The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has officially announced that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs has been completed.
The tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serve as the sacred resting place for four Buganda kings.
Mayiga noted that the restoration project, which began following the devastating 2010 fire, is now fully finished.
The only remaining step is the traditional ceremony known as “kusala kisassi,” a cultural cleansing and blessing ritual that precedes the formal reopening of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main tomb house and spiritual heart of the site.
Officials involved in the project confirmed that the reconstruction cost 13 billion Ugandan shillings, all sourced locally.
They acknowledged that the process faced challenges, particularly from individuals raising concerns about cultural practices and traditions.
Nevertheless, the reconstruction team remained committed to ensuring the project adhered faithfully to Buganda’s heritage.
With the physical restoration now complete, the next steps involve inspection and official endorsement by the Kabaka. Following these, the Kasubi Tombs will be reopened to the public and cultural tourists, restoring access to one of Uganda’s most treasured historical sites.
The completion of the Kasubi Royal Tombs marks a significant achievement for Buganda Kingdom and Uganda’s broader cultural preservation efforts, reaffirming national pride and identity.