Vision gives sh20m for repair of tombs
Mar 31, 2010
BUGANDA kingdom is to reconstruct the Kasubi royal tombs to international standards that will make the site a master-piece. This was announced yesterday by Katikkiro JB Walusimbi when receiving a sh20m donation from the <i>Vision Group </i>for the reconstruction of the world heritage site.
By Henry Mukasa
and Madinah Tebajjukira
BUGANDA kingdom is to reconstruct the Kasubi royal tombs to international standards that will make the site a master-piece. This was announced yesterday by Katikkiro JB Walusimbi when receiving a sh20m donation from the Vision Group for the reconstruction of the world heritage site.
“The tombs will remain cultural but attractive. They will be built to international standards to last 200 years so our descendants will look back and say, ‘This is what our fore-fathers did,â€â€™ he said.
The 100-man delegation of Vision Group, led by chief executive officer Robert Kabushenga and finance manager Zubair Musoke, was received by the Katikkiro, the kingdom’s treasurer, speaker and sports minister.
A fire in the evening of March 16 reduced the 130-year old royal tombs to ashes. “The disaster was unbearable. The mourning has ended and it is now time for reconstruction. We cannot mourn forever,†said the Katikkiro.
He thanked Vision Group for the donation and urged it to use its various media platforms to mobilise funds for the restoration.
“We want to use our numbers to raise the required funds. We want people to be proud of the site. We don’t only welcome big-time donors but also people with small contributions.â€
He said the reconstruction would be phased and end with the construction of a wall-fence and educative stalls.
“After a tour, one should be able to tell what our culture is, why we cherish it so much and perhaps this will help people understand the Baganda better.â€
Kabushenga, on his part, said the tragedy was shared by all Ugandan citizens. “We thought we could lend a hand to efforts to restore the heritage site and that’s why we are here.â€
He regretted past friction between Vision Group and the kingdom. “We have no hatred against Buganda because most employees are Baganda and loyal to his Majesty the Kabaka,†Kabushenga explained.
He added that the company was discussing with the Buganda sports minister to sponsor the annual Buganda – Bika sports tournament. The tournament has been a hunting ground for talent-searching clubs. He announced that Vision Group will support more kingdom projects.
Meanwhile, the Katikkiro said in view of the circumstances, the Kabaka’s birthday will be a low-key event, to be held at Kibuli.
The Kabaka turns 55 on April 13. Walusimbi explained that after prayers at Kibuli mosque, the Kabaka will tour Kibuli hospital.
Later in the day, he will officiate at a party at Theatre Labonita.
In the past, Kabaka’s birthday celebrations lasted for a week.
and Madinah Tebajjukira
BUGANDA kingdom is to reconstruct the Kasubi royal tombs to international standards that will make the site a master-piece. This was announced yesterday by Katikkiro JB Walusimbi when receiving a sh20m donation from the Vision Group for the reconstruction of the world heritage site.
“The tombs will remain cultural but attractive. They will be built to international standards to last 200 years so our descendants will look back and say, ‘This is what our fore-fathers did,â€â€™ he said.
The 100-man delegation of Vision Group, led by chief executive officer Robert Kabushenga and finance manager Zubair Musoke, was received by the Katikkiro, the kingdom’s treasurer, speaker and sports minister.
A fire in the evening of March 16 reduced the 130-year old royal tombs to ashes. “The disaster was unbearable. The mourning has ended and it is now time for reconstruction. We cannot mourn forever,†said the Katikkiro.
He thanked Vision Group for the donation and urged it to use its various media platforms to mobilise funds for the restoration.
“We want to use our numbers to raise the required funds. We want people to be proud of the site. We don’t only welcome big-time donors but also people with small contributions.â€
He said the reconstruction would be phased and end with the construction of a wall-fence and educative stalls.
“After a tour, one should be able to tell what our culture is, why we cherish it so much and perhaps this will help people understand the Baganda better.â€
Kabushenga, on his part, said the tragedy was shared by all Ugandan citizens. “We thought we could lend a hand to efforts to restore the heritage site and that’s why we are here.â€
He regretted past friction between Vision Group and the kingdom. “We have no hatred against Buganda because most employees are Baganda and loyal to his Majesty the Kabaka,†Kabushenga explained.
He added that the company was discussing with the Buganda sports minister to sponsor the annual Buganda – Bika sports tournament. The tournament has been a hunting ground for talent-searching clubs. He announced that Vision Group will support more kingdom projects.
Meanwhile, the Katikkiro said in view of the circumstances, the Kabaka’s birthday will be a low-key event, to be held at Kibuli.
The Kabaka turns 55 on April 13. Walusimbi explained that after prayers at Kibuli mosque, the Kabaka will tour Kibuli hospital.
Later in the day, he will officiate at a party at Theatre Labonita.
In the past, Kabaka’s birthday celebrations lasted for a week.