Wamala Tombs

Wamala holds the tomb of Suuna II, 29th Kabaka of Buganda, who ruled from 1832 to 1856, the last king buried at his own site before the royal tombs moved to Kasubi. 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.

The main sights

• 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.

Before you go

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

Nearby

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

Key facts