Prime
Shs6b so far spent on restoration of Kasubi tombs
What you need to know:
- In 2010, when the Katikkiro (Buganda prime minister), Mr Chrales Peter Mayiga was still the kingdom information minister, he had projected that the construction works would last at least six months, meaning the tombs would have been completed by October the same year.
Buganda Kingdom says it has so far spent a total of Shs6.064 billion on the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs destroyed by the fire in March 2010.
Of this amount, Shs4, 064, 347, 329 was reportedly raised by the kingdom through Ettoffaali fundraising drive towards the reconstruction of the tombs, a historical UNESCO World Heritage site where four of Buganda’s last kings are buried.
“Out of Shs4 billion raised by the kingdom, Shs2, 594,879,605 was spent on building a perimeter wall covering 63 acres to protect the land from land grabbers and other encroachers; Bulinnya (the official residence of the princess in charge of the tombs; other caretakers’ houses and a solar and water systems among others,” the kingdom spokesperson, Mr Noah Kiyimba said in s statement issued Saturday.
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Kasubi Tombs caretaker concerned over delays
Princess Beatrice Namika Mpologoma wonders why work has taken longer than earlier expected.
The government of Uganda through a cabinet decision contributed Shs2 billion towards the reconstruction of the tombs ad promised more if they are furnished with accountability.
“Satisfied with the accountability provided, the government pledged another Shs 2 billion of which President Museveni handed over Shs 300 million on November 18, 2019,” Mr Kiyimba added.
Kasubi tombs before they were burnt
According to him, the major works on the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the mausoleum at Kasubi are nearing completion with delicate ceiling (Ddaali) at over 90 percent, according to the statement.
“The metallic roof structure which supports the rafters of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga ispanted with rust free and fireproof paint imported from Germany. The Japanese government through a grant of US$ 500,000 to UNESCO will be used to buy fire-fighting equipment which will be installed at the completion of the works,” he said before adding that the kingdom is working hard to ensure that the restoration of the tombs is complete.
“However, it will not rush through this tedious work to ensure that all the cultural norms required to complete the works are followed to the latter.”
READ:
Kasubi Tombs slowly rise from the ashes
Reconstruction has dragged on for seven years due to limited funds and cultural rites that needed to be performed first
In 2010, when the Katikkiro (Buganda prime minister), Mr Chrales Peter Mayiga was still the kingdom information minister, he had projected that the construction works would last at least six months, meaning the tombs would have been completed by October the same year. When he assumed the office of Katikkiro in May 2013, Mr Mayiga set March 16, 2014 as deadline to complete the reconstruction.
According to the kingdom plan, the site is expected to be turned into cultural villages to attract more tourists, set up a tele-centre and a traditional tourist sanctuary.
