Posted in Kasubi tombs are the burial grounds of Buganda kings and other members of the royal family. The tombs are located 5 kms away from Kampala city center on Kasubi hill. The site was built in the 13th century and it is one of the 31 royal tombs in Buganda. Other tombs are found in the Buganda counties like Singo, Busiro and Kyaggwe. The site covers an area of 26 hectares with one corner containing a royal palace of Mutesa I. This place was built in 1882 by kabaka Mutesa I and it replaced one which was built by his father Suuna II in 1820.
The new place became the royal burial ground on Mutesa I’s death in 1884. The site now has four royal tombs which lie within Muzibu Azaala Mpanga. This is the main building in the Kasubi tombs and it is surmounted by a dome. It was built in organic materials like reed, thatch, daub, wattle and wood.
Because of its cultural and national values Kasubi tombs is protected by Uganda law in 1972 and has remained a registered property of Buganda kingdom. In December 2001 Kasubi tombs became listed on the UNESCO world heritage site and has remained a spiritual, traditional and political place for Baganda.
Kasubi tombs are divided into three sections as the first section is where the Muzibu Azzala Mpanga is located that houses the tomb of the 4 kings. The second section is behind the main building having other small buildings and graveyards. The third part is an open farmland for the royal family.
At the entrance of the tombs there is a wooden gate with a grass thatched roof and woven reeds guarded by traditional guards. In the courtyard there is a round house called Ndoga-Obukaba where traditional drums are kept. Other small houses within the courtyard were built for the concubines, spiritual guardian Nalinya and other royal family members.
Within the main structure the walls are decorated with backcloths, the paintings of the kings and stuffed with leopard skin and floors have mats. Kabaka Mutesa I had a leopard as his pet but after his death this leopard killed many people. Eventually it was killed and its skin was refilled with material to retain its shape. Other items in the Kasubi tombs include rings of spears holding the roof each representing the 52 clans of Buganda. Each of these tribes has a particular task in the tomb for instance the Ngeye clan(colobus monkey) is responsible for maintaining the roof of the tombs thatched.
Some of the parts in Kasubi tombs are not accessible to everyone, for instance the sacred forest(Kibira) is only accessed by widows of the kings, Katikiro and some members of the royal family. Not even the reigning king is supposed to go in this forest. It is believed that this forest is where the spirits of the kings dwelled. Close to the forest there are four rooms built for the wives of dead kings as each dead king has a living wife. This was done so as these wives take care of the dead king. These wives are chosen from the clans of the departed queens.
Visiting the Kasubi tombs
The Kasubi tombs are 15 minutes away from Kampala city center. Accessing the tombs one can use Wandegeya road and pass along Makerere University. After Nakulabye roundabout, drive along Hoima road for about a kilometer. Then turn on your left and climb the Kasubi hill. Upon reaching the top branch to Masiro road you will see a reed fence gate. The entrance fee is about 10000 UGX which goes to the caretakers and the local guide who will take you through the place.
