Nkokonjeru Tombs
The burial site of the last independent Omugabe of Ankole, on a hill above Mbarara.
Updated 14 October 2026
Nkokonjeru on a hill above Mbarara holds the tomb of Sir Charles Gasyonga II, the last Omugabe of Ankole, who reigned from 1944 until the kingdoms were abolished in 1967 and died in 1982. Unlike Buganda and Bunyoro, the Ankole kingdom has not been restored, which gives the site a different weight. The tomb is a modest brick structure with an inscription, and the hill gives a view over Mbarara and the surrounding country.
The main sights
- The tomb - the grave of the last Omugabe of Ankole, who died in 1982.
- The hill view - Mbarara and the surrounding cattle country from the top.
- The Ankole context - a kingdom not restored when the others were in 1993.
- The site setting - a quiet cemetery above the town.
When to go
Year round; the site is open in daylight. Weekdays are quiet. The road up is short but steep.
Things to know
The site is very modest and the visit takes twenty minutes. There is minimal interpretation. Maintenance is limited and the grounds are plain.
Nearby
Mbarara is below, and Igongo Cultural Centre is east.
What to pack for Nkokonjeru Tombs
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
