Kasubi Tombs Ruins – Kampala, Uganda - Atlas Obscura

Kasubi Tombs Ruins

Kampala, Uganda

The burial ground of four Buganda monarchs was nearly destroyed by a devastating fire. 

51
82

Situated on Kasubi hill, within Kampala, Uganda, the Kasubi Tombs site is an active religious place in the Buganda Kingdom, the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day Uganda

To the millions of Baganda people the Kabaka, or ‘King’ of the Buganda people, is the unquestioned symbol of the spiritual, political, and social state of the Buganda Kingdom.

As the burial ground for the previous four Kabakas, therefore, the Kasubi Tombs are a place where the Kabaka and others in Buganda’s complex cultural hierarchy frequently carry out important centuries-old Ganda rituals.

In 2010, the complex was struck by a devastating disaster. The mausoleum and largest grass-thatched hut in the world was gutted by fire on March 16, 2010, at about 8.30 p.m. local time. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown. Fortunately, not all of the structures were completely destroyed.

In 2014, restoration efforts backed by the Japanese government began. As such, this is still an active spiritual site and is still open to tourists.

Know Before You Go

The tombs have yet to recover from the 2010 fire, though what remains is open to visitors. As of winter 2019, admission cost 30,000 UGX. Be aware, however, that guides don't often stick to this number. 

Community Contributors
Added by

March 25, 2010

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web