KASUBI ROYAL TOMBS [BRIEF NOTES]LOCATION:Kasubi Royal Tombs are situated on one of Kampala’s many hilltops 5km from the city centre on the Kampala Hoima road. This hill was originally known as Nabulagala, Muteesa renamed it Kasubi the name of his home village in Kyaggwe, where he was born and raised.

Land AreaThe total land area of the site is 26.8 hectares (approx. 64 acres). This land is comprised under Block 203, plot No. 92 Kyaddondo.

This site contains the main mausoleum (buildings) known as “Muzibu Azaala Mpanga that houses the four Kings. There are other houses that surround the courtyard of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga.

The site is also a burial ground for several royal family members. There are several houses built in the site for the custodians of the Kasubi Royal Tombs. The most notable structures at the site include: - The Gate House (Bujja-Bukula), The Drums house “Ndoga-obukaba” The Balongo Houses “Bakumba” and Kajaga”; Kabaka’s wives houses (Luvumbi, mawome, Katalama, 'Njagala – Kasayi”; and Gazimbe. Etc etc

HistoryOriginally, Kasubi was a Palace that was established by Kabaka Muteesa I in 1882. Muteesa I died in October, 1884 and his body was buried in his Palace at Kasubi.

Kabaka Mwanga II succeeded his father Kabaka Muteesa I, he was exiled to the Seychelles Islands by the British where he died in 1903. His remains were brought back in 1910 and buried at Kasubi.

Kabaka Daudi Chwa II succeeded Kabaka Mwanga II. Daudi Chwa II died in 1939; He too was buried in Kasubi Royal Tombs. This strengthened further the ritual value of the site.

Muteesa II succeeded his father Kabaka Daudi Chwa. He died in 1969 while in exile in London UK and the remains were brought back in 1971 and buried at Kasubi.

Consequently, Kasubi has since become an important Shrine; apart from its ritual value the site has become culturally important as the cemetery of the royalty of the Buganda Kingdom.

The Intangible and Tangible Heritage

The Kasubi Royal Tombs is a multifaceted World Heritage site of both Intangible and Tangible Heritage. It was enlisted by UNESCO on the World Heritage list in 2001.

The Tombs and entire environment carry very strong spiritual and social significance.

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The architecture itself is charged with meanings of the Traditions of the Baganda; The Tombs exhibit the thatching and construction skills and techniques which are passed on to successive generation.The rich decorative features, invested with spiritual values, reflect the interaction between nature and culture, between the spirits and the live population. The sacred area “The Kibira” where the Kings lie and various ceremonies and other traditional events.

Different groups of people are attracted to this site with different interests most notable are the following:-

1) The BagandaSpiritual centre for the late Kings’ cult. A living symbol of the traditional architectural design of the Baganda.

2) The State and the Kingdom of Buganda The pride of National Heritage. Site presented to most of VIP’s passing through Kampala. A World Heritage site that is “Man-made” as opposed to those existing naturally.

3) The Royal FamilyBurial ground for some members in the lineage of the 4 Kings.

4) TouristsAttraction for most tourists coming to Kampala.

5) SchoolsA tool to educate children on the Culture of the Baganda

6) Scholars and ResearchersResearch on the rich history of Buganda Kingdom

During the night of Tuesday 16th March, 2010, the most terrible and despicable tragedy befell the heritage site, and indeed the Buganda Kingdom and the Republic of Uganda! The main tomb house (Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga) was set ablaze to total destruction! The reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs at Kasubi, Nabulagala has commenced in earnest and the work is expected to be completed in March, 2014.NB: 16th March 1938 is date Sekabaka Daudi ChwaII completed renovations of these Tombs. Again on 16 March 2012 was the date the Kingdom declared the start of works of this restoration project.

THE KASUBI ROYAL TOMBS RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The tombs restoration project involves various works. Architectural works – Drawings Reconstruction of the foundation and splash apron Reconstruction of the walls Reconstruction of the floors Reconstruction of the concrete columns Reconstruction of the roof structures (Steel fabrications and Wooden Frames) Replacements of doors and windows

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Thatching and inner ceiling Electrical & Mechanical installations (Fire Fighting systems, Water supplies and

reticulation, power supply and electrical installations) Court yard - Landscaping Restoration / repairs on Balongo houses and other structures surrounding the court

yard.The reconstruction project was decided to be executed in phases as follows:

I. Phase one : The Emergency Works The works under this phase are substantially completed, and these include the following:1) Construction works a) Site Officeb) The Balongo houses are in advanced stages of completion.c) The fire place known as Kyooto Gombolola has been restored and now functional.

This was preceded with various rituals.d) The inner wall fence (made of steel & reeds) was completed cordoning off the main

construction Site approximately 5 acres of land.

2) Risk Management a) A water tank (10,000 litre capacity) was delivered to the site by UNESCO.b) Eight (8) fire extinguishers have also been delivered and installed on site.

3) Other Intangible activities A number of Intangible Activities that cannot be disclosed here, have been carried out.

II. Phase two : The Reconstruction of the Wamala Tombs The works under this phase must take precedent to the main restoration works at Kasubi and are still ongoing. The main structure was completed in August, 2012 and the roofing/ thatching process is going on.

III. Phase Three : The Reconstruction of the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga

A building contractor was identified after a lengthy evaluation process and was awarded the contract in December 2012. Work started and is now progressing well.

IV. Phase Four : The Risk Management Works at Kasubi (involving water supply, fire fighting installation, security measures, etc...)

The implementation of the works under this phase is still pending. It is reckoned that the financing of this phase falls under the docket of UNESCO (through Japanese assistance).

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V. Phase Five : The Re-development and rehabilitation of the Kasubi Buildings and Courtyard.

The planning, and sorting out the financing and implementation of the works under this phase are still pending.VI. Phase Six : The Construction of the Kasubi External Boundary Wall. The planning, and sorting out the financing and implementation of the works under this phase were recently concluded. A committee has been put in place to handle this phase and a fundraising strategy is being executed by a group of businessmen. The group has mobilised start-up funds and works on building the perimeter wall (Buggwe) have started. The funds required for this phase is estimated at Ugx 3 Billion.

There may be need to develop more phases as need may arise.

In conclusion, work on the reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs is progressing slowly but steadily. We firmly believe that the Reconstruction work on the Muzibu – Azaala- Mpanga will be complete by end of March 2014.

The total cost of the restoration project was estimated to be in the region of UGX 10 Billion.

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