The Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, announced on Friday that the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs is almost complete and will soon be handed over to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. The ongoing restoration, initiated in 2013 after a devastating fire in 2010, has reached approximately 90 percent completion.
Mayiga emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to restoring the site to its original values, aligning with the intentions of their forefathers. He provided updates on the progress, stating that the compound has been leveled, and the inner fence is in the final stages of completion, deemed crucial and costly.
The Kasubi Royal Tombs, a significant heritage site with over 100 years of history, fell victim to a destructive fire on March 16, 2010. The main mausoleum, known as Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, where four recent Buganda kings were laid to rest, was reduced to ashes.
After routine supervision last Friday, Katikkiro Mayiga expressed satisfaction with the restoration efforts. Kaddu Kiberu, the chairperson of the Kasubi Tombs Restoration Committee, highlighted the sensitivity of the remaining restoration work, emphasizing the need to avoid mistakes to faithfully recreate the previous tombs’ appearance.
In September, UNESCO removed the Kasubi Royal Tombs from its endangered heritage list, recognizing the progress made in the restoration. The decision, endorsed by the World Heritage Committee during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked a significant milestone for the tourism heritage site. The Kasubi Royal Tombs, located on a hillside in Kampala and housed in grass-thatched buildings, hold historical and spiritual significance for the Baganda people. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the tombs have undergone restoration efforts since 2013 under Katikkiro Mayiga’s leadership.
