The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four Kings of Buganda are buried here hence; this is regarded as a sacred site and as a matter of fact, there are certain rules that visitors need to follow as a sign of respect for the dead.
Location
The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda are located about 5 kilometers off downtown Kampala, atop the Kasubi Hill.
Getting There
To get to the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda, you can take a minibus from Kampala’s city centre. Ask for one that goes to Hoima Road or Masiro Road. From these points, you can walk uphill going towards the site of the tombs, about a few hundred meters off.
What to See
Once you reach the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda, you will pass through the main entrance which is the Bujjabukula Gatehouse. As per tradition, the guards watching the entrance are hidden behind a woven screen made of reed from which they can see through to watch who gains access to the tombs.
At first glance, the drums seem to be ordinary but a guide will explain that each drum has a special role. The Mujjaguzo is played during the crowning ceremony for a Kabaka, the Bantadde is played when someone from the royal family arrives and leaves the site and the Kanaba is played when someone from the royal family dies.
Finally, as you leave the House of Royal Drums, you will be taken to Olugya or the main courtyard. You can find here dwellings for the widows of the Kabakas and the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga which is the building for the main tomb.
Brief History
Muteesa I was the very first Kabaka to be buried at the site. He was the thirty-fifth King of Baganda. He was buried here some time in the year 1884.
Baganda civilization can be traced as far back as the thirteenth century AD and it is said that the very first Kabaka was called Kintu. Stories have it that Kintu did not die but instead disappeared in a forest.
Tradition has it that Kabakas build their palaces atop hills to give them control over the thoroughfares that lead to the palace. When they die, they are buried in another location where a house will be built to keep his jawbones believed to contain the dead Kabaka’s spirit.
The other three Kabakas buried at the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda are Basamula Mwanga who died in 1903, Daudi Chwa II who died in 1939 and Fredrick Walugembe Muteesa II who died in 1969.
Cost
The cost to enter the tombs is 3,000 shillings. Accommodations in Kampala are around $40 up to $80 per person, per night.
Minibus fares are generally around 300 to 500 shillings.
Other Information
Women are not allowed to wear pants while visiting the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala – Uganda. In cases where a woman is wearing pants, she will be given a cloth to wrap around her waist.
Before entering the buildings, visitors are required to take off their shoes.
