The restoration of Kasubi Tombs of Buganda Kings is set to start in February at a cost of Ush2.3 billion ($854,130).

The contract to reconstruct the tombs, which are listed among the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Sites, was awarded to Omega Construction.

The government of Uganda has contributed Ush2 billion ($742,721), while the Baganda and well-wishers of the kingdom have collected Ush300 million ($111,408) towards the reconstruction that will take 15 months.

The Katikkiro (prime minister) of Buganda Kingdom, J.B. Walusimbi signed the contract in Kampala on behalf of the kingdom, while the managing director of Omega, Pius Mugerwa Mugalaasi, signed for the firm.

This component, which is the third phase of the entire reconstruction plan, will involve the reconstruction of the damaged main structure known as Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, and will include the construction of the entire structure including thatching; restoration of all floors; inner ceiling lining works; and replacement of doors and windows. Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga housed four royal tombs. 

The entire Kasubi Royal Tombs Restoration Project is estimated at Ush10 billion ($3.7 million).

The site that has been an important centre of religious activity for the Baganda since it was established at the end of the 19th century was destroyed in a fire on March 16, 2010.

Located on the Kasubi Hill, five kilometres from the Kampala city centre, the historic site, suffered extensive damage in the fire, the causes of which are still unknown. The site’s buildings were thatched in dry grass and wood and efforts to contain the blaze proved futile.

Phase one involved emergency works while phase two, which is to run concurrently with the restoration of Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga will concentrate on the rehabilitation of the grass thatched Wamala Tombs located in Wakiso District.

The Buganda Kingdom (with support from Unesco) handled phases one and two; while the Central Government is funding phase three.

Phase four will include site landscaping and drainage works, including provision of modern water borne public toilets. Phase six will deal with re-modeling and reconstruction of the ‘houses,’ among others.

Authorities will embark on phases four and six when they raise the necessary funds.

The Japanese government has contributed $650,000 towards phase five, which will involve risk management issues (water supply, firefighting, electrical works, and general security and safety).

According to the executive director of the Uganda Tourism Board, Cuthbert Baguma, cultural tourism is one of the key tourism segments in Uganda and the Kasubi Tombs are an international site.

The Kasubi Tombs were considered an outstanding example of an architectural style developed by the Buganda Kingdom since the 13th century.

The tombs were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2001 when they were recognised as a masterpiece of human creativity, bearing eloquent witness to the living cultural traditions of the Baganda people.

According to kingdom officials, items of historical, spiritual and sentimental value that were burnt are not traceable today. They may be replaced by replicas but these cannot have similar value. On a good note, items that are so vital to the continued existence of the kingdom were saved.

Items which cannot be replaced are the spears used by the four dead kings (Muteesa I, Daniel Bassamula Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa), shields (engabo), the skin of the Leopard that belonged to King Mutesa I, the board game (Omweso) an indoor game for Baganda, the Kabakas’ rings, and baskets (ebibbo). Their remains were reportedly not damaged by the fire.

Vital items which were saved include the Kabakas’ umbilical cords referred to as the twins of the kings (Abalongo ba Kabaka).