23 March. Following the fire on 16 March that destroyed the main building of the Kasubi Royal Tombs at the World Heritage Site in Uganda, many messages of support have circulated worldwide from heritage professionals.

This site is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the main building, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, a circular building surmounted by a dome. It has been a major example of an architectural structure in organic materials, mainly wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main significance lies in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.

This site had been associated with AFRICA 2009 since its inception. The programme contributed to its nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List (WHC) and the creation of a management plan. Although AFRICA 2009 has come to an end, its partners are confident that the strong network of institutions and professionals are ready to provide support, expertise and advice for whatever actions are necessary for the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of this iconic heritage. 

So far, the Ugandan Department of Museums and Monuments (DMM) have ascertained that damaged consists of:

• the entire roof structure: the palings and the thatch and the interior ceiling (52 structural rings);
• all supporting poles have been affected in some way;
• walls were damaged due some poles collapsing onto the structure;
• most of the interior decoration was completely burnt (backcloth, mats etc)

Documentation and damage assessment is now underway, however the site still needs to be secured to avoid further damage. Task forces from various institutions including the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) has been invited to assess damage and propose ways of reconstruction.

However, moral, material and support are greatly needed. If you are able to help in any way please contact:

Mrs Rose Nkaale MWANJA
Ag Commissioner
Department of Museums and Monuments (DMM)
Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry
Box 365 or 5718,  Kampala
UGANDA
Tel/ fax: (+ 256) 4123-2707
Email: mumod@mtti.go.ug, mwanja@mtti.go.ug, mwanjankale@yahoo.com

updated on: 8 April, 2010