The Kasubi Tombs, the revered burial grounds for the kings of Buganda, have officially reopened to the public after 14 years of closure, the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board announced on Wednesday.
“We are delighted to inform you that the Kasubi Royal Tombs are open to all visitors. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our historic treasures with you,” the board stated.
The tombs, which hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, were severely damaged by a fire in 2010 that reduced the main building housing the mausoleum of four former Buganda Kings to ashes.
The fire brought all tourism activities to a halt and left the site in a state of disrepair.
Following the disaster, UNESCO declared the site endangered due to the complete cessation of tourist visits.
UNESCO’s list of world heritage in danger aims to raise awareness of the threats to a property’s outstanding universal value and to mobilize stakeholders to take action for its preservation. Being placed on this list also facilitated access to international financial aid and prompted the development of a dedicated restoration plan.
Last year, the Kasubi Tombs were removed from UNESCO’s list of endangered heritage sites after the completion of extensive restoration works.
The World Heritage Committee commended the reconstruction of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main funeral building, the restoration of Bujjabukala, the guardian’s house, the introduction of a sophisticated fire-fighting system, and the training of local volunteer firefighters to prevent any future tragedies like the 2010 fire.
About Kasubi Tombs:
The Kasubi Tombs, located on nearly 30 hectares of hillside in Kampala, serve as the final resting place for Buganda’s kings. At the heart of the site lies the former palace of the Kabakas, built in 1882 and converted into a royal burial ground in 1884. The site includes the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, a circular building topped with a dome, which houses the tombs of four Buganda kings.
An architectural marvel made from organic materials like wood, thatch, reed, wattle, and daub, the Kasubi Tombs are celebrated for their unique construction and intangible cultural values, such as belief, spirituality, continuity, and identity.
As a major cultural site, the tombs are an important source of income for both the Buganda Kingdom and the Ugandan government, attracting tourists from around the world.