By Jeff Lule

THE caretaker of Kasubi tombs, princess Beatrice Namikka, has attacked Mengo officials over the delayed reconstruction of the tombs. Namikka said Mengo officials have not appeared at the premises since the day of mourning following the burning of the tombs on March 16.

“It is unfortunate that nothing has been done to see this important historical site reconstructed. We should all be ashamed of this,” she said. Namikka made the remarks on Monday during a function at Kasubi to mark 44 years since forces of the former president, Dr. Milton Obote, attacked the palace at Mengo, forcing Kabaka Edward Mutesa II to flee to the UK in 1966.

“None of the Mengo ministers has attended this important function. They are just seated in their offices doing nothing,” Namikka said. She set June 12 as the official date to start the reconstruction of the tombs, saying she will not wait for those who are sleeping.

“This is a historical site. As a caretaker, I will do whatever it takes to improve the situation. The remains of our late kings have been exposed to bad weather for three months,” Namikka added. The 130-year-old royal burial grounds were on March 16 burnt by a fire that razed the mausoleum that housed the tombs of four Buganda kings.

Namikka said the Baganda should blame themselves for the problems they are facing. “We should not blame other people. Many of our friends have intrigue. That is why we mourn all the time,” she said.

Earlier, a group of Baganda youth led a procession from the Lubiri, through Mengo to Kasubi tombs.