The Kasubi Tombs – A Living UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda, is the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda) and other members of the Baganda royal family. As a result, the site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people, as well as an important example of traditional architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2001,[1] when it was described as “one of the most remarkable buildings using purely vegetal materials in the entire region of s

The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda, are quite the fascinating place! They serve as the burial site for four kabakas, who were the kings of Buganda, along with other members of the Baganda royal family. This site holds great spiritual and political significance for the Ganda people and showcases traditional architecture beautifully. In fact, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in December 2001, and it’s often celebrated as one of the most remarkable structures made entirely from natural materials in Africa.

Unfortunately, a significant part of the site was nearly destroyed in a fire back in March 2010. The cause of that fire is still under investigation. Because of the damage, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger in July 2010.

However, there’s been a commitment from the Buganda Kingdom to restore the tombs of their kings. President Museveni mentioned that the national government of Uganda would also play a role in this restoration process. Reconstruction efforts kicked off in 2014, and the funding for the project came from Japan.

The whole World Heritage Site spans around 26 hectares (that’s about 64 acres) on Kasubi Hill, located just northwest of Kampala’s city center. Much of the area is farmland, cultivated using traditional techniques. One corner of the site features a royal palace that was built way back in 1882 by Muteesa I, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda. This palace later became a royal burial ground after his death in 1884. Interestingly, it’s one of 31 royal tombs scattered across the Buganda kingdom, which traces its roots back to the 13th century. Typically, a deceased king would be buried in a specific location with a separate shrine for their jawbone, believed to hold their soul. However, at this site, you’ll find the royal tombs of four Kabakas:

• Muteesa I (1835–1884)
• Mwanga II (1867–1903) (who died in exile on the Seychelles Islands; his remains were returned in 1910)
• Daudi Chwa II (1896–1939)
• Sir Edward Muteesa II (1924–1969) (who died in exile in London; his remains returned in 1971)

You’ll also find descendants of these four kings buried elsewhere at the site.

The borders of this ceremonial site were established back in 1882. These borders are still marked by bark cloth trees (Ficus natalensis), which have helped protect the area from low-rise residential developments that surround it today. The main ceremonial area is located at the northwest section of the site, where a gatehouse (Bujjabukula) leads you into a small courtyard and then to the drum house (Ndoga-Obukaba), which houses royal drums. From there, you can access a larger circular courtyard (Olugya) located on the hilltop, encircled by a reed fence.

The main central building, called (Muzibu Azaala Mpanga), is impressive, with a circumference of about 31 meters (102 ft) and a height of 7.5 meters (25 ft). It’s built at the edge of the courtyard, directly opposite the entrance. The construction originally featured wooden poles and reeds with wattle and daub walls, topped with a thatched dome. This dome is unique as it’s structured with straw resting on 52 rings of palm fronds, symbolizing the 52 traditional clans of the Baganda people. In the major renovation in 1938, modern materials like steel and concrete were used, but they were cleverly concealed behind traditional designs.

Inside, a low archway leads to sacred spaces that are separated by reed partitions, adorned with bark cloth and mementos of the kabakas. The tombs are tucked away in a sacred forest (Kibira) and shielded from public view by a bark cloth curtain. The floor is beautifully covered with mats made from lemon grass and palm leaves.

The courtyard is also lined with various buildings that are built in traditional styles. You’ll find several “wives’ houses” for the widows of the deceased kabaka, who look after the family graves. While many of these houses are constructed from traditional materials, over time, some have been rebuilt with bricks and metal roofs. Additionally, you’ll see tombs for royal relatives. The site is also home to members of the royal family and various royal officials, including the Nalinya (spiritual guardian), her deputy the Lubuga (who manages farming on the site), and her administrative assistant, the Katikkiro. Plus, the site is a hub for traditional bark cloth manufacturing by the Ngo clan and traditional thatching techniques by the Ngeye clan.

The Kasubi Tombs have been looked after by the Buganda Kingdom, which is one of Uganda’s four ancient kingdoms. The kingdom was abolished in 1966 by Prime Minister Milton Obote, but was reinstated later by President Museveni in 1993. In 1972, the site was declared a protected area under Ugandan law, and the land is registered in the name of the Kabaka on behalf of the Kingdom.

Today, the Kasubi Tombs are still an important spiritual and political site for the Baganda people, and they continue to be recognized for their cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.