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Top 5 National Parks to Visit on Self-drive to Uganda

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Nkuringo

A self-drive is another trending mode of exploring the natural wonders of the world. The trend has as well extended to Uganda where several travelers are opting to hire a car and let themselves to their designated final destinations. Well, all is right provided you got the best car to cruise with around.

Then with this article we bring you these best top 5 parks which you decide to drive to with your car rental on a self-drive to Uganda. Uganda has a total of 10 national parks and 12 national reserves, together with various tropical rain forests which are scattered across the country. Just know that all these parks they have varying adventure experiences which can’t be found in another park, so, each park you visit in Uganda is a new experience.

  1. Pian Upe Game Reserve

Not yet declared to be a national park but this remote reserve is worth to top your adventure list. Pian-Upe is located in northeastern Uganda, within the corridor of Karamoja conservation areas that extends to Bokora-Matheniko game reserve. This unique reserve is Uganda’s 2nd largest protected area after Murchison falls with an area coverage of 2,275km/q.

Pian-Upe game reserve features a unique golden savannah vegetation which accommodates special wildlife of which some can’t be found elsewhere. Among the unique wildlife to find here include; white eland, cheetah, and ostrich among others. And it’s a home of variety of other wildlife species among which include herds of elephants, buffalos, kobs, zebras, giraffes among others.

When want to include Pian-Upe on your self-drive trip, it’s always an en-route for a circuit trip from Kampala, Jinja, Sipi, then Pian-Upe, and rests at Kidepo Valley National Park. For visit to this amazing reserve, you only and only must have a 4×4 safari customized vehicle. With accommodation, it’s better to drive alongside your camping gears.

  1. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is among the easily accessed park from Kampala capital. Even with the smallest maiden safari vehicle the Rav4 a self-drive safari to Murchison Falls remains easy. When planning a self-drive holiday going to Murchison falls, it’s not a drive to worry about.

The flowing Victoria Nile is the most interesting part of the park which is very vital for the formation of the Murchison Fall. These are arguably called the world’s most powerful waterfalls in the word. This is by considering how the rapids force into the narrow gorge of 7m wide and thunderously pour at 45m down. The river continue with an amazing flow towards Lake Albert forming the Delta which is the park’s hub for wildlife games. The northern section features the savannah woodlands of acacia and palms.

And adventure to Murchison Falls National Park is the highest chance for watching the Big Five on a safari to Uganda. Among the adventures expectations include some of the big five lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. Herds of antelope species, towers of giraffes, schools of hippos, over 400 bird and many more species. En-route to Murchison is Ziwa rhino sanctuary the only home to rhinos in Uganda.

Among the activities to do at Murchison Falls National Park include game drive, boat cruise, visiting the top of the falls, climbing to the top of the falls, nature walks , community visits, wild camping, sports fishing among others.

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park suggests the best gorilla trekking experience in the wild. This park accommodates 50% of the world mountain gorilla ruminants, and the rest of the population reside in the Virunga Conservation Areas shared among Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. A self-drive through Bwindi rolling landscape, means a low gear drive.

A self-drive to this volcanic tropical rainforest take about 9 to 10 hours with en-routes. It’s indeed a long journey and on a self-drive to the park you need a stronger 4×4 rental with high ground clearance. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park seats in the lines of the Great Western Rift Valley, southwest of Uganda overlooking the Virunga massifs. The 331sq/km area is characterized by tropical rainforest covering volcanic landscapes favoring the existence of the mountain gorillas.

There are about 19 habituated gorilla families which are available and ready for trekking. And it’s only at Bwindi where trackers have an opportunity to do gorilla habituation which process if for making gorillas used to human presence. There are 4 tracking sectors of Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija at the park.

A self-drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, expect several adventure encounters including; gorilla tracking, nature walks, bird watching, mountain biking, Batwa cultural experience, Lake Mutanda visits, Lake Bunyonyi exploration among many others.

  1. Lake Mburo National Park

This smallest savannah park in Uganda, is situated in western in Kiruhura district along Kampala-Mbarara road. Lake Mburo National Park is the easiest park to access right from Kampala capital taking about 4hrs of driving. Taking a trip to Lake Mburo National Park can be very possible for even one-day trip.

The park features unique Precambrian metamorphic rocks that are believed to have formed 500 million years date back. The nature of the park is characterized by relatively flat landscapes, tropical forests, wider savanna covers and several small lakes and swamps.

The park lacks elephants, this makes one of the best parks to do nature walks. As well Lake Mburo is known to be the best place to sight predators especially leopards.

Lake Mburo National Park accommodates the highest number of antelope species including Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, dikidiki, impalas, duikers, Jackson’s hartebeest, and elands among other. Best place to sight predators like leopards, lions, hyena among others, and other many mammals, bird species etc.

Among the activities done at Lake Mburo National Park include wild game drivers, the amazing boat launch, nature walks, the park special night game drive, safari balloons, horse riding, quad biking, bird watching among others.

  1. Kibale National Park

The world’s capital of primates, the breathtaking Kiable National Park accommodates over 13 various primate species which is the world’s highest record. The forest is the East African capital of chimpanzees, and the best place to spot chimpanzees in the wild.

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda about 26km from Fort Portal city. This eco-biodiversity forest is as well home to various wild animals besides several primates. This is the finest tourist destination in African to track the endangered chimpanzees. Chimpanzees at Kibale National Park are fully habituated for a superb close up encounter for trackers.

It’s only at Kibale forest in Africa where tourist as well can take part in the habituation process. So, tourist at Kibale can do either tracking or habituation. Chimpanzee tracking here costs $200 and chimpanzee habituation costs $250 and spend the almost a full day with these giants.

7 Tips to Know When Renting Cars in Uganda

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An unforgettable Uganda road trip is one of the best decisions you ever take for an African safari and for this journey to be possible, you have to rent a car. Most road trips in Uganda take 500 kilometers or more hence there are some useful tips you need when renting a car. First, why should you rent a Car for Uganda safaris? It should be noted that Uganda is a breathtaking treasure trove and the perfect way to explore its natural beauty and numerous attractions is by Rental Car.

The country also boasts of well-maintained road system hence driving is totally safe throughout the country. Booking a self-drive trip offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace as well as seeing tourist destinations that are not easily explored during group safaris or on public transport. Here are the 7 useful tips when you rent a car;

Make bookings for the Rental Car in advance

It is always advisable to make bookings for the Rental Car as early as possible as a way of saving money on your rent costs as well as having the best selection of safari vehicles. There is always high demand for the bigger SUVs and 4WD safari vehicles during the peak season (June to September and December to February), owing to the increase in travellers to Uganda for safaris and tours.

Choose the right Rental Car

Choosing the right Rental Car is another useful tip and for this reason, go with a bigger car that you can afford, especially when travellers for many days. Remember that road trips in Uganda are long and tiring hence a comfortable Rental Car will surely make your trip more exciting. Having got the Car, make sure that it is well inspected-outside for any bumps or scratches and damages I addition to indicator, hazard and headlight. Also make sure that your windscreen wipers are properly functioning.

Right documentation

Another useful tip when you rent a Car in Uganda is having the right documentation that include a valid driver’s license (preferably an International Drivers Permit), passport and/or National Identity Card.

Always keep left when driving in Uganda

Regardless of what you are likely accustomed to, driving in Uganda is on the left side of the road and therefore being on the right hand of the road considered wrong and harmful driving. Drivers from North America are used to this so it isn’t a new thing. In most cases, the steering wheels of the Rental Cars in Uganda are on the right side in addition to the gear shift and parking brake being on the opposite side to you.

Recommended speed limits

Speed limits on Uganda’s roads vary and therefore be prepared to go through zones of 50 kilometers per hour, 80 kilometers per hour and 100 kilometers per hour for urban areas, rural roads and highways respectively. For this reason, most self-drivers follow these rules and you will notice presence of traffic police in most places in the country.

When driving in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Uganda has 10 National Parks and 12 Wildlife Reserves and this information is useful for self-drivers who may plan on exploring them to see the numerous wildlife species. Interestingly, driving through these Protected Areas is straightforward and all you need is to follow the available Park rules. The recommended speed limit is 40 kilometers per hour to avoid scaring the animals and causing accidents as they freely cross the roads. Majority of these Parks have good accessible roads that necessarily don’t need 4WD Vehicles to explore them.

Crossing into other countries with a Rental Car

We are one of the few Car Rental Companies that allow cars to be driven into Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania. This is a very useful tip as safari vehicles in Uganda tend to be cheaper than it is in other neighboring countries. However, you will need an Authorization letter from the Car Rental Company allowing you to take the Car out of the country, an International driver’s permit or National driver’s license and many others. Crossing the border without informing the Rental Company isn’t advisable because you limit chances of third party insurance and all the documents needed for easy crossing always contact the rent car when crossing.

Top Places To Visit On Self Drive In Kampala

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If you are searching for reliable and rent price affordable car hire services in Kampala and Entebbe Uganda, then we are the right folks for you. We provide attractively low cost car rental solutions in Uganda for anyone wishing to collect a rental vehicle from Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and most major Uganda towns. Check on kenyacarrental.com for more information.

Are you interested to know the best places to visit in Kampala on your city tour? Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda located on the shores of Lake Victoria 40 km from Entebbe international airport in the central region of Uganda. Kampala has a lot of attractions, beauty, culture, hospitality and many tourist activities that will amaze you before touring the rest of the country.

Uganda National Museum

The National Museum is 3km along Kira road from the heart of Kampala city. It is the oldest in East Africa. The museum was established in 1908 with assortments of item/objects from the different traditional chiefs. The Museum holds items on Uganda’s history, natural historical samples, musical instruments and archeological artifacts.

Kasubi Tombs

These tombs are found on Kasubi Hill and are 5km on Kampala Hoima Road. This place is the burial ground for kings from the Buganda Kingdom. There are four previous kings buried in this place and these are: Mutesa I ruled from1856 to 1884, Chwa Daudi ruled from 1899 to 1939, Mutesa II ruled from 1939 to 1966 and Mwanga who ruled from 1884 to 1897. The place has a main burial tomb which is the biggest in Africa. The other smaller adjacent tombs are used as resident places for the care takers and houses for some of the kingdoms royal regalia.

What attracts visitors most to this place is the scrupulous architecture of the large tomb and the other smaller hats, in addition to having a detailed observation of the pictures, regalia and hears stories of the former kings and history of the Buganda Kingdom.

Bahai Temple

The Bahai Temple is situated on Kikaya Hill just 7 km from the heart of the city on Kampala Gayaza road. This is the only temple of the Bahai faith in the whole of Africa.

This temple is of international importance and attracts followers of the Bahai faith from all corners of the world. It also attracts numerous visitors to enjoy the wonderful scenic view of Kampala City. The quiet surrounding environment additionally attracts people to come for prayers and meditation.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo

The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo located along Kampala-Jinja highway and is one of the most distinguished shrines in Uganda and an important site among Christians in Africa. It is believed that, at Namugongo, 32 young Christian converts (Including Anglican & Catholics) were martyred on refusal to denounce Christianity, which was spreading like wildfire in Uganda right from 1870. This angered King (Kabaka) Mwanga II, prompting his to order the execution of the 32 men on Thursday 3rd June 1886.

Rubaga Cathedral

Rubaga Cathedral is located on Rubaga hill, about 5 Kilometers north-west of the City center. The Cathedral is the seat of the Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda. Rubaga hill was formerly a palace of Mutesa I but was donated to Bishop Hirth by his successor Mwanga in 1889. The Cathedral was opened on 31st October 1925.

Namirembe Cathedral

Namirembe Cathedral is located on a Namirembe hill adjacent to Rubaga hill. The hill is the seat of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church (Church of Uganda). The hill was donated by Mutesa I to the early missionaries in 1877. A Church was built at the site in 1880s and the Cathedral was built 1890.

Makerere University

This university lies on Makerere hill, just 3 km north of the centre Kampala City. This is the main higher institution of learning and the largest in Uganda; It was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London. It became an independent national university in 1970 when the University of East Africa was split into three independent universities: University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Makerere University. Makerere was home to many post-independence African leaders, including former Ugandan president Milton Obote and late Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere. Former Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa and current Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki are also Makerere alumni.

Mulago Hospital

Mulago hospital is the only existing referral hospital in Uganda. it is located 3.5km north east of the heart of Kampala City Center, and was initially a treatment center that started in 1913, and later built during the1950s. The major attractions at this hospital are the architectural buildings and research.

Kibuli mosque

Kibuli Mosque is one of the biggest mosques of Uganda with a beautiful view over Kampala; It’s located on Kubuli hill and regarded as the home for Muslims. A Buganda royal and colonial collaborator Prince Badru Kakungulu owned most of the hill. He donated the land atop the 3,973 feet hill where the Kibuli mosque stands today.

Gaddafi National Mosque

Gaddafi National Mosque also known as Kampala Mosque or National Mosque is a mosque situated at Kampala Hill in the Old Kampala area of Kampala, Uganda. Completed in 2006, it seats up to 5,000 worshipers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery, while the terrace will cater for another 3,500. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya built the mosque as a gift to Uganda.  But mostly to the Muslim’s in Uganda

Independence monument

Independence Monument is Located along Speke road in Kampala, just opposite Standard Chartered bank, the construction of the Independence Monument was funded by the British Colonial government in the days leading up to Uganda’s first independence cerebrations on October 9, 1962.  Depicting a man unwrapping his child and raising it to touch the sky, the towering sculpture signifies a new born country let free from the bondages of colonization.  This monument was made from cement, sand, iron bars and wire mesh. It is the work of Gregory Maloba, a Luhya sculptor from Kenya who studied and taught art at Makerere University from 1939- 1965.

Ndere Centre the Home of Cultures

The Home of Ndere Troupe is a very unique architectural feature combining artistic creativity with simplicity and taking, modern African architecture and construction to unprecedented heights. Traditional dance, music and drama with modern arts using traditional instruments.

Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sabha

Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sabha is a place of worship for all Gurdwara people. It is a place of fellowship where the gathered hear hymnals and recitals. Through the years the Gurdwara Indians have migrated to different locations in the diaspora, in so doing, they had erected Temples where they could continue to worship. The Sikhs participate in devotional hyms, recitals from the Guru Granth Sahib and fellowship at the community Kitchen known as the Langar.

Lubiri Palace

Lubiri Palace or Mengo Palace is the royal compound of the Kabaka or king of Buganda, located in Mengo, a monarchy that dates back almost 800 years. Mengo has been the main palace since it was first constructed in 1885 by Danieri Mwanga II Mukasa, the 31st Kabaka of Buganda. Measuring 4 square miles (10 km2) in size, the palace is ringed by a six-foot brick fence and has a small airstrip within its walls. They are the official residence of the Buganda.

Kabaka’s Lake

The Kabaka’s lake is the biggest manmade lake in the country. It is found in township of Ndeeba close to 5 km from the city center in the west, on Kampala Masaka Road. It was under the orders of the previous king Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom that the lake was dug. The 52 distinct Buganda clans consider it sacred and the clan leaders mobilize their people to have it cleaned.

Around the lake have been constructed several cottages to offer accommodation. Activities on the lake are: boat racing, catering services and pleasure trips.

Sir Albert Cook site

In 1896, when the Church Missionary Society (CMS) sought missionaries to come to Uganda, he volunteered. They took a journey by sea, landing at Mombasa after two months. After a two-month rest at Mombasa, with 500 porters mobilised for the caravan, he started the over- 1,360-mile trek to Kampala arriving after three months. 1897 he established Mengo Hospital, the oldest hospital in East Africa. He married Katharine Timpson, a missionary nurse, in 1900, with whom he had two daughters and a son. Sir Albert Cook site is located in Mengo, Kampala.

Mbogo Tombs

This tomb is the burial ground where the first Moslem from the Buganda tribe was buried. Mbogo a brother to the late prince Kakungulu who was the delegate of the colonial government that was responsible for managing and administering most of Eastern Uganda. The tombs are found Kawempe Division in Mbogo zone.

Muganzi Lwaza Hill

This hill is situates approximately 10m from the heart of Kampala city center off Kampala-Gayaza Road. It has a church and an ancient house. The old house is a house of the Buganda king’s mother. It is presumed that it was the area were mothers of long ago Buganda Kings used to sit ass the watched over the burial grounds of the kings in Kasubi.

Lugard’s Fort at Old Kampala

Lugard’s Fort is found on Old Kampala hill and overlooks the heart of Kampala at just 2 km North West from the heart of the centre of the city. It is national significance and denotes the colonial period under the governess of Captain Fredrick Lugard who was the first governor of this then Protectorate.

Owino market

Owino Market the busiest market in Kampala, which sprawls around the Nakivubo Stadium, near the taxi parks. Here you can find all sorts of goods for sale, but it is most popular for its wide range of second-hand clothes from Europe, Asia and the USA.

Nakasero Market

Nakasero Market is Kampala’s most famous market and located at the foot of Nakasero hill and just below Kampala Road. It sells fresh food, textiles, shoes and cheap electronics. It is divided into two areas, one partially covered, where produce is sold, and another located in an attractive old building, where hardware, clothes and even a few tourist items are on sale.

Old Kampala

One reason Old Kampala also stands out from all other suburbs is its unique architecture and building plan foisted by Indians.

Kampala hill was the nucleus of the city of Kampala. When the city expanded to other neighboring hills, the place began to be referred to as Old Kampala, a name that is still in use today, 123 years later. It has two faces to it; one that looks evidently senile with a rich history of colonialism and the other a fast-growing commercialized town of sorts

Lastly, when visiting places in Uganda, you don’t want to miss checking out the country’s capital city, Kampala. This city is home to a steady expat community and offers plenty of things to see and do when sel-driving.

Four Shot down by Police in Kampala – Free Bobi Wine Demonstrations

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Uganda Police is continuing to show its brutality to people in different towns in Uganda where Free BobiWine demonstrations are going on.

Only in Kampala, four innocent people are so far killed by Police live bullets and many injured including one who has been shot in the mouth.

Among the killed include a food hawker who has been shot dead by Police along Kampala road. The demonstrations sparked off after the arrest of Presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu also known as Bobi Wine today morning in Luuka district.

Bobi Wine was heading his campaign drive to three districts but was denied a chance and he is now being detained at Nalufenya Maximum Prisons.

R.I.P innocent souls of those killed in this struggle. #stoppolicebrutality

Bobi Wine Arrested, Detained at Nalufenya Prison

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Presidential aspirant and National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has been arrested in Luuka District where he had been scheduled to address his supporters as he looks for votes ahead of the 2021 General Elections.

The Kyadondo East MP was arrested on Wednesday morning following a scuffle between his supporters and security operatives at his campaign venue.

Police accuses Mr Kyagulanyi of having more than 200 supporters recommended by the EC to contain further spread of Covid-19 and he is currently detained at Nalufenya Police post in Jinja District.

ABS TV Confirms the Passing on of Pastor Yiga

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It’s not a good morning to believers at Christian Revival Church, viewers and well wishers of ABS TV after learning about the passing on of the station’s proprietor and the church senior Pastor Augustine Yiga ‘Abizaayo’.

 

 

RockBoom Rewards Kickboxer Golola Moses with a Brand-new Fully Furnished House

Golola Moses officially receives his new fully furnished house, Courtesy of RockBoom

Golola Moses’ three bedroom fully furnished house given to him by Hariss International

Hariss International, one of Uganda’s leading manufacturers of food and beverages including Riham soda and Rockboom Energy drink has rewarded kickboxing Champion Golola Moses with a brand-new Fully furnished house.

Official house opening ceremony

The three bedroom house gifted to the Rockboom Ambassador is situated at Katooke-Lugoba, a Kampala suburb and was officially handed over to him today on 22.10.2020 by The State Minister for Sports Hon. Hamson Obua.

Golola with his mother

In his own words, the motormouthed self made Kickboxing sensation thanked his bosses for making his dream come true, adding on that he has got a place to host from his friends and relatives.

Golola Moses thanking one of his bosses

“I have got a place where I will be hosting my friends from. When arnold schwarzenegger comes, he knows where to sleep. When Mayweather comes to Uganda, he will sleep in my house because it is too big” Golola said.

Inside Golola Moses’ house: Lounge

It should be remembered that back on the 7th of November last year (2019) the day RockBoom Can was launched, Golola Moses of Uganda was promised a well built three bedroom Bungalow by Rockboom as appreciation for his loyalty to the Brand, a promise they have delivered.

Inside Golola’s house: Dining room

Congratulations Golola Moses.

Princess Sangalyambogo Clarifies on her Engagement Ring

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On Thursday evening, Buganda Princess Katrina Sarah Sangalyambogo posted on her Instagram timeline a picture of her with an engagement ring, attracting mixed reactions from followers and other internet users. This left them wondering whether she was passing on a message that she is now off the shelf or something else of a kind.

However, the 19-year old has again come out to clarify on the matter that has left many confused.

She has made it clear that she bought that ring for her self three years ago back in Argentina in some market when she was on a tour with her friends and the ring doesn’t concern anything regarding her love life.

Recently her sisters Princess Victoria Nkinzi got engaged to socialite Gareth Onyango and maybe this is what sparked off the rumors of her engagement also.

Singer Winnie Nwagi Extends Contract with Swangz Avenue

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It has been a while when rumors sprouted on how voluptuous singer Winnie Nwagi was on the verge of falling nout with her bosses at Swangz Avenue record label but all this has been put to bed after putting pen on a new long-term contract.

Winnie Nwagi with her bosses

The news has been announced via Winnie Nwagi’s social media pages confirming on how she had put pen to paper to a new long term contract with he industrial area based record label.

Winnie Nwagi

Winnie who joined Swangz Avenue in 2014 has been such a great success with hit songs like Matala, Musawo, Embeera and Jangu among others alongside successful collabos with different artists sucha as Nigeria’s Slim Prince, Vinka, and king Saha among others.

Nwagi comes with a lot of controversy from her wardrobe mishaps to hints of violence where many have now named her among the top 3 hot tempered musicians in Uganda.

I was Wrongly Judged but thank God, I am Still Alive – Rocky Giant

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A week earlier, a disturbing video of singer Buchaman with friends mobbing up fellow faded artist Fred Giriya a.k.a Rocky Giant went viral on different media platforms. In the Video, the Presidential advisor and self-proclaimed Ghetto president Mark Bugembe (Buchaman) was seen thumping the ‘Pakalast’ hitmaker allegedly for calling himself a ghetto president.

Since it made its way to media, faded rapper Rocky Giant had never talked about it officially but he has finally spoken out on how he almost died in the hands of the former Firebase Army Vice President.

 

In the video, Rocky Giant stresses out that he was wrongly judged to the extent of testing death but thanks God that he is still alive after beingn kidnapped and assaulted.

Rocky Giant as he appears of recent

“I am very happy to be in front of your faces. I was kidnapped, I was wrongly judged, I was assaulted, but that is the world,…… I thank God that I came out alive, this is what they call arising from the dead.” said Rocky Giant.

He added on that artistes including Mowzey Radio, Danz Kumapeesa, and AK47 have died in similar scenarios and he could have been added to the list if it wasn’t for God’s mercy before thanking everyone that was concerned when the video made rounds on social media.