Kasubi tombs repair to last six months

Kampala

The reconstruction of Kasubi tombs is estimated to take at least six months, Buganda Kingdom Information Minister Charles Peter Mayiga has said.

The project will cost about Shs10 billion from Shs5 billion that was projected earlier.

He said there was need to concentrate on the restoration work by the kingdom’s construction experts who will reinstate the historical site precisely before re-opening the tombs to local and foreign tourists.

“It will be a no-go area for the public except assigned consultants and cultural heads will access the site to do their technical work and perform some rituals respectively,” Mr Mayiga said on Sunday.

The 128-year-old royal tombs, which housed remains of four fallen Buganda kings, went up in flames on March 16.

The kingdom declared a week of mourning which climaxed with special prayers on Friday.

Two people died during a stampede while several others sustained injuries at the ceremony.

Mr Mayiga regretted the incident but said the huge crowds that turned up was a clear manifestation that the Baganda love their Kabaka.

“We express our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the prayers and those who sustained injuries,” Mr Mayiga said.

The site is a national heritage and international treasure gazetted by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

The Katikkiro, Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi, said last week that part of the land would be turned into a cultural village to attract more tourists, set up a tele-centre and a traditional tourist sanctuary.

He said a perimeter wall will also be erected around the tombs and surveillance cameras fitted.

He said four committees for the reconstruction of the tombs had been established. These committees include, technical, finance and cultural.