A day after Buganda Kingdom's royal burial grounds were destroyed by fire, Buganda Kingdom officials announced a week of mourning from March 22-28 that will culminate with prayer.

Buganda Katikkiro J.B Walusimbi made the pronouncements on Wednesday as the news of the complete destruction of one of Uganda’s outstanding cultural heritages spread around the world.

The grass-thatched tombs which comprised the graves of four past Buganda Kings including Sir Edward Muteesa, Daudi Chwa, Mwanga, had survived years of political turmoil in the seventies and eighties.

The mausoleum was built 131 years ago by the late Kabaka Muteesa 1. It was enhanced during Kabaka Chwa’s reign.

The burnt tombs were one of the only three UNESCO world heritage sites, the two others being Rwenzori mountains and Bwindi impenetrable park.

The burning of the tombs happened less than a day after two Kenyan students and one Ugandan who were studying at Makerere University were shot dead by a private security guard in the suburb of Kinoni.

Museveni pledges to reconstruct it

President Yoweri Museveni who visited the place after the fire burnt tombs discounted deliberate acts of arson but nonetheless ordered for a thorough investigation of the matter.

“We shall, as government consult with Buganda and see what we can do to remedy the situation. I don’t know if it can be reconstructed but if we can, then we pledge our help,” Museveni added.

Katikkiro Walusimbi said they intend to get in touch with experts to restore the tombs.

Meanwhile the incident has aroused a deep sense of sorrow not just among the Baganda but also among other Ugandans who have referred to the loss of a huge piece of Uganda’s heritage and a piece of identity.

Robert Sebunya, President Museveni’s senior adviser on Buganda affairs, bemoaned the loss saying: “This is a royal establishment that has been there for over one hundred years. It’s really absurd,” he said.

The destruction came at a critical time in Buganda’s recent history when the Kingdom is experiencing its highest tensions with the NRM government.

The tension follows the government’s move to close Buganda’s radio station CBS over alleged fanning of protest in which property worth billions were lost.

The fire further deepens suspicion especially among the skeptical Baganda as to whether the two institutions can finally burry the anger and start a new chapter. blog comments powered by Disqus

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