Location
The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda, is the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda). The Kasubi Tombs is a religious and cultural site located 5km on Kampala-Hoima Road from Kampala City Centre. It is the place where the Kabaka and others in Buganda’s complex cultural hierarchy frequently carry out important centuries-old Ganda rituals. The royal enclosure was first built in 1881.
World Heritage Site
Kasubi Tombs was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
The Tombs of Ssekabakas
The following four Kabakas (Bassekabaka) are buried at Kasubi:
- Daudi Chwa II who ruled from 1879 to 1939
- Edward Mutesa II who died in 1969 in exile in London but whose body was returned to Uganda in 1971
- Basamula Mwanga II (1867-1903)
- Muteesa I (1835-1884).
The Kasubi Hill Tombs area is divided as follows:
- The Tombs area is located at the western end
- An area behind the Tombs contains buildings and graveyards
- The remaining area on the eastern end is used for agriculture
Buildings destroyed by Fire
On 16 March 2010, a fire broke out and completely destroyed some of the major buildings and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Plans are under way for the restoration of the burnt site.