5000-year-old historical site discovered in Nyero

KUMI - A cross etched in ancient pigment on a rock face at the Nyero rock tourism site in Eastern Uganda’s Kumi district has sparked interest in the archaeological community — and it was not created by Christians. 

In September last year, what began as a routine field excursion by Makerere University archaeology students, turned into a landmark discovery estimated to be 5000 years old. 
A cross-shaped rock art painting was discovered in the historic Nyero region, which is well-known for its prehistoric rock art (Nyero — paintings). 

The site has since been named Nyero 7, joining a prestigious group of six previously documented rock art sites in the area. “We stumbled upon it while moving from Nyero 2 to Nyero 3,” recalls Herman Muwonge, a lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies. 

“It happened during our fieldwork with students, which is an important part of our teaching, because it provides them with real-world experience. That is when we discovered the cross-shaped painting, and we knew right away it was significant,” he added. 

Fatima Mirembe, another lecturer in the department, adds: “Whenever such a discovery is made, we collaborate closely with the Department of Museums and Monuments. After writing a report, we organised another trip with the Uganda Museum’s Commissioner, Madam Jacqueline Nyirachiza, to officially document the site as Nyero 7.” 

Mirembe observes that the similarity of the rare painting colours used at the other sites 1-6, discovered prior to this one, which are primarily red and white, distinguishes this site as authentic. 

She says the method of discovery is the same as that of the other site discoveries, where one walks. 

“We contacted the Uganda Museum, which is the custodian of Nyero, as well as archaeology in Uganda and these have already discovered three sites (4,5,6) at Nyero, so when the commissioner saw our discovery, she approved it, and it has already been gazetted by the Uganda Museum,” Muwonge emphasised. 

Muwonge claims that ancient stones found beneath the rocks were once used by Batwas and pygmies.

Nyero Rock

A cross before the cross 

The painting’s shape — a cross — despite predating the arrival of Christianity in Uganda, adds to the intrigue of the discovery. “We are dating the painting between 2,000 and 5,000 years old,” says Mirembe. 

“This was long before Christianity reached the region, which raises fascinating questions about its significance,” she added. 

Using relative dating methods and contextual archaeological evidence, the team believes the rock art was created by early hunter-gatherer communities, possibly the Batwa or Pygmies, who lived millennia ago in East, Central and Southern Africa. 

“These communities had a strong connection to their surroundings. Their art is not just decoration; it is cosmological,” Muwonge says. 

“They used red and white pigments to convey their understanding of the universe. This cross may have had mythological or spiritual significance,” he added. 

While the exact symbolism remains unknown, the team is cautiously investigating various interpretations.

“One possibility is that it marked a burial site,” Mirembe says. “We have seen similar practices in Sudan and Kenya, where people were buried in pots or in foetal positions, often with accompanying art,” she added.

Message that spans millennia 

The lecturers agree that the cross painting likely served a communicative function. 

“It was their way of expressing, ‘We were here. “This is our world and this is how we saw it,” Muwonge says. The Nyero rock art has long served as a record of Uganda’s rich prehistoric heritage. 

Concentric circles, ladder-like motifs and canoe symbols adorn the area’s rock shelters, each offering a glimpse into ancient ways of life. “In Nyero 2, we have an image of a canoe, but there is no water body nearby today,” says Mirembe. 

“That implies there were once lakes or rivers here and fishing may have been a way of life,” she added. Even more striking is the persistence of these images. 

“They were made with natural pigments in places protected from rain and sun, which is why they have lasted so long,” Muwonge explains.

A tourist taking a photo of the newly-discovered cross painting at Nyero Rock.

Tangible links to the past 

In addition to the cross-shaped painting, the team discovered lithic tools—stone implements made from quartz—and pottery fragments with concentric designs. 

“These are typical of the Later Stone Age,” Mirembe states. “They were used to process food and reflect the daily lives of the people who painted them,” she added. 

Such findings contribute to humanising the abstract concept of ancient civilisations. “They had no formal education, but they created meaningful art and practical tools,” Muwonge explains. 

“It is humbling,” he added. He makes a powerful connection between the past and the present. 

“The 1,000 Ugandan shilling note features a concentric circle from Nyero 3. It demonstrates how our cultural symbols have been incorporated into national identity,” he added. 

The symbolism does not end there. “The Uganda Museum has used a Nyero concentric circle as its logo,” Mirembe notes. “In Zimbabwe, a carved bird from the Great Zimbabwe ruins became a national emblem. That is the power of archaeology; it shapes national identity and pride,” she added.

Preserving authority 

While some sites in the region have been vandalised, Nyero 7 remains undamaged. 

“At Kapir, nearby, people have inscribed names on rock paintings,” Muwonge laments. “But Nyero 7 is still intact, and that is why it is so valuable to researchers,” he added.

He notes that preservation must go hand in hand with increased awareness. 

“We believe that once this discovery is fully documented, it could boost Nyero’s chances of being officially recognised by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It is already tentatively on their list, but this could push it forward,” he added. 

Such a move, he says, would have lasting benefits.

What next 

The team is already working on a scholarly article to be submitted to one of Africa’s leading archaeological journals. 

“This will be a major step in formalising the discovery,” says Fatima Mirembe, a lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies. 

Mirembe added that her team will continue to analyse the site and its artefacts, hoping to uncover more clues about the beliefs and practices of Uganda’s earliest inhabitants. 
The lecturers expressed gratitude for the support they received. 

“We must thank Prof. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, for logistical support,” says Muwonge. 

“Also, Eugene Ayebare, our master’s student who was instrumental in the discovery, as well as commissioner Nyirachiza, who helped organise our return trip,” he added. They also acknowledged the Nyero site custodians. 

“Without their care and presence, such discoveries would not be possible,” Mirembe says.