The Ruhondeza Gorilla Monument is a sculpture of the renowned silverback Ruhondeza a mountain Gorilla With huge arms, a broad chest and shoulders, its large black hairy body captured in a gentle walk. It is covered in fresh light bamboo vegetation, This Gorilla Monument symbolizes Uganda’s conservation success. Ruhondeza was a legendary gorilla, the first to be habituated in Uganda and the leader of the Mubare family. He was known for his peaceful nature, leading his group for decades and becoming the most photographed gorilla in Bwindi. His legacy is honored through these monuments, which mark the end of a journey in Uganda and celebrate his significant role in conservation. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) commissioned the monument during the independence week, as experts in tourism, art, and culture say the development should be a wake-up call to improve efforts in conservation and preservation of Uganda’s heritage.
The Ruhondea Gorilla monument can be seen while on your Kampala city Walking tour and is among other famous landmarks around Kampala city, such as the Independence Monument, a one-minute walk from the gorilla monument. But whereas most of the old monuments in the city tell the political history of the country, the new art pieces, such as the Gorilla and Impala monuments have strong connotations with tourism, a sector that is increasingly driving Uganda to global recognition.
Who was Ruhondeza?
The gorilla monument, dubbed Ruhondeza: The Gentle Giant, is in memory of Ruhondeza, a popular male gorilla who was the oldest gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Before he died in 2012, he was believed to be more than 50 years old. He has since become a legend, a story that fascinates numerous tourists that visit the country for gorilla trekking. Ruhondeza, loosely translated as a “sleepy fellow,” from Runyakitara, reflects his calm, gentle, and peaceful nature.
He was the first dominant silverback to lead the Mubare gorilla group which was habituated in 1991 when the Bwindi Impenetrable National park was gazetted. Mubare was the first habituated tourism gorilla family in Uganda. His family name Mubare originates from an area in the park called Mubare hills found South West of Bwindi, where, according to UWA, habituation started.
The Ruhondeza Gorilla was an icon of conservation: He became a symbol of Uganda’s successful gorilla conservation efforts and was the most photographed gorilla in Bwindi.
The Ruhondeza Silverback Gorilla was a symbol of trust: In a unique act, Ruhondeza spent his final days near the local village, surrounded by people, showing a remarkable bond between humans and gorillas. The monument, which stands at four metres in height and three metres in width, was inspired by “the gentle giant’s favourite posture whenever he received visitors”. It was designed and executed by Kazi Ni Kazi Sculpture Studio Limited, who also made the impala monument. The impala and gorilla were sculpted out of bronze for durability.
Where can you find the Ruhondeza gorilla monument?
The monument is located in front of Colline House, Kampala, close to where Pilkington Road meets Upper Kimathi Avenue. The renowned silverback Ruhondeza sculpture can also be found at the Departures section of Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. They serve as a tribute to Ruhondeza’s legacy and are a fitting symbol as travelers leave the country, remembering Uganda’s magnificent creatures and conservation efforts. While on your Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari, Mountain Gorilla tracking in search for the Gentle Giants can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda