Our Old Buildings Are Valuable
Feb 05, 2003
When visiting cities in Europe, one is struck by the rich historic heritage in the ancient buildings.
Even the British were impressed by Basiima House, Sir. Apollo Kaggwa’s magnificent home
By Karen Moon
When visiting cities in Europe, one is struck by the rich historic heritage in the ancient buildings.
The diversity of architecture is the evidence of a process of change and development built through the legacies of different peoples. These buildings are carefully preserved as part of their cities’ resources and are a source of pride to its inhabitants.
Kampala, with only a hundred years’ history behind it, may be difficult to compare to cities established in the more distant past. Yet its people may be at the risk of losing the few ancient buildings they have.
Over the last century, Uganda’s history has been complex. Kampala has its own story of change and development told in the structures which surround us. Think of the Kasubi Tombs, or the Twekobe, the area developed by the Asian community on Old Kampala Hill; our mosques, cathedrals, and the Hindu temples; or the relics of the British colonial era, such as the High Court.
These buildings each of very different genesis, reflect a richness history that is our very own.
Take for instance, Basiima House on Kabakanjagala Road, the home of the distinguished early 20th century Katikkiro, Sir. Apollo Kaggwa. Closed off and occupied by the Military Intelligence until only recently, many may not know of its existence. Yet here is a fascinating example of the richness of our heritage.
Built soon after Kaggwa’s return from a visit to England in 1902, Basiima House is among one of Kampala’s earliest surviving buildings. As the residence of one of the principal ministers of the Buganda Kingdom, and close to the Lubiri, it has been witness to important historical events, and has accommodated many distinguished guests, including the Omugabe (king) of Ankole, who visited several times.
Kaggwa was a distinguished politician and a man of great character. His home is one of the first double storied building in the country to have been built out of of permanent building materials and at the time of construction, was one of the largest homes in the country.
Kaggwa reputedly brought the plans for his new home back with him from England. Though it was the first ambitious construction by a Muganda, it was by no means an amateur project. Even the British were impressed and followed its construction with great interest.
“It is really an excellent structure, and by far the best in the country,†wrote a Protestant missionary in June 1904. “No less than fifty joiners and apprentices are presently working on the Katikkiro’s new house.â€
Led by Thomas Lwabidongo, a skilled Muganda craftsman, the team of builders composed entirely of Ugandan and Arab workmen. They created a unique building that brought together elements of British, Arab and Ugandan architectural styles.
What are Uganda’s plans for Basiima and other ancient urban buildings? They need protection. As part of Kampala city, they are the architectural and cultural heritage of Ugandans, a heritage we all share.
Basiima House and the Mengo area in particular, have a great deal of tourist potential, for little has changed over a hundred years. These are some of the areas that should be protected for historical purposes.
Properly conserved and promoted, Mengo could become a major tourist site. Basiima House itself could be turned into a museum and a centre for cultural activity. It could be a repository for archives – photographs, family records, and oral history (those vital memories of our elders we would do well to record before they are gone.)
Saving Basiima House and other assets like it, will enrich Kampala. Without them, we would have a city that looks as if it was built yesterday.
But we need to act quickly if we are to save Basiima House and other architectural assets for the future. We should conserve our ancient buildings, so that we have historical and cultural sites in Kampala city which we can all be proud of. Ends
By Karen Moon
When visiting cities in Europe, one is struck by the rich historic heritage in the ancient buildings.
The diversity of architecture is the evidence of a process of change and development built through the legacies of different peoples. These buildings are carefully preserved as part of their cities’ resources and are a source of pride to its inhabitants.
Kampala, with only a hundred years’ history behind it, may be difficult to compare to cities established in the more distant past. Yet its people may be at the risk of losing the few ancient buildings they have.
Over the last century, Uganda’s history has been complex. Kampala has its own story of change and development told in the structures which surround us. Think of the Kasubi Tombs, or the Twekobe, the area developed by the Asian community on Old Kampala Hill; our mosques, cathedrals, and the Hindu temples; or the relics of the British colonial era, such as the High Court.
These buildings each of very different genesis, reflect a richness history that is our very own.
Take for instance, Basiima House on Kabakanjagala Road, the home of the distinguished early 20th century Katikkiro, Sir. Apollo Kaggwa. Closed off and occupied by the Military Intelligence until only recently, many may not know of its existence. Yet here is a fascinating example of the richness of our heritage.
Built soon after Kaggwa’s return from a visit to England in 1902, Basiima House is among one of Kampala’s earliest surviving buildings. As the residence of one of the principal ministers of the Buganda Kingdom, and close to the Lubiri, it has been witness to important historical events, and has accommodated many distinguished guests, including the Omugabe (king) of Ankole, who visited several times.
Kaggwa was a distinguished politician and a man of great character. His home is one of the first double storied building in the country to have been built out of of permanent building materials and at the time of construction, was one of the largest homes in the country.
Kaggwa reputedly brought the plans for his new home back with him from England. Though it was the first ambitious construction by a Muganda, it was by no means an amateur project. Even the British were impressed and followed its construction with great interest.
“It is really an excellent structure, and by far the best in the country,†wrote a Protestant missionary in June 1904. “No less than fifty joiners and apprentices are presently working on the Katikkiro’s new house.â€
Led by Thomas Lwabidongo, a skilled Muganda craftsman, the team of builders composed entirely of Ugandan and Arab workmen. They created a unique building that brought together elements of British, Arab and Ugandan architectural styles.
What are Uganda’s plans for Basiima and other ancient urban buildings? They need protection. As part of Kampala city, they are the architectural and cultural heritage of Ugandans, a heritage we all share.
Basiima House and the Mengo area in particular, have a great deal of tourist potential, for little has changed over a hundred years. These are some of the areas that should be protected for historical purposes.
Properly conserved and promoted, Mengo could become a major tourist site. Basiima House itself could be turned into a museum and a centre for cultural activity. It could be a repository for archives – photographs, family records, and oral history (those vital memories of our elders we would do well to record before they are gone.)
Saving Basiima House and other assets like it, will enrich Kampala. Without them, we would have a city that looks as if it was built yesterday.
But we need to act quickly if we are to save Basiima House and other architectural assets for the future. We should conserve our ancient buildings, so that we have historical and cultural sites in Kampala city which we can all be proud of. Ends