Kasubi Tomb reconstruction to be complete end of 2016

Following a devastating fire in 2009, which razed the main structures of one of Kampala’s most-visited historical monuments, the ‘Kasubi Tombs’ to the ground, efforts have been ongoing to have this UNESCO World Heritage site restored to its former glory. The tombs were the burial grounds for four Buganda kings, namely Mutesa I, Mutesa II, Chwa and Mwanga, with other late kings interred in similar sites elsewhere.

While plenty of original artefacts were destroyed in the fire too have kingdom supporters from across Uganda and the rest of the world donated from their own collections to ensure, when the tombs eventually reopen, that the range of exhibits visitors can see, will match what has been there before.

Major fund raising initiatives, supported by UNESCO and other international bodies, have been supplemented by local donations though financial aid from the Ugandan government has fallen short of what the tourism industry expected when the restoration costs soared.

Now complete is the perimeter wall, providing some extra security for the 63 acre site where, according to reports received work is ongoing, albeit at a slow pace.

The head of the Buganda kingdom government was last week quoted to have given a completion date for the reconstruction of the site as December 2016. Uganda’s tourism industry will be waiting for this to happen as visits to the Kasubi Tombs were generally considered an integral part of tours of the city, which also includes visits to the two main cathedrals and other sites and monuments including the Uganda Museum.