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Kiganda dance is the traditional dance of the Baganda, the people of the Buganda kingdom around Kampala and the northern shores of Lake Victoria. Its best-known form, Bakisimba, features dancers swaying their waists while their upper bodies stay smooth and controlled, accompanied by drums. Visitors can see it at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, at Buganda celebrations, and at weddings and cultural events.
The main dances
Bakisimba is the central Kiganda dance, linked in tradition to celebrations at the royal court and often performed at weddings and festivals. Nankasa is faster and more energetic, driven by a smaller drum. Muwogola builds to an even quicker tempo. Performances often move from one to the next, with the tempo rising as the dance goes on.
Costume and music
Women traditionally wear the gomesi, a long dress with puffed shoulders, with a cloth tied around the hips to emphasise the waist movements, sometimes with animal skins or grass skirts. Men wear the kanzu, a long white robe. Music comes from a set of drums of different sizes, the long engalabi drum, rattles and, in some groups, the amadinda xylophone, a famous Kiganda instrument.
Where to see it
The Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala stages evening shows that include Kiganda dances alongside dances from other regions. Buganda’s Coronation Day and other kingdom events feature performances, and many introduction ceremonies have dance troupes. See our guides to the Ndere Cultural Centre, Buganda culture, Buganda Coronation Day and the kanzu.
Near Bwindi, the dances you will see are those of the Bakiga and Batwa, which are quite different, with high jumps and stamping. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November.
Frequently asked questions
The best-known Kiganda dance, focused on waist movement to drums.
At the Ndere Cultural Centre, and at Buganda cultural events.
Women wear the gomesi with a hip cloth; men wear the kanzu.
Drums of various sizes, rattles and sometimes the amadinda xylophone.
