Kasubi Royal Tombs

Located about 5 kilometers northwest of the city center (Kampala) -Uganda, Kasubi Tombs is a historical site where the last four (4) Kabakas of Buganda where buried. Not only has it been a burial ground for the Kabaka’s of Uganda, but also a place where the other members belonging to Buganda royal family have been buried. Up to present, the site has remained a very important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people. This site has also become an important example for latest architecture. It was also crowned as a UNESCO world Heritage Site.

Fire burnt this historical building at Kasubi Tombs in March 2010. Ever since these tombs where burnt, they have been under reconstruction. Up to date, the cause of this fire is still under investigation. The other part of the land has been under agriculture and is farmed under using traditional techniques. In total, this piece of land lies on 26 hectares of land.

This site was first constructed in 1882 by Kabaka Muteesa 1 who was the 35th Kabaka of Buganda. This building by then was to replace the building by his father Ssunna 11 in 1820. After he had constructed  in 1882, it became his royal burial ground in the year 1884.Of all the 31 royal tombs across Buganda Kingdom ever since the kingdom was founded during the 13th century, Kasubi tombs stands as the biggest royal tomb. The Kabaka’s who have been buried in this site are; King Muteesa who lived from 1835 to 1884, King Mwanga from 1867 to 1903. You should note that Mwanga died in exile on the Seychelles Islands though his remains were brought back in 1910. Daudi Chwa 11 lived from 1896 to 1939 and the last king to be buried here was Sir Edward Muteesa 11 (1924-1969) though he died in London. His remains were returned in 1971.

Initially, the royal tombs were constructed of wooden poles and wattle which was topped by a thick thatched dome. However, modern building materials were introduced in the last major renovation in 1938 by Kabaka Mutesa 11 of Buganda. The modern structures included; concrete columns and bricks and largely concealed behind traditional materials. Within the tombs, the courtyard is also bordered by several building of traditional construction. They include several wives houses for deceased Kabaka’s widows. These houses have traditionally been constructed of wattle and daub with straw thatched roofs although overtime, some were rebuilt with bricks and metal roofs. Officials belonging the royal family have been buried here. Some of these officials include the Nalinya. She is referred to as the spiritual guardian. The deputy was  called Luganga and he was responsible for coordinating the farming on the site and her administrative assistant called the Katikkiro.

The kingdom of Buganda has been one of the ancient kingdoms in Uganda. Up to present, it is the largest Kingdom in Uganda. Unfortunately, during the year 1966, President Milton Obote abolished the idea of kingship in Uganda which included Buganda Kingdom. When the National movement came into power, it reinstated back kingdoms including Buganda kingdom. It then became a protected site under the Uganda law. This land was registered in the name of   Kabaka on behalf of the Buganda kingdom.

The site has been reconstructed with modern structures under the new katikiro called Peter Charles Mayiga who is working under the current kingship of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. The Katikiro has been vigorous in soliciting for funds to reconstruct these tombs. Not only has he built these tombs but also many other places within the kingdom including the Masengere building. He has also initiated the building of a five star hotel on Kabaka’s lake in Mengo.