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Fire ravages Kasubi Tombs
News of the devastating fire that laid waste to the Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi, a World Heritage Site in Uganda last week has shocked the heritage fraternity. While the cause of the fire has yet to be determined there is some speculation that it may be related to ongoing tensions between the between the government of President Museveni and the Buganda Kingdom.
As Mrs Deidre Prins Solani, President of the AFRICOM Board notes, “It is sad moment for the African Heritage, and in particular the Government of Uganda, at a time Africa has taken aggressive steps to seriously address issues of managing World Heritage properties in collaboration with UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, IUCN, African World Heritage Fund, CHDA, EPA and many other institutions. While we bemoan this incident, AFRICOM would like to reiterate the growing need and the urgency of disaster management planning on the African continent. As the Government of Uganda starts the painful process of rehabilitating the KASUBI TOMBS to their former glory, we urge all technical partners and the heritage fraternity within and outside Africa to render support. AFRICOM also regrets any loss of life during this inferno at the site. The fire could have gutted the physical remains of this impressive world heritage property but the spirit of the site lives on! Cultural sites should become places of peace building and reconciliation within countries on the African continent. AFRICOM and her membership stand in solidarity with the people of Uganda at this sad moment in their history.”
The tragedy has been widely reported on. See:
Statement from UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova.
http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=40647&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
The Observer: Buganda Mourns
The Daily Monitor: KASUBI TOMBS FIRE: What next for Buganda?
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/882844/-/wjr01d/-/index.html
A letter from Rose Nkaale Mwanja, Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments Department, Uganda provides an update on national and international action following the fire that devastated the Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi.
Dear All,
The Museums and Monuments Department ,Ministry of Tourism ,Trade and Industry of Uganda wishes to appreciate the Heritage partners and the general public for their heartfelt messages received after the fire out break on Kasubi Royal Tombs on 16th/March/2010.We would like to thank you for your immediate concern and support that you offered to the Buganda Kingdom and the Ugandan Government.
Two weeks have passed after the tragedy and the partners in heritage management and conservation have done what it takes to restore the glory of Kasubi Royal Tombs, a world heritage site. Documentation of the site by the Department has been carried out and an assessment by former participants of Africa 2009 programme from the Museums and Monuments Department. In addition, a team of experts from UNESCO, Africa World heritage fund and CRATerre will be visiting the Kasubi Royal Tombs to assess the damage caused by the fire. This will give the way forward for the next coming activities in a bid to restore the tombs.
Last week was a mourning period that was declared by the Government of Buganda that ended with special prayers on Friday. In response to the incidence, committees for the restoration of tombs were put in place that include the technical, finance and cultural experts. The place will be out of bounds for the general public for approximately six months except consults and experts as all the activities for the restoration go on.
Your advice and support in any kind of way is welcome. We will keep you updated on any matter arising as far as the restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs is concern.
Once again thank you so much for the all the support that made us strong and firm to face the challenge.
Yours
Rose Nkaale Mwanja
Ag Commissioner Museums and Monuments Department, Uganda
Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry
Posted on AFRICOM - L http://list.africom.museum/mailman/listinfo/africom-l_list.africom.museum
Comments
The fire could have gutted the physical remains of this impressive world heritage property but the spirit of the site lives on! Cultural sites should become places of peace building and reconciliation within countries on the African continent.
One of the most beautiful buildings in Africa. I am so glad that I saw it.