Kasubi tombs custodian blames Mengo for delayed restoration

Kampala

The lead caretaker of the Kasubi tombs has blamed the delayed reconstruction of the destroyed cultural site on officials at Mengo who halted the materials contribution exercise.

Addressing journalists early this week, Nalinya Beatrice Nalika Mpologoma urged kingdom loyalists to bring whatever they can to start off the tombs reconstruction.

“We cannot allow our ‘Kabakas’ to be socked in rain for three months. Let everybody bring whatever they have so we start reconstruction,” Princess Namika said.

Reconstruction of the tombs was expected to kick off Monday.
“The Katikiro is to blame. If there is no money, he should let the people know instead of keeping them in darkness,” the visibly irked Namika said.

However, the kingdom Deputy Information Minister Medard Lubega Sseggona said the kingdom had started buying construction materials.

“We must put up the necessary infrastructure to store things like cement and others before constructions starts. We should not be tempted to rush and end up operating in a disjointed manner,” Mr Lubega said.

Work in progress
According to officials at Mengo, the initial stage of reconstruction will involve the restoration of the Muzibu-Azaalampanga, the shell that houses Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s forefathers and their regalia, the tombs attendants’ cultural homes and part of the perimeter wall.

At least Sh334 million has been generated from local and foreign donations and Price Water House Coopers, an international audit firm, will manage the funds.

The 130-year-old royal tombs, which housed remains of four fallen Buganda kings, went up in flames on March 16.
Last week, 11 committees were appointed to oversee the reconstruction of the tombs.
The tombs are also one the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa.