After nearly 15 years of meticulous restoration, the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala have reopened to visitors, marking a major milestone for Uganda’s cultural tourism.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as the royal burial ground of the Buganda Kingdom’s kings and is one of the most important living cultural landmarks in Uganda.
The tombs were severely damaged by fire in 2010, leading to their placement on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list until 2023.
The restoration project stands as a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship. Built using only indigenous materials, thatch, reeds, wood, wattle and daub, the reconstruction respected both architectural techniques and the deep spiritual significance of the site.
The iconic vast roof features 52 concentric rings woven from grass, each symbolizing one of the clans of the Buganda Kingdom.
Different clans played specific roles throughout the restoration, ensuring that cultural responsibilities, rituals, and traditions were preserved alongside the physical structure.
Leading architect Jonathan Nsubuga emphasized the spiritual dimension of the work:
“My job was to present a space for the spirits to come up and to give them space to resonate with our thought process.”
While the tombs are now accessible to visitors, the formal reopening ceremony is still pending. The main entrance remains covered with a layer of thatch, which will be ceremonially cut during the official event, a powerful moment for the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda as a whole.
Why You Should Visit the Kasubi Tombs
For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond wildlife safaris, the Kasubi Tombs offer a profound insight into Uganda’s living heritage.
Located in Kampala, the site is easily combined with other city attractions and makes an excellent half-day or full-day cultural tour.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit to the Kasubi Tombs with exciting park tours from Kampala or Entebbe. Many visitors start their Uganda journey in the capital before heading out on day trips or multi-day safaris to nearby Mabira Forest, Lake Mburo National Park, or further afield to Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
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