{UAH} The Destruction of Rebuilding of "Muzibu Azaala Mpanga"

The Destruction of Rebuilding of "Muzibu Azaala Mpanga"

-          By Moses Wilson (June 2014)

Early in the evening on March 16, 2010, fire broke out and the royal mausoleum of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga was burned to the ground.  To the people of Buganda, this was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.

Messages of shock and condolence to Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II and the people of Buganda flooded in from throughout the world.

Investigations into the cause and perpetrators of the fire were carried out by a number of different entities but all proved inconclusive.  What is known for sure however is that this was an act of arson as the fire simultaneously started out in 3 different parts of the structure.  The event led to several days of near riot and physical conflict between Buganda kingdom loyalists and Government of Uganda security forces.  Tragically, 4 people lost their lives in the process.

Over the next few months, people from throughout Buganda were galvanized to commence the reconstruction of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga and many walked long distances carrying traditional building materials to this end.  Kingdom loyalists and supporters throughout the world came together and contributed towards a joint reconstruction fund.  Commitments of financial support were also received from UNESCO and the governments of Uganda, England, France and Japan.  Most recently the Katikiro of Buganda (Owekitiba Peter Mayiga) embarked on an aggressive international fund raising effort titled "Etofaali" that has successfully raised money towards not just the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the entire Kasubi Tombs site, but other areas and structures of financial and cultural significance in the Kingdom of Buganda.

The reconstruction effort initially got bogged down because of a process that was not thoroughly and efficiently developed and administered.  Thankfully, this was eventually worked out and reconstruction efforts got underway.  Other than the initial clean up, the very first major effort was the construction of a solid 8 to 10 foot tall wall surrounding the entire 65 acre site and the implementation of a robust security program.

Graphic renditions of the proposed reconstruction of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga show an edifice and internal environment that will look very much like the original structure, but with numerous engineering improvements and very special attention to the prevention of any similar tragedies in the future.

3 different local construction companies were retained to provide the principal rebuilding efforts.  However, there are certain finishing efforts that can only be accomplished follow very specific traditional protocols.  For example, the thatching of the mausoleum can only be done by members of the "Ngeye" (colobus monkey) Clan.  These thatching skills are passed down from the elders of the clan to younger members during an apprenticeship.  Thatchers are not supposed to have sexual intercourse for the duration of the thatching period.  Similar customs are observed by the decorators of the poles who must belong to the "Ngo" (leopard) Clan.  Various other specific ancillary tasks are assigned to other clans.  The installation of windows into the structure is not allowed because it is believed that their presence would cause leakage.  Pregnant women are also not allowed inside the building during renovation.    

Currently, completion of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga is scheduled for the middle of 2015 although Kingdom officials are quick to add that they are prepared to extend this deadline to ensure as perfect an end result as physically possible.

The rebuilding of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga is only one (albeit the most significant) of a wide range of efforts underway on the site.  Other efforts include significant landscaping, lighting, signage and a much more comprehensive development of the entire site to attract and accommodate visits from the local population as well as international visitors.

I conclude this narrative with intense pride in the spirit and resilience of the Baganda people and true admiration for their unwavering commitment towards the restoration of this very important part of their culture.  The glory of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga will shine again and people from throughout the world will once again be able to visit this monument and gain deeper insight into the history and culture of the people of the Kingdom of Buganda.

-          Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II Awangale

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Credits:     

My comprehensive tour of the Kasubi Tombs was made possible by Omulangira Joseph Mulondo (from the Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II family) who met me upon my arrival and personally acted as my guide (mpangamulondojoseph@gmail.com).

My principal online research included the following websites.

-           www.kasubitombs.org

-           www.unesco.org

Thank you to the many other wonderful people who helped me with my research and contributed to this narrative.