March 16, 2010 will be a day to remember for all future generations of Buganda; it will be a day of mourning. The much revered Kasubi tombs were burnt to the ground by unknown arsonists around 8:30 PM. According to eyewitness reports, the grand structure which housed the remains of four Buganda kings (Bassekabaka) and other members of the royal family, was set alight by people who intended to finish it. Interestingly, the two NRM government fire trucks which responded to the fire, turned out not to have any water , making them useless. This, combined with the fact that Uganda government security men tried to disperse the crowd of Baganda who tried to bring water in buckets, has left many of Kabaka’s subjects bitter.
Four Kabakas (Bassekabaka) are buried at Kasubi tombs, namely:
1. Muteesa I (1835-1884)
2. Basamula Mwanga II (1867-1903)
3. Daudi Chwa II (1896-1939)
4. Fredrick Walugembe Muteesa II (1924-1969)
Although there is no word yet on who set the sacred Baganda royal cemetery to fire a vast majority of Baganda lay the blame squarely on Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni. Many point out that Mr. Museveni has laid siege on Buganda since 2009, putting travelling restrictions on Kabaka Mutebi, shooting dead over 30 Baganda who protested when the Kabaka was stopped from visiting Kayunga (Bugerere), closing Radio Buganda and persecuting many of the Kabaka’s officials.
March 17th, 2010 at 8:10 am
I am deeply troubled by the sudden tragic horror of fire which has happen.Its cannot be described in words how somebody could do something like are witnessing, burning away the tomb which is culture and tradition of another is extremely bad.
May the soul of those kings in kisubi tombs rest in peace,God protect kingdom of Buganda and its people.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Whoever is responsible for this most ugly terrorism will have to pay dearly for it. Even their children, grand children and their great grand children will still have to pay for it dearly! It does not matter how long justice takes to come by but it will certainly do!!
Wangaala nyo ayi Ssabasajja Kabaka!
March 17th, 2010 at 10:52 am
This comes as a very big shock to the whole entire international community which has always taken special pride in the Kasubi Royal Tombs which have strongly provided glory to the Black Continent and pride to the world.That Great Hut (Muzibu Azaala Mpanga) symbolized much in art, history, architecture and science.Sorry to see that it’s no more! Shame to the culprits for their very dirty,silly, foolish, stupid, and abominable devilish act!Let them get a visa to hell for their punishment!
Condolences to our very much beloved Kabaka,Buganda Kingdom, Uganda whose very many brave sons and daughters are now with us at this very sad hour, the international community who have lost that cherished monument they so dearly loved and almost adored! A word of appreciation to the UNESCO for having shown a pragmatic concern over this very sinister affair. Eternal rest for those two persons killed at Kasubi by the much ruthless security forces! And a much committed solidarity with Mengo for the seven days of mourning, and as well as for the very rapid decision to appoint a special committee to plan and put in action the reconstruction of the very great Mausoleum.We shall try to see to it that it will be structurally as original as the original one and even much bigger to house more and more tombs of our future Kabakas. Humanity lives, dies, and yet continues to live.With that in mind, I already see an extra elegant Muzibu Azaala Mpanga already standing majestically out of its ashes!What a big shame to the fools who carried out the now internationally condemned silly gesture!
Awangaale Kitaffe Ssabasajja, Ekitangaala Ekimulisa Enjuba!
Dr G.H.Kkolokolo (Paris / France)