The State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka on Wednesday handed over to the Kitikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Maiga, the restored Guard House (Bujjabukula) at Kasubi Tombs, a site whose major structures were destroyed during the 2010 Masiro inferno.
The Minister also commissioned a multifaceted fire fighting system at the site, installed to enable fast and efficient response in case of a fire outbreak.
Among the installations done include 3 phase power connection, an underground tank with a storage capacity of 170cubic metres of water, a fire system with 3 pumps (the jockey pump, main electrical pump and the diesel pump). These are able to pump 2000 litres of water per minute. The system is capable of fighting a fire for over an hour.
This burial ground for the Kings of Buganda and other royals was in July 2010 included on the list of ‘World Heritage Sites in Danger’ following a huge fire that razed major structures on the site to the ground on March 16th, 2010.
On July 24th, 2013 another fire gutted one of the twin huts at the site, destroying traditional regalia that were rescued from the previous fire.
Following the misfortunes, the Kingdom vowed to restore the site and the Government of Uganda pledged assistance towards the needed funding. Reconstruction started in 2014, funded by the government of Japan.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Mugarra said the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs site not only serves the interest and heritage ideals of Buganda but is also a big input in the strategies towards boosting cultural tourism in the country.
“I thank the Kingdom of Buganda, the government, UNESCO and our other partners for all your efforts towards the restoration of this heritage site. I call upon other Ugandans to come to Kasubi and learn about the rich culture of Buganda, which a portion of the vast offerings Uganda has to offer in the cultural setting,” Mugarra said.
He added, “Cultural tourism is the next big thing for tourism not only in Uganda but world over. People should come to Kasubi and immerse themselves in the tales of the Buganda culture, tradition and heritage so that they are well equipped to market Uganda in all its diversity as regards tourism.”
In his remarks, the Katikkiro, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga thanked the central government for the funding availed towards construction works at the site, noting that there has been a smooth liaison between the government and the responsible parties in the Kingdom.
“The Guard House has been restored in its original form as it was during the reign of Kabaka Mutesa I. Some of the materials used are new, of course, but things like pillars/poles were maintained from the previous structure. 4 among the pillars used are the original ones that were used in the construction during Mutesa I’s time,” he said.
He added, “I extend my gratitude to the Buganda officials who have been and are still hands on with reconstruction of the Guard House and other structures on the site to ensure it is done according to the traditional standards and that the touch of culture is not lost in this rendition.”
Jackline Nyiracyiza, the Ag. Commissioner Museums and Monuments at the Ministry of Tourism said they are working towards getting the Kasubi Tombs site removed from the ‘World Heritage Sites in Danger’ list by September 2023.