By eastafrican gazette
The Uganda Central Government and the Kingdom of Buganda are still in talks over reopening the Kasubi Tombs cultural site.
The site is the burial place of the past four kings (Kabakas): Ssekabaka Walugembe Muteesa I, Daniel Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Sir Edward Muteesa II.
The Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi are an architectural masterpiece as well as a treasured cultural and historical landmark that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.
However, the site was destroyed by fire in March 2010 and is currently being restored. This included the repair of the Mazibu Azaala Mpanga (the main tomb), the meticulous restoration of the Bujjabukala (gatehouse), and the installation of a modern firefighting system.
While speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on today, April 30, 2024, the State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, stated that while the tombs are a national tourist attraction, they continue to be a site for Buganda Kingdom.
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He emphasized that they are in close communication with the cultural institution to ensure that it is reopened as soon as feasible.
“The ministry has strong connections with the kingdom, but the site belongs to the Buganda Kingdom. This is not the ministry’s site. Buganda Kingdom is responsible, but we are working together to get it reopened as quickly as possible,” he added.
In addition to other contributors like as UNESCO, and US Government, the government of Uganda also committed Uganda shs2.3 billion to the site’s restoration.
The Kingdom also launched a local fundraising effort dubbed “Ettofali,” which drew support from well-wishers across the country as well as Ugandans living abroad.
Nearing completion
In January (2024) , while touring the tombs to check the status of the works, the Kingdom’s premier, Charles Peter Mayiga, noted that the work was almost 90% complete.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Katikkiro-Charles-Peter-Mayiga-on-a-supervision-tour-of-works-at-Kasubi-Tombs-1024x682.jpg)
He mentioned that most of the main pieces had already been installed and that it would reopen in a few months.
However, he encouraged everyone to be patient since cultural standards must be respected before the place can reopened to the public.
According to archives, the location was erected in 1882 under the reign of Kabaka Walugembe Mukaabya Muteesa I and was originally intended to serve as the Kabaka’s palace.
However, in 1884, following the passing of Muteesa I, it underwent a transformation into the royal burial grounds.
Since that time, three of his successors were also interred at this site.
In 2010, the site was one of the major tourist attraction sites in Uganda.
The site is also regarded as a religious centre for the royal family, a place where the Kabaka and his representatives carry out important rituals related to Buganda culture.
The site is the major spiritual centre for the Baganda where traditional and cultural practices have been preserved.
The site represents a place where communication links with the spiritual world are maintained.