Kasubi Tombs
These are the burial grounds for the preceding 4 Buganda kings hence making it a very significant area to the Buganda society. The tombs are located 5km away from the base of Kampala in Kasubi hill and were built in the 13th century. The place is of great importance, historical, cultural and a spiritual centre.
The place harbours many traditional ceremonies for-instance the moon ceremony,consultation of the mediums and many others.
The tombs were recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site in December 2001. Various tourists with in and out side Uganda come and visit these tombs in order to know more about the Buganda kingdom.
Kasubi tombs are mainly divided in to 3 major sections including the western side. The western side has all the buildings plus the grave yards while the Eastern side is basically for agriculture.
Kasubi Tombs
Main attractions in Kasubi tombs
Muzibu Azaala Mpanga.
This is one of those fascinating places to visit while one pays a visit at Kasubi tombs. It is one of the largest grass thatched building on earth. The place is too unique since it has many things that make it out standing from other buildings with in the tombs. The place is made up of a round circular doom shape.
The place was initially the palace of Kabaka Muteesa 1 before it was turned in to a tomb on his death in 1884. Therefore, after his death even the other kings decided to follow the order and be buried in one place thus making the place the burial grounds for the Buganda kings.
The floor is covered with thick layers of lemon grass and palm leave mats. There are many things to look out while in this place for example spears,drums, shields,medals and photographs of the late kings of Buganda.
The walls of the main building.
This is another unique place to pay a visit while at Kasubi tombs.
The Kibira(sacred forest).
It is believed that the spirits of the kings dwell with in this forest. The place holds a very culture thus not everyone can just enter it. There some people who have access to this forest including widows of the kings,Katikiro,and a few members of the royal family.
The place has four rooms for the widows and their main role is to look after the dead king. The wives are chosen from the clans of the departed queens.
The main court yard.
Upon entering the court yard, visitors are immediately welcomed by the beauty of the thick thatched roof which extends from up up to down.
The entrance to Muzibu Azaala Mpanga is through a low,wide arch partitioned on both sides by richly woven reeds.
Mujaguzo{Royal drums}.
These are the royal drums of the Ganda society. This is a collection of many drums such as Entamivu,Entenga,Namanyonyi,and other drums.
The drums are also worth looking at due to the sounds it gives out.
How to get there?
The tombs are situated at Kasubi hill, on your left turn on to Masiro road Kampala. The drive is approximately 20 minutes from the city centre when the road is free from jam. The site is found on Kampala-Hoima road.You pass via Makerere University and continue to Nakulabye.
Upon reaching Nakulabye round about, you will drive like 1km to Kasubi hill. From here you will head to Masiro road.
Entrance fees at Kasubi tombs.
There are certain fees that various tourists will pay in order to access the tombs. The entrance fees.
For foreign residents they pay around 20 dollars in order to access this place and then foreign residents pay shs 30,000.