Bungada tomb area in Kasubi

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized the Bungada Tomb Zone in Kasubi of Uganda as the World Cultural Heritage in 2001.

Bungada tomb area in Kasubi is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage listed in the list of Heritage at risk of being threatened by many parts of the heritage have been completely destroyed. Bungada tomb area in Kasubi is an area of ​​approximately 30 hectares stretching on the hillside of Kampala district. This is the resting place of the four kings of the Bungada kingdom: King Muteesa I (1835–1884); King Mwanga II (1867–1903); King Daudi Chwa II (1896–1939) and King Sir Edward Muteesa II (1924–1969). All descendants of four Ugandan kings after their death were buried in the area behind the main temple. Therefore, this place became the royal cemetery of Uganda.

Although it is now used as a royal cemetery, the first purpose of these works is not to make a tomb or a cemetery. In 1882, King Muteesa I built these buildings for royal palaces. Two years later, when King Muteesa I died, this place was used as a place of worship and containing the king's remains. From then on, the kings after death were buried here.

Diagram of Buganda tomb area

Bungada tomb in Kasubi is designed with a very impressive style with wooden pillars bundled in cloth, the ground is covered with palm leaves and grass. The construction of this tomb area is also very unique because these buildings are completely built in the style of indigenous tradition. The materials used to build the tombs are also local materials. Walls were erected with woven reeds. Fabrics used to decorate columns are made from fig bark. This tree has important implications in the rituals of Ugandans. Ugandans also obey the unspoken rules, disregarding that is a male when roofing is not allowed to have sex with a wife or lover until the job is completed. At the same time, women are not allowed to enter the house during the roofing period because it is believed that if they make a mistake, the roof will leak when the monsoon comes. In addition, 52 ethnic groups of Ugandan culture exhibited the 52 roof structure circles . Historians say that the construction of royal tombs dates back to the 13th century, but the exact time cannot be determined.

In 2001, this tomb area was recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco . Since then, it has become one of the special attractions to attract tourists in Uganda. When visiting this tomb area, tourists were amazed at the impressive indigenous architecture, and admired the numerous treasures of the Royal Family that are still preserved and displayed. On March 16, 2010, in a massive fire, several major buildings in the tomb area at Kasubi were almost completely burned down. After the fire caused great damage, the Government of Uganda called for support to re-establish and restore the Tomb. Although at present, most of the works have been reconstructed according to the first prototype but it is not really the original.

The construction is very unique with local materials creating an impression for these architectural works.

Currently, this tomb area is still particularly important in Uganda. Traditional rituals are maintained, inherited from hundreds of years, which are continuously held here every year. One of those rituals is a ceremonial ritual , a ritual performed between tribal people and their king. The ceremonial ritual is always held on the days of heavy rain and wind, the special thing that creates the attraction for this ritual is that it is carried out secretly inside the building, no outsider is known and attend.

The artifacts are still stored and displayed at the royal tomb area

The Bungada tomb in Kasubi is recognized by Unesco as a World Cultural Heritage listed in the list of endangered Heritage under the criteria (i), (iii), (iv), (vi).

Criterion (i): Bungada tomb in Kasubi is a testament to human creativity, more specifically of the old Bungada people.

Criterion (iii): Bungada Tombs in Kasubi Stork are historical and cultural evidence of Bungada peoples

Criterion (iv): Bungada tomb area in Kasubi, in addition to its historical and cultural significance, is also a perfect architectural work built on the traditional construction method, smoothly combined with material sources. local. The buildings here also affect other structures in Uganda many centuries later.

Criterion (vi): Currently, this area is still used as a sacred place to carry out religious and preserved ceremonies throughout generations.

The big fire in 2010 burned down most of the main buildings in the tomb area