A major two-week session meets during the January school break for local students, while a July session accommodates diaspora and international youth. The curriculum centers on obuntu bulamu, an indigenous philosophy emphasizing humaneness, empathy and civic duty. Mentors urge participants to become diligent role models at home and within their neighborhoods, bridging ancient community expectations with the realities of modern education.

How Ekisaakaate is kept

Children and adolescents gather at designated schools for an intensive residential camp lasting up to two weeks. Participants follow a structured schedule of practical workshops, etiquette lessons and physical activities led by instructors. They learn ancestral craftwork like making bark cloth and weaving baskets, prepare customary dishes, play traditional games, and practice respectful manners. The session concludes with a formal closing ceremony attended by kingdom leaders, where youth demonstrate the skills they acquired.

When and where

The camps occur twice a year to fit student calendars. The primary session takes place during the January school holidays for local Ugandan pupils, usually running for up to two weeks. A second session meets in July to accommodate international attendees and youth from the diaspora.

The retreat is rooted in the Buganda Kingdom in Uganda. Launch events are held at Bulange in Mengo, while residential camps are hosted at selected secondary and primary school campuses across districts such as Wakiso and Luweero.

What Ekisaakaate means

The camp represents continuity between Buganda's royal past and its contemporary youth. The concept of obuntu bulamu serves as its moral compass, instilling respect, discipline and mutual support. Reclaiming the traditional reed enclosure in modern form affirms cultural pride, self-reliance and community solidarity across generations.

Questions people ask about Ekisaakaate

See also

BarkclothCloth beaten from tree bark across Africa, Asia and the PacificGomesiA floor-length, brightly coloured dress tied with a sash, worn by women in UgandaAs-salamu alaykumA traditional Arabic greeting of peace exchanged in daily life and prayerHandshakeA brief clasp of hands to greet, part or seal a deal, with local rules on how it is done

Good reading and sources

• Ekisaakaate on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.