Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has defended the delay in completing the reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs, saying the work required strict adherence to cultural rituals and customs essential to preserving Buganda’s heritage. He added that the kingdom had also prioritised the social services of Kabaka’s subjects during the restoration period.
Mayiga, who toured the site on Friday with Buganda Kingdom ministers and members of the Kasubi reconstruction committee led by Kaddu Kiberu, announced that the tombs are now fully complete. The announcement comes after years of rebuilding following the devastating fire in March 2010.
He said the delay was unavoidable because the kingdom was not simply constructing a large hut but was restoring the royal resting place of former kings of Buganda.
“The process demanded cultural precision. Every stage of work had to be carried out by specific groups of people from particular clans who are traditionally entrusted with these roles,” Mayiga said.
The fire of March 16, 2010 destroyed much of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main structure that houses the tombs of four Buganda kings. These are Sir Edward Muteesa II, Daniel Basamula Mwanga II, Walugembe Mukaabya Muteesa I and Sir Daudi Chwa II. Reconstruction officially began in March 2014 during the tenure of then Katikkiro Eng John Baptist Walusimbi after years of planning and mobilisation.
On entering the restored Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, Mayiga first paid tribute to the kings buried there before announcing that the site had finally been completed.
He said he was satisfied with the quality of work, which includes a perimeter wall, firefighting equipment, a standby generator, CCTV systems, a reception area for visitors and improved public toilets.
Other restored structures include Ndogabukulu, Ekyoto Gombolola and several auxiliary houses. Mayiga said the main building had been refitted with rafters similar to those installed during the era of Sir Daudi Chwa II in the 1930s. He added that the remaining tasks, such as paving the grounds and finishing stonework using masengere, were nearing completion.
Mayiga thanked the reconstruction committee, the central government, UNESCO, the Japanese government and Kabaka’s subjects from Uganda and the diaspora for contributing to the restoration, which has taken more than a decade. He said the management plan for the tombs has already been discussed at recent cabinet meetings.
David Nkalubo, the tombs, praised Mayiga’s leadership and said the site remains a symbol of Buganda’s pride and identity. Dr Anthony Wamala, the kingdom’s Tourism minister, welcomed the completion and highlighted improvements that did not exist before the fire, including improved sanitation facilities and advanced security systems.
Jackline Besigye, the commissioner for Museums and Monuments at the ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said government would continue collaborating with the kingdom to preserve other royal tombs, including Wamala in Nansana Municipality. She said procurement for new firefighting equipment had already begun.
The completion comes at a time when Uganda’s historical sites have been added to UNESCO’s list of internationally recognised heritage sites.
