WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BATWA PEOPLE

The Batwa people, also known as the Twa or Pygmies, are indigenous hunter-gatherer communities in Uganda, Central and East Africa. They are one of the oldest known inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Africa. The Batwa people in Uganda are believed to have migrated from Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo and settled around the Echuya forest reserve in Kisoro and Kabale districts. After thousands of years of these people living in harmony while in the forests, the move to make way for colonial tourism was done by different conservation agencies and authorities, hence prompting them to evict the Batwa people from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga national park in 1991. According to the 2022 world report, the Batwa are now at a population of 6,700. Categorized among the world's poorest inhabitants, the Batwa speak Rutwa language and are commonly referred to as pygmies due to their height. Traditionally, the Batwa were skilled hunter-gatherers who relied on the rich resources of the forest for their sustenance. Their culture is closely intertwined with the natural environment. Today, despite the challenges, many Batwa individuals and communities have shown resilience and determination in improving their living conditions and preserving their cultural heritage. Do you want to have an experience with the Batwa people? Roam Rapture Limited is here to take you to both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park where you can get first-hand information about the Batwa cultures and way of life.