The Buganda Kingdom has announced that the long-delayed restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs is almost complete. Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the project has steadily progressed despite cultural and technical challenges that required careful attention.
The tombs, which were completely destroyed by fire on March 16, 2010, have undergone meticulous reconstruction, guided by traditional rituals and cultural protocols.
“Reconstructing royal tombs requires specific rituals and cultural guidance. That is why the work took time,” Mayiga explained.
Delays in the project arose from the unavailability of traditional materials such as thatching grass and the wait for specialised fire-resistant paint imported from Germany.
The restoration has been funded through a combination of Shs 13 billion raised via the Toffaali fundraising drive, Shs4.3 billion from the central government, and additional contributions from the kingdom.
Mayiga noted that only a few cultural items—including the symbolic leopard statue, a hand lamp, and a royal table—remain to be installed before the site is ready for reopening.
Government officials have praised the kingdom’s persistence. Uganda Tourism Board Commissioner Jackline Nyirakiza Besigye commended the effort, saying, “As government, we applaud the Buganda Kingdom for its determination to complete this project. The Kasubi Tombs are a national heritage site, and we remain committed to supporting their protection.”
Besigye added that the government will ensure fire-safety systems are maintained and is exploring improvements to water-drilling systems for emergency response. She also revealed that the Wamala Tombs are next in line for joint restoration by the Kingdom and the central government.
Buganda’s Tourism Minister Anthony Wamala highlighted the project’s complexity, which combined technical upgrades—such as roofing, compound improvements, water systems, cameras, and toilets—with culturally sensitive rituals.
“The cultural rituals were the most demanding. Without them, the restoration would have moved much faster,” Wamala said.
He confirmed that only minor ritual procedures and finishing touches remain before the Kasubi Tombs are fully ready for public access, marking a significant milestone in preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage.