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ROYAL HERITAGE TRIAL.
Bulange Building
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Bulange is one of the most significant buildings found in the palace (Lubiri). It hosts the Kingdom’s administration and its Parliament where the Kabaka meets members of the Buganda Lukiiko (Buganda Parliament). Before Bulange building was constructed, members of the Lukiiko used to sit under trees on grass but later, they decided to build the Lukiiko sit which was grass thatched. Later, Sir Apollo Kaggwa who was the then Prime Minister decided to build a new Bulange with bricks. He gave the contract to an Indian Alidina Visram and work was started in 1902. It was constructed near the entrance to the Lubiri but its design and durability were highly criticized by the youth. However, when Kabaka’s government expanded, there was need to create a bigger Lukiiko hall. Therefore the new Bulange contrary to the Kiganda Culture was built outside the Lubiri something that saw a lot of criticism from most of the Baganda.
In the year 1953 while in exile in Scotland, Ssekabaka Muteesa II saw the plan, admired it, brought it with him on his return and he decided that the Lukiiko sit should be constructed using the plan. The construction work was started in 1953 and was completed in 1958 at a cost of 5 millions which was a vast sum of money by then. It became the administrative sit of the Kingdom and the main feature in it is the Lukiiko hall. It has no upper floors because in the Kiganda culture, no body sits above and over the Kabaka’s head “Kabaka tatulwa ku mutwe”. The spot at which Bulange stands was formally occupied by the first English Police Post and was called Namirembe. It took the name Bulange from Bulange hill due to the weaving grass that used to grow on that hill. It was built facing directly the Lubiri entrance with a mile long avenue called Kabakaanjagala linking the two. “Although it had for over 20 years been out of Buganda’s control, it still maintains its original stature despite once being gutted by fire. The symbols of the 50 clans are prominently depicted on the walls in the foyler of the Bulange.
In the year 1966, the country Uganda faced a political turmoil, the Lubiri was invaded and captured. Bulange was turned into the Uganda army headquarters and the cultural institutions were abolished. However, in the year 1993, cultural institutions were re-instated and Bulange was handed back to the Kingdom. Although the Lukiiko resumed its duties, there were restrictions in the way they were to carry out their work. The Kingdom became a constitutional monarchy. The Lukiiko was to legislate only cultural laws and to deal with other developmental issues but were barred from Politics. No political issues were to be handled by the Buganda Lukiiko. These were left for the central government. The Kabaka was made apolitical. By this time, the Lukiiko was composed of 68 directly elected members from the Buganda counties, 18 Buganda county chiefs, 6 members who were appointed by the Kabaka and members of the Buganda cabinet ministers.
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Hidden Menu
Twekobe
Twekobe is the official residence of the Kabaka, or king, of Buganda, one of three extant structures within the palace grounds (the Lubiri) at Mengo. In 1966, Obote’s army, led at the time by Idi Amin, badly damaged the Lubiri and the Twekobe, turning what remained of the latter into an army barracks. In preparation for the Akaka’s royal wedding in 1999, the Katikkiro (the Prime Minister of Buganda), Joseph Semwogerere Mulwanyamuli, called on the Baganda (the people of Buganda) to help rebuild the palace. Semwogerere’s successful appeal was a measure of the strength of the traditional cultural institution of the Kabaka and the tradition of bulungi bwansi—working for the common good—that is said to have inspired the construction of Makerere University, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Kibuli Mosque, and the Bulange (Buganda Parliament Building). The project also showed the power of cultural heritage and identity as a driver of economic development.
KAKABAS L
Situated in Ndeeba between Ring road and Nahunta road, Kabaka’s Lake is considered the largest excavated lake in Africa, was dug out on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in 1880’s as “an escape corridor”to Lake Victoria, but the actual link to the big lake was never achieved as he was driven from his capital by Muslim dissenters.
Kabakas Trail Acticities.
The Kabaka’s Trail offers a unique journey through the kingdom of Buganda’s rich heritage, shaped by the region’s kinds and their descendants. It gives you a chance to learn about the hidden and the forgotten history of Buganda, as well as to experience an authentic, traditional culture – with dance, music, craft making, spiritual healing, story telling, traditional herbal medicines and traditional food preparations. The trail consists of seven cultural sites all within easy reach of Kampala the capital city of Uganda.
Kasubi Tombs where the Buganda's former four kings were burried;
Naggalabi Buddo Coronation site – Where Buganda's kings are crowned;
Katareke Prison – where the Kabaka's imprisoned and punished law breakers;
Wamala King’s Tombs – Where King Wamala was burried. A place of ritual and ceremony;
Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs – linking mother and son forever;
Ssezibwa Falls – where Buganda kings (Kabaka) used to tour, a hydro-electric dam proposed;
Nnamasole Baagalayaze Tombs and Cultural Centre – a place of hope, celebration and learning.
According to Buganda culture, a king does not die but gets lost in the forest. Inside the royal tomb, for example the Kasubi Tombs and the Wamala Tombs above, one is shown the entrance of the forest. It is taboo to look beyond the entrance to the forest.
Meet a King's representative who takes you through the history and culture of the heritage site. Brief history and short guided walks around the site is offered.
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Many other Ganda sites are worth visiting, not only for sight-seeing, but also to experience an authentic traditional culture with dance, music, craft making, spiritual healing and storytelling. Six other sites which are within easy reach from Kampala are described here. The region is also famous for its wildlife
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Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs
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The Kanyange Nnamasole Tombs house the body of Nnamasole Kanyange, the mother of Ssekabaka Suuna II who is buried at the Wamala Tombs. They are located on a hillside looking across a valley to Suuna II’s Wamala Tombs. The same Kanyange Nnamasole Tombs also house the bodies of other subsequent Nnamasoles (Nnamasole is the mother of a Kabaka). The tombs are an important place for rituals and ceremonies, and contain a special sacred drum used to summon Suuna II’s spirit. A historical walk to the impressive Wamala tombs retraces the steps that Kanyange and Suuna followed to visit each other.
How to Get There
Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs site is located at Kagoma, Kyadondo county of Buganda, along the Kampala-Bombo Road. When coming from Kampala, drive 12 Kilometers along the Kampala-Bombo Road. Turn left at Kagoma trading center onto a dirt road that goes to the tombs, 0.25 Kilometers away. The trip is approximately 25 minutes from Kampala.
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Wamala King's Tombs
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Set on a hilltop with beautiful surroundings, Wamala is the sacred burial place of Kabaka Suuna II (1836-1856), who had 148 wives and 218 children. Suuna was the last King to be buried in his own palace and the last to have his jaw bone removed after death. He was also the first King to admit outside traders into Buganda. A magical but almost forgotten place, Wamala Tomb is quite unique.
How to Get There
Wamala Tombs site is located at Wamunyenye, Kyadondo County of Buganda, along the Kampala-Hoima Road. When coming from Kampala, drive 13 Kilometers along the Kampala-Hoima Road through Nansana Town to Nansana Trading Center. Turn right at Nansana Trading Center onto a dirt road that goes to the tombs, 1.5 Kilometers away. The trip is approximately 30 minutes from Kampala.
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Baagalayaze Nnamasole Tombs
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This site houses the tomb of Nnamasole Baagalayazes, the mother of Kabaka Mwanga II, who died in 1916. She was revered by the local community and well known for her generosity. The tomb and its enclosure have become a cultural centre to celebrate the people and history of Buganda. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances (music, dance and drama), try their hands at art and crafts, and hear vivid stories about the kingdom and Kabakas of Buganda.
How to Get There
Nnamasole Baagalayaze Tombs site is located at Mpererwe, Busiro County of Buganda, along the Kampala-Gayaza Road. When coming from Kampala, drive 15 Kilometers along the Kampala-Gayaza Road to Mpererwe Trading Center. Turn left onto a turmac road (opposite the big mvule tree) that goes to the tombs, 1 Kilometer away. The trip is approximately 25 minutes from Kampala.
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Naggalabi Coronation Site, Buddo 
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Naggalabi Buddo, is where the Kabakas of Buganda have been crowned for the past 700 years. It is said that Buganda accession ceremonies take place on Buddo Hill because it was there that Kintu, the first Kabaka of Buganda, killed his brother Bemba and declared himself King in the 13th Century. It is the most important single site in Ganda culture, and lies at the heart of the Buganda Kingdom. The coronation of Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Kimera Mutebi II, which was attended by tens of thousands of people, took place at Naggalabi on 31st July 1993. The site is very pleasant with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
How to Get There
Nagalabi coronation site is located at Nagalabi, Busiro County of Buganda, along the Kampala-Masaka Road. When coming from Kampala, drive 11 Kilometers along the Kampala-Masaka Road through Kyengera trading center. Turn left at Nakasozi onto a tarmac road that goes to the site, 2 Kilometers away. The trip is approximately 20 minutes from Kampala.
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