Security personnel at the historic Kasubi Royal Tombs in Masiro Zone, today arrested Semunya Joseph, a 49-year-old resident, following an alleged attempt to trespass and commit arson at the site.
According to Deputy Police Spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire, members of the public observed Semunya attempting to scale the perimeter fence of the tombs using a wooden ladder, which he had brought with him. Upon apprehension, a search revealed a black polythene bag containing a liquid suspected to be flammable, a lighter, and matchboxes.
“The individual had already begun climbing when security personnel and the public intervened. Given the history of this sacred site, we are investigating allegations of attempted arson and criminal trespass. The suspect is currently detained at Old Kampala Police Station for further questioning.” Owoyesigyire explained. “
The Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have a tragic history. In January 2010, the main structure, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, was destroyed by a sudden fire, leaving only the brick foundations. Witness accounts described explosions and unusual objects prior to the blaze, while some claimed gunfire was used to prevent pursuit. The incident left the Buganda Kingdom and the nation deeply shaken, with mourners gathering in grief and singing the Buganda anthem.
Owoyesigyire has confirmed that security around the tombs has been heightened following today’s incident to prevent recurrence. Buganda Kingdom officials continue to emphasize the cultural and historical importance of the site, underscoring that its heritage transcends physical structures.
Investigations into the suspect’s motives are ongoing.
The World Heritage Site comprises around 26 hectares (64 acres) on the Kasubi hill in Kampala, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northwest of the city centre. Most of the site is open agricultural land that is farmed using traditional techniques. One corner contains a royal palace built in 1882 by Muteesa I, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda, to replace a palace built by his father, Ssuuna II in 1820. The new palace became a royal burial ground on his death in 1884.
The site is one of 31 royal tombs across the Buganda kingdom since the kingdom was founded in the 13th century. Traditionally, the body of the deceased king was buried in one place, with a separate shrine for the deceased king’s jawbone, believed to contain his soul. Unusually, in a break from tradition, the site in Kampala contains the royal tombs of four Kabakas of Buganda:
Muteesa I (1835–1884), Mwanga II (1867–1903) (died in exile on the Seychelles Islands, and remains returned in 1910), Daudi Chwa II (1896–1939), Sir Edward Muteesa II (1924–1969) (died in exile in London, and remains returned in 1971).
Descendants of these four Kabakas are buried elsewhere on the site.