Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has broken his silence on the long delay in completing the reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs, saying the work could not be rushed because it involved strict cultural rituals and customs.
Speaking on Friday during a guided tour of the site with Buganda Kingdom ministers and members of the Kasubi reconstruction committee led by Kaddu Kiberu, Mayiga announced that the historic tombs are now fully complete, more than a decade after they were destroyed by fire.
Mayiga said rebuilding Kasubi was not like putting up an ordinary structure, but restoring a sacred burial site for Buganda’s former kings.
“This was not just a big hut. This is where our kings rest. Every step had to follow culture, and the right clans had to do the right work at the right time,” Mayiga explained.
Kasubi Tombs were badly damaged by fire on March 16, 2010, which destroyed Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building that houses the tombs of four Buganda kings: Sir Edward Muteesa II, Daniel Basamula Mwanga II, Muteesa I and Sir Daudi Chwa II.
After years of planning and mobilisation, reconstruction officially kicked off in March 2014 under then Katikkiro Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi.
On entering the restored main structure, Mayiga first paid respect to the kings buried there before declaring the reconstruction complete.
He praised the quality of work done, noting new additions such as a perimeter wall, firefighting equipment, CCTV cameras, a standby generator, a visitors’ reception area and improved toilets.
Other restored structures include Ndogabukulu, Ekyoto Gombolola and several auxiliary houses. Mayiga revealed that the main building was fitted with rafters similar to those used during the reign of Sir Daudi Chwa II in the 1930s. He added that final touches like paving and stonework using masengere are almost done.
The Katikkiro thanked the reconstruction committee, the central government, UNESCO, the Japanese government and Kabaka’s subjects at home and abroad for supporting the project over the years. He also revealed that a management plan for the tombs has already been discussed by the Buganda cabinet.
David Nkalubo, one of the officials at the tombs, praised Mayiga’s leadership, describing Kasubi as a strong symbol of Buganda’s pride and identity.
Buganda’s Minister for Tourism, Dr Anthony Wamala, welcomed the completion, noting that the site now has better sanitation and stronger security than before the fire.
Meanwhile, Jackline Besigye, the Commissioner for Museums and Monuments at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said government will continue working with Buganda Kingdom to protect other royal sites, including the Wamala Tombs in Nansana Municipality. She added that procurement for additional firefighting equipment is already underway.
The completion of Kasubi Tombs comes at a time when Uganda’s historical sites are gaining renewed international recognition under UNESCO.