Kmunke, Rudolf
"Quer durch Uganda" by Rudolf Kmunke is a travel narrative and scientific expedition account written in the early 20th century. It follows an overland research journey across Uganda that includes the ascent of Mount Elgon and surveys of little-mapped regions, blending geography, natural history, and ethnography with the logistics and hazards of colonial-era travel.The opening of the book lays out the author’s aim to explore largely unmapped parts of Uganda, his gratitude to supporters, and a methodical account of preparations: selecting routes, studying prior literature, assembling tents, arms, cameras, and scientific instruments, and recruiting key companions such as physician Robert Stigler. The narrative then traces the journey from Vienna via Trieste and the Suez route to Mombasa and Nairobi, where a meeting with the British governor prompts a change of plan to approach Uganda from Lake Victoria. After rail to Kisumu and a lost case of medical instruments, the party crosses the lake to Entebbe, meets Governor Jackson, receives support and permits, and makes a brief excursion to Kampala—passing through sleeping-sickness zones, visiting a modern mission hospital, and later paying court to the young king, Daudi Chwa. Moving on to Jinja, they establish their first camp, secure trade goods, visit the Ripon Falls, and detail strict health precautions against malaria, dysentery, and relapsing fever. Hiring porters proves difficult and uneven, but the caravan finally sets out nor…
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