Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Interesting Facts About Musambwa Island on Lake Victoria

POSTED ON July 7, 2024 •   Lifestyle      BY Ebiakuboere England
Musambwa Island, Lake Victoria Uganda /Photo Credit East African

Musambwa Island is a snake's paradise located in Uganda, truly endowed by the natural world, and one of East Africa's most distinctive features is Lake Victoria. This island believed to be mysterious is only mentioned in whispers due to the associated sacred beliefs. 

Here are the much-gathered facts about this fascinating island which is home to slithering animals.

Snake Haven: Musambwa Island boasts a staggering population of over 2,000 snakes, with some estimates suggesting a ratio of over 20 snakes per person! These slithering residents include venomous Gaboon vipers and impressive but harmless African rock pythons. The presence of such a high population of snakes makes it an even more mystical place to venture to.

Facts About The Snake Island on Lake Victoria
A Huge Python In Victoria Lake, Musambwa Island /Photo Credit Uganda Safaris

Sacred Spirits: Local beliefs hold the snakes in high regard, considering them to be embodied spirits or protectors. This reverence leads to a peaceful coexistence between humans and reptiles, with snakes often sharing homes and even beds with the island's inhabitants.

Men Only: Traditionally, Musambwa Island has been an all-male domain. Women are not allowed to stay on the island for extended periods, as it's believed their presence might disrupt the harmonious relationship with the spirits (snakes).

High Morality: This belief system is said to contribute to a remarkably high moral code on the island, with a reported absence of sexually transmitted diseases. Sex is not allowed on the Island as locals believe it offends the spirits. Secondly, women are not allowed. Therefore, the male population leaves their families on other Islands, mainly Kalangala Island or the mainland.

Fishing Community: Fishing is the primary way of life for the roughly 100 men residing on Musambwa Island. They utilize traditional techniques to catch fish from the surrounding waters of Lake Victoria.

Birdwatchers' Paradise: Beyond the snakes, Musambwa Island is a haven for birdlife. It's designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland recognized for its international importance. The island provides a breeding ground for numerous species, including the largest breeding colony of Grey-headed Gulls in Africa.

Overfishing Threat: Unfortunately, the traditional way of life on Musambwa Island faces challenges. Overfishing due to a growing population has put a strain on the fish stocks in Lake Victoria, creating a conflict between the community's needs and the environment they revere.

READ ALSO
Emir Sunusi's Durbar highlights Nigeria's Rich cultural legacy amidst challenges
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 1, 2025 0

DUTSE, Nigeria - Women with veils cried out joyfully as the sounds of trumpets and hunting guns reso...

READ ALSO
Chief Imam urges Muslim Men to support wives during Ramadan
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 2, 2025 0

The Chief Imam of Ajiyobiojo Central Mosque in Ilorin, Kwara State, Saheed Ajiyobiojo, has urged Mus...

READ ALSO
FG show commitment to legal migration
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 8, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeia (NAN) - Federal Government has reaffirmed its continued commitment to ensuring that the...

READ ALSO
Tinubu urge to withdraw security escorts for politicians, VIPs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 3, 2025 0

ANAMBRA, Nigeria - A Nigerian-born lawyer based in the U.S., Chidi Amamgbo, has urged the federal go...

READ ALSO
Govs, ministers advocate peace, unity at Christmas
BY Benedicta Bassey December 26, 2024 0

NIGERIA — Governors, ministers, and lawmakers have called on Nigerians to embrace peace and un...

READ ALSO
Yuletide: Clerics Advocate Unity, Love to Curb Division in Churches
BY Benedicta Bassey December 23, 2024 0

In Lagos State, Nigeria, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lively Chapel underscored unity...

READ ALSO
Government must prioritise best brains to drive growth, devt says Kumuyi
BY Benedicta Bassey December 20, 2024 0

LAGOS STATE, Nigeria —  The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pasto...

READ ALSO
Award-winning US poet Nikki Giovanni dies of lung cancer
BY Benedicta Bassey December 10, 2024 0

UNITED STATES — Award-winning US poet Nikki Giovanni, was reportedly after a long battle with...

OUR CHANNELS:

Nigerian States Accumulate N417.7 Billion in Domestic Debt Amid Rising FAAC Revenue
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

At least 10 Nigerian states have cumulatively increased their domestic debt by N417.7 billion from t...


Governor Otti Facilitates Release of Inmates After 26 Years
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Saturday welcomed three Nigerians who were released after spendi...


Tinubu Pledges to Eliminate Bureaucratic Hurdles in Agriculture During Bilateral Talks with Brazil
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu expressed his commitment on Saturday to his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio...


Sowore Condemns Tenure Extensions of Senior Security Officials for Violating 35-Year Service Limit
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 7, 2025 0

Human rights advocate and ex-presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, has criticized the ongoing tenur...


Eight Dead, Eight Injured as Commercial Bus Crashes into Truck
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

Just 48 hours after a road accident in Ogun State resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, another...


Nigerian Investors Launch $5 Billion Cooperative Trust Fund to Empower MSMEs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

A coalition of Nigerian investors has introduced a Cooperative Trust Fund valued at $5 billion, aime...


Nnamdi Kanu's Release Not a Condition for South-East Support of Tinubu- Umahi
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

In light of calls for the release of the detained Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous Peopl...


Real Madrid Edges Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in Thrilling FIFA Club World Cup Clash
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 6, 2025 0

Real Madrid emerged victorious from a heart-stopping 3–2 thriller against Borussia Dortmund in...


NCDC Reports 781 Confirmed Lassa Fever Cases in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

Nigeria has reported 145 fatalities attributed to Lassa fever, which corresponds to a case fatality...


Flood: 27 Lives Lost, Hundreds Displaced Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts in Kerr County
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 6, 2025 0

At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, with many more displaced due to flash flooding in Kerr...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu