Royal Heritage
The tombs of four Kabakas make Kasubi one of the most important sites of the Buganda Kingdom.
Uganda Historical & Cultural Sites
Kasubi Tombs
On Kasubi Hill in Kampala, a great thatched dome shelters the resting place of four Kabakas of Buganda, a masterpiece of traditional architecture and a living spiritual site.
- Location
- Kasubi Hill, Kampala
- Known For
- Royal tombs of Buganda
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Note
- Under restoration
Discover the Kasubi Tombs
Where the kings of Buganda rest.
The Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial ground of four Buganda kings, or Kabakas. Set on Kasubi Hill a few kilometres from central Kampala, the site showcases impressive traditional Ganda architectural styles built from wood, reeds, wattle, daub and thatch.
The main building, known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is a vast circular thatched structure that was originally the palace of Kabaka Muteesa I, built in the 1880s. After his death it became his tomb, and three of his successors were later buried there too: Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa II.
In 2010 the main tomb building was badly damaged by fire. Rebuilding with traditional materials and craft skills has been under way since then, and parts of the site have been undergoing construction. Access and what can be seen may vary, so we confirm the current situation before including Kasubi in your itinerary.
Why visit Kasubi
A living royal and spiritual site.
Kasubi is not just a monument; it remains a sacred place at the heart of Buganda identity.
Traditional Architecture
The great thatched dome is one of the finest examples of organic Ganda building techniques using wood, reeds and grass.
Living Traditions
Guardians, royal widows' descendants and clan custodians continue to care for the site and its rituals.
Craft Revival
Restoration has relied on master thatchers and the Ngeye clan, keeping traditional building skills alive.
Easy City Visit
Kasubi is close to central Kampala and combines well with Mengo Palace, the Bulange and the Uganda Museum.
Location
Where are the Kasubi Tombs?
The Kasubi Tombs stand on Kasubi Hill in the northwest of Kampala, a short drive from the city centre, depending on traffic. From Entebbe International Airport the journey usually takes around one to one and a half hours.
Kasubi is easily combined with other Buganda heritage sites in Kampala, including the Kabaka's Palace at Mengo, the Bulange parliament building and the Kabaka's Lake.
When to visit
When to visit the Kasubi Tombs.
The site can be visited year-round, subject to restoration works; dry months are most comfortable for city touring.
Main Dry Season
Warm, mostly sunny days, comfortable for walking around hilltop sites.
Long Rains
Heavier afternoon showers; visits are still possible, with mornings often clear.
Mid-Year Dry Season
Pleasant, drier weather and the busiest travel period in Uganda.
Short Rains
Intermittent showers and green hills, with fewer visitors.
What is the best month to visit the Kasubi Tombs?
Kampala's heritage sites can be visited in any month; check restoration status before you go.
Dry and warm, comfortable for a Kampala heritage tour.
Often hot and sunny, a good month for city sightseeing.
Long rains begin; plan visits for the morning.
The wettest month, with heavy afternoon showers.
Rains ease and the city hills turn deep green.
Drier weather returns as the main travel season begins.
Pleasant and dry, a busy month for Uganda safaris.
Good weather for combining Kasubi with other Buganda sites.
Mostly fine, with occasional showers.
Short rains return, with quieter heritage sites.
Showery afternoons; mornings are usually best for visits.
Drier and warm, with festive activity across Kampala.
Explore the area
Discover the Kasubi site.
The tombs form a complex of buildings and spaces, each with its own role.
Main tombMuzibu Azaala MpangaThe great domed house where the four Kabakas are buried, behind a bark-cloth curtain screening the sacred forest within.
EntranceBujjabukula GatehouseThe traditional gatehouse where visitors enter, once guarded by royal sentries.
CourtyardThe Royal CourtyardAn open space surrounded by houses of the royal widows' descendants and guardians, used for ceremonies.
CraftThe Drum House & Restoration WorksAreas linked to royal drums and ongoing reconstruction, where traditional thatching skills can be seen when work is active.
A Buganda Heritage Tour
Walk in the footsteps of the Kabakas.
With a knowledgeable guide, visit Kasubi as part of a half-day tour of Buganda heritage in Kampala. Learn how the tombs were built, why they matter to the Baganda, and how the community has worked to restore them after the fire.
Continue to the Kabaka's Palace at Mengo, the Bulange parliament and the Kabaka's Lake for a rounded picture of one of Africa's oldest surviving kingdoms.
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Tours that include the Kasubi Tombs
Kampala city and cultural tours that include Buganda's royal sites.
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The story behind the Kasubi Tombs.
Kasubi was built in 1882 as the palace of Kabaka Muteesa I, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda. On his death in 1884 he was buried there, beginning its role as a royal burial ground. Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa II, the first President of Uganda, were later laid to rest beside him.
UNESCO inscribed the Kasubi Tombs on the World Heritage List in 2001, recognising them as an outstanding example of Ganda architecture and as a place of deep spiritual and cultural value. In March 2010 the main tomb building was destroyed by fire, a great loss for the Baganda and for Uganda as a whole, and the site was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Reconstruction has been a long and careful process, led by the Buganda Kingdom with national and international support, and using traditional materials and the hereditary skills of the clans responsible for building and thatching royal houses. Visitors are asked to respect the sacred nature of the site and its customs.
Can I visit the Kasubi Tombs now?
Restoration work has been ongoing since the 2010 fire, so access can vary. We check the current situation before your trip and adjust your tour if needed.
Who is buried at Kasubi?
Four Kabakas of Buganda: Muteesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa II.
Why is Kasubi a World Heritage Site?
For its outstanding traditional Ganda architecture and its continuing spiritual and cultural importance.
Is there a dress code?
Modest clothing is respectful. Visitors usually remove shoes before entering the main tomb, and women may be asked to wear a wrap-around skirt.
How long does a visit take?
Around an hour at Kasubi, or half a day combined with other Buganda heritage sites.
Can I take photographs?
Photography outside is generally allowed, but inside the tomb it may be restricted; your guide will advise.
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