Kasubi Tombs, Kampala, Uganda. © Diponkar Banerjee 2008.
The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi constitute a site embracing almost 30 hectares of hillside within the Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884.
The site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Baganda people. In 2001, the Kasubi Tombs were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kabakas buried at the site were: Mutesa I (1835–1884) Mwanga II (1867–1903) Daudi Chwa II (1896–1939) Sir Edward Mutesa II (1924–1969).
On 16 March 2010, at about 8.30 pm local time, the Kasubi tombs were destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown. The Buganda kingdom has promised to conduct independent investigations into the fire.
School children at the Kasubi Tombs looking and pictures on a digital camera. © Diponkar Banerjee 2008.
Sign pointing to ticket office at the Kasubi Tombs.© Diponkar Banerjee 2008.
Interior of Kasubi Tombs. © Diponkar Banerjee 2008.
The Kabaka Mwanga II:
The Kabaka Mwanga II. © Diponkar Banerjee 2008.
Danieri Basammula-Ekkere Mwanga II Mukasa (1868 – 1903) was Kabaka of Buganda from 1884 until 1888 and from 1889 until 1897. He was the thirty-first (31st) Kabaka of Buganda. Read the intriguing details of his reign here.
