KAMPALA
A mysterious fire has burnt one of Buganda’s historic kings’ coronation sites at Naggalabi hill in Wakiso District. The fire, which started in the wee hours of yesterday morning, destroyed the 450-year-old Bwanika House where kings to the throne perform cultural activities before they sit on the helm.
Waning through the muddy murrum road, hundreds of people trekked to the sacred place where only a few had visited 19 years ago when Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II was installed king. “It is another sad day for the kingdom, but I wonder why it is always in this kingdom that the cultural sites are destroyed and no one takes action,” Ms James Kasujja, a subject, said amid sobs.
Tens of subjects who rushed to the scene, located on Masaka Road, about seven kilometres from Kampala, including kingdom officials yesterday morning could not hold back tears.
Many stood puzzled, asking “why?” or said “not again,” in reference to the Kasubi Tombs that were burnt two-and half-years ago. The tombs are burial grounds for Buganda kings.
Police said the cause of fire was unknown but did not rule out the work of an arsonist.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Andrew Kaweesi said one person had been arrested but he was suspected of being drunk roaming around the place. “This looks like the action was intentional but as police, we shall continue to investigate and get some other clues that could lead us to the arsonists,” Mr Kaweesi said.
Police said the cause of fire was unknown but did not rule out the work of an arsonist.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Andrew Kaweesi said one person had been arrested but he was suspected of being drunk roaming around the place. “This looks like the action was intentional but as police, we shall continue to investigate and get some other clues that could lead us to the arsonists,” Mr Kaweesi said.
The incident comes just a month after Naggalabi reception, 50 metres away from the coronation platform was burnt by unidentified people.
All is left are few isolated huts seated on about an acre of land, surrounded by trees and a hill.
All is left are few isolated huts seated on about an acre of land, surrounded by trees and a hill.
Lawrence Kimbowa, the caretaker of Naggalabi, said he never took it seriously when the reception was burnt down. “However, now I believe that yesterday’s action was an intended move,” Mr Kimbowa said.
He added: “In July, I thought it (Nagalabbi reception) was mistakenly burnt by children who always use the place as a playground. The fire was put in different areas because by the time I came out of the house, the site had collapsed.” “I always keep the keys to that house and there has not been any fire burning inside for a week,” Mr Kimbowa said.
Former Buganda deputy information minister Medard Lubega Ssegona also suspects yesterday’s incident was the work of an arsonist.
Meanwhile, the Kabaka’s subjects yesterday poured scorn on the Mengo establishment for neglecting the historical site hence being encroached on. “The burning of the site is a blessing in disguise because (Buganda) officials neglected the place,” Mr Eric Jjemba Lutaaya, a subject said.Several of Buganda historical sites lie in a ruin or are dilapidated.
bkiyaga@ug.nationmedia.com
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