The Kasubi Tombs located in Kasubi, Kampala, Uganda, is the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were first built in 1881.
To the Baganda the Kabaka is the unquestioned symbol of spiritual, political, and social state of the Buganda nation. As the burial ground for the previous four Kabakas, therefore, the Kasubi Tombs is a place where the Kabaka and others in Buganda’s complex cultural hierarchy frequently carry out important centuries-old Ganda rituals.
The Kasubi tombs hill is divided into three main areas: the main tomb area located at the western end of the site, an area containing buildings and graveyards located behind the tombs, and a large area on the eastern side of the site used primarily for agricultural purposes.
To the Baganda the Kabaka is the unquestioned symbol of spiritual, political, and social state of the Buganda nation. As the burial ground for the previous four Kabakas, therefore, the Kasubi Tombs is a place where the Kabaka and others in Buganda’s complex cultural hierarchy frequently carry out important centuries-old Ganda rituals.
The Kasubi tombs hill is divided into three main areas: the main tomb area located at the western end of the site, an area containing buildings and graveyards located behind the tombs, and a large area on the eastern side of the site used primarily for agricultural purposes.
The main tomb building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome, is a major example of an architectural achievement that was raised with use of vegetal materials comprised of wooden poles, spear grass, reeds and wattle. Its unusual scale and outstanding details bear witness to the creative genius of the Baganda and as a masterpiece of form and craftsmanship, it is an exceptional surviving example of an architectural style developed by the powerful Buganda Kingdom since the 13th Century.
The kabakas buried at the site are Muteesa I (1835–1884), Mwanga II (1867–1903), Daudi Chwa II (1896–1939), Sir Edward Muteesa II (1924–1969).
On 16 March 2010, some of the major buildings there were almost completely destroyed by a fire, the cause of which is still under investigation. The Buganda Kingdom has vowed to rebuild the tombs of their kings and a fundraising drive is currently running to mobilise funds for their restoration, which is scheduled to be completed in March 2014.
The interior of the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga included priceless regalia, relics and portraits of the buried kabakas which were all destroyed by the fire.
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