The Kasubi Tombs on Kasubi Hill in Kampala are the burial place of four Buganda kingdom kabakas (kings) and the most important cultural heritage site in Uganda. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex represents the finest surviving example of traditional Baganda architecture — a massive reed and bark-cloth structure that serves simultaneously as royal mausoleum, active shrine, and the living spiritual centre of the Buganda Kingdom. A visit takes 1–2 hours and is appropriate as a first or last day cultural stop in Kampala before or after your national park circuit.
The History of Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi site was established in 1882 by Kabaka Mutesa I, who converted the royal palace into a tomb for his burial. The tradition continued with three subsequent kabakas (Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Edward Mutesa II) buried in the same complex. The main structure — the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga — is a 60-metre-diameter circular building constructed using traditional materials: bark cloth, papyrus reed, and dried grass. It is one of the largest traditional buildings in Africa and the most significant religious site of the Baganda people.
In 2010, a fire destroyed much of the main structure. Reconstruction has been ongoing and partially completed — the site is open to visitors with a combination of restored sections and ongoing reconstruction work. The scale of the original structure is still apparent even in partial form.
Visiting the Tombs
- Entry: Approximately USD $5 per person (foreigners rate). Local guides are assigned at the entrance — the guide fee is included in the entry or a small additional tip is appropriate.
- Dress code: Modest dress required — no shorts or bare shoulders inside the inner chambers. Shoes removed before entering certain areas.
- Photography: Permitted in external areas; restricted inside the inner tomb chambers.
- Opening hours: Generally 8am–6pm daily. Check current hours with your accommodation — the site occasionally closes for royal ceremonies.
Getting to Kasubi from Kampala City Centre
Kasubi Tombs are on Kasubi Hill, approximately 5 km from the Kampala city centre on the Hoima Road. Driving time: 15–20 minutes from central Kampala. Parking is available at the site. The self-drive approach is straightforward — follow Hoima Road northwest from the city.
Car Hire 4×4 Drive recommends Kasubi Tombs as a half-day cultural activity on arrival or departure day in Kampala. Contact us for vehicle rental starting from the city.
