Visit the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda

The Abayudaya; a wonderful, inspiring, and hospitable Jewish community founded in 1919; is waiting with open arms to host you during your visit to Uganda. Nestled in the tranquility of Nabugoye Hill, the community will overwhelm you with warmth, comradery, and Jewish spirit. The hills are beautiful, the music and the tunes soulful, and the community is bustling with a plethora of wonderful and loving individuals, personalities, and establishments. The Abayudaya’s guest house is centrally located near the local synagogue, the rabbi’s home, and the community schools and is a prime spot for you to stay and experience the highlights of the Abayudaya Jewish community.

 

 

 

Guest House Details:

  • The Guest House is a 5-6 hour drive from the Entebbe airport depending on traffic (around 280 kilometers). Transportation is available to and from the guest house and costs between 150-200 dollars from the airport to the guest house door to door. You can contact Isaac Byacki either via email isaacbyaki@gmail.com or whatsapp+256782654611 to arrange for a driver and to communicate about booking.
  • The home is newly renovated with electricity and running water. All rooms have hot showers and there is Wifi access for all.
  • Meals are cooked fresh in the guest house kitchen and the food includes kosher chicken, fish, and meat as well as a variety of vegetables, fruit, and coffee.

 

 

 

Pricing:

  1. Double Room with a Private Bath and Toilet
    1. Bed and Breakfast- $50 a night
    2. Full Board (all three meals included)- $70 a night
  2. Single room with a Private Bath and Toilet
    1. Bed and Breakfast- $30 a night
    2. Full Board (all three meals included)- $50 a night
  3. Dorm room with a Shared Bath and Toilet
    1. Bed and Breakfast- $25 a night
    2. Full Board (all three meals included)- $35 a night

 

 

Things to do in the Abayudaya Jewish Community:

  • Take a tour of all the Abayudaya synagogues including those in Nabugoye, Namanyonyi, Nasenyi, Namutumba, Nalubembe, Apac, and Putti.
  • Visit the Hadassah Primary school located between Nabugoye and Namanyonyi.
  • Visit the Semei Kakungulu High School located in Nabugoye,
  • Shop for Hand-made gifts by members of the Abayudaya including knitted Kippa’s, Challah Covers, Talitot, Jewelry and more at the Guest House craft store.
  • Visit Semei Kakungulu’s (the founder of the Abayudaya) home and grave.
  • Visit the Tobin Medical Centre, which actively services hundreds of people in the community.

 

 

Shabbat and Religious life with the Abayudaya:

  • Shabbat services are held in the Stern Synagogue (a two minute walk from the guest house)
  • Services start at 6:30 on Friday night and are led by community members. The services include unique tunes and songs composed by the community and is Conservative, however, welcomes people of all Jewish denominations.
  • Shabbat day services conclude with a community lecture led by Rabbi Gershom and a community lunch outside.
  • Cooking for shabbat is a community event at Rabbi Gershom’s house and Challah baking is led by Bina, Sara, Dafna, and Devora (The rabbis daughter and nieces). Guests are welcomed and encouraged to join the challah baking and Shabbat Preparations!
  • The Abayaduya profoundly appreciates when guests contribute whatever kind of knowledge they might have to share. This could include giving a short class on the Hebrew language, sharing a Dvar Torah, teaching new Jewish Songs, or really any sort of Topic that pertains to the Jewish community.

 

Tourist Attractions Near the Guest House:

  • Elgon National Park
  • The Nyero Rock Paintings
  • Sipi falls
  • Wanale Mountain

Traveling Tips:

  • All tourists need to apply for a visa before you arrive at the airport. Visitors from most countries can easily apply online but it is advised to check the Visa website for updates.
  • Monsoon season is from April to October and Dry Season is generally from November to March so pack accordingly!
  • SIM cards are easily accessible at the airport and in Mbale (the closest city to the Abayudaya Guest House)

Kulanu is proud to support the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda and wishes all travelers a wonderful visit and safe travels!