Bakiga based in UK raise Shs2.3 million for Kasubi rebuilding

A group of Ugandans from the former greater Kigezi district, now living and working in the United Kingdom have raised Shs 2.3 million as a contribution to the rebuilding of the burnt Kasubi tombs.

The tombs, where four former kings of Buganda are buried, are a UNESCO Heritage Site. The grouping, under the International Community of Banyakigezi- UK Chapter collected the money last week.
About 60 people from different countries of the world also contributed money towards the cause.

Embassy contributes
The Ugandan High Commission in London which was represented by the deputy Head of Mission, Ms Mumtaz Kassam, contributed Shs 300,000.
Ms Kassam, speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner, Ms Joan Rwabyomere, thanked the Banyakigezi and their friends for identifying a good cause and going ahead to match their concern with practical action.

The Chairman of Banyakigezi Community in UK, Mr Johnson Mujungu, said the members were touched when they heard about the razing down of the tombs.
“We felt that their burning down was a loss to all Ugandans and all people who value and cherish our heritage—and decided that we could make a contribution, however small,” Mr Mujungu said.

A representative of Buganda community in London and member of Buganda Heritage Association, Mr Nkata-Masembe, thanked the Banyakigezi for showing a sign of unity beyond borders.

“While the Kasubi Tombs are based in Buganda, this gesture by Banyakigezi, who hail hundreds of miles away from Buganda, shows that we have a good crop of Ugandans who cherish unity of purpose,” he said.