Abayudaya Uganda Community Connection – Jewish Travel

The Abayudaya (the name means “people of Judah” in Luganda). Most of the community keep kosher, celebrate Jewish holidays, and welcome people from around the world to come and pray.

In 1919, people began converting to Judaism after the founder, the African chief- tain and military leader Semei Kakungulu, read the Torah and decided to adopt Jewish customs and laws. Kakungulu circumcised his sons and himself, and his community in Eastern Uganda began to practice Judaism. By the 1960s, the Abayudaya had around 1,500 followers, but they suffered intense religious persecution under dictator Idi Amin’s regime throughout the 1970s. Synagogues were destroyed, the government prohibited Jewish observance, and many Abayudaya felt forced to convert to Christianity or Islam. By the time Idi Amin left power, there were about 300 Jews left in the community. But the younger generation rebuilt the community and it continues to grow.

Today, there are over 2600 Jews spread out across 14 villages with 16 synagogues.

The Ndere Dance and Music Troupe is a vibrant Ugandan cultural ensemble dedicated to preserving and showcasing the country’s diverse traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Founded in 1986 by Rwangyezi Stephen, the troupe performs dynamic, high-energy routines representing Uganda’s many ethnic groups, blending rhythmic drumming, colorful costumes, and engaging narratives. Based at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, they entertain audiences weekly while promoting cultural education and heritage preservation both locally and internationally.

The Abayudaya (the name means “people of Judah” in Luganda) keep kosher, celebrate Jewish holidays and welcome people from around the world to come and pray. There are approximately 3,000 Jews in Uganda in 14 different villages with 16 synagogues. Enjoy a musical Shabbat, with the Abayudaya community, African style. All are welcome! 

Sipi Falls is a stunning series of three waterfalls located on the foothills of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. Known for its breathtaking scenery, lush green landscapes, and cool climate, Sipi Falls is a popular destination for hiking and coffee farm tours. The area is also home to the Sipi River, which originates from Mount Elgon, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and plains.

In addition to the Sipi Falls hike, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local coffee farm and experience the coffee-making process firsthand.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to Entebbe International Airport for a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest. This flight across central Uganda offers a view of the beautiful mountains, hills, cultivated terraces, tropical rainforest, bamboo forests, and the majestic chain of the Virunga Volcanoes.

The thrill of observing the endangered mountain gorillas is an awesome, exciting experience to be remembered. The trekking can be anywhere from a 30-minute hike to a 6-hour hike, depending on the location of the gorillas. There are 3 groups of 8 trekkers per day in each group. The hike can be easy or rigorous. Getting up close to the amazing endangered animals is an unforgettable experience, not to be missed!

Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda is a biodiversity hotspot, famed for its lush tropical rainforest and incredible primate population. Covering about 795 square kilometers, it is home to 13 primate species, including the largest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa, as well as red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Visitors can enjoy thrilling chimpanzee tracking experiences, nature walks, and birdwatching, with over 370 bird species recorded. The park’s rich flora and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular national parks, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Located in western Uganda, it spans the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions (notably the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha), hippos, and over 600 bird species. Featuring picturesque crater lakes, savannah plains, and lush wetlands, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers exceptional opportunities for game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge.