Wamala Tombs

Wamala holds the tomb of Suuna II, Kabaka of Buganda until 1856 and the last king buried in the older tradition, in which the head was interred separately from the body. The site is a large domed grass-thatched house within a reed enclosure, built in the same manner as Kasubi but smaller and much less visited. Custodians from the royal clans live on the site and maintain it, and the tradition of the bark cloth curtain screening the graves is kept.

What you actually see

• The thatched tomb house - a large domed grass building in the Buganda royal manner.
• The bark cloth screen - the curtain traditionally hiding the graves from view.
• The reed enclosure - the fenced compound around the tomb.
• The custodians - the clan families who live at the site and keep it.

When to go

Year round; the site is open in daylight hours with guides. Weekdays are quiet. The thatch is renewed periodically and works can restrict access.

Honest expectations

Shoes are removed and photography inside is restricted. The site is much smaller than Kasubi and receives little funding. Guide quality varies and fees are negotiated.

Nearby

Kampala is southeast, and Kasubi Tombs are in the city.