Fire destroys Buganda's coronation shrine

Aug 09, 2012

One of the main Buganda Kingdom’s shrines in Nagalabi near Buddo in Wakiso district has been destroyed by fire in a suspected arsonist raid.

By Abu Mwesigwa

One of the main Buganda Kingdom’s shrines in Nagalabi near Buddo in Wakiso district has been destroyed by fire in a suspected arsonist raid.

The fire erased the shrine known as Bwanika, which has been in operation for over 450 years.

 It is one of the places where traditional rituals are performed during the coronation of Buganda kings.

 “My son who went outside the house for a short call, detected the fire at about 2:00am. Within seconds, the entire grass-thatched roof was blazing uncontrollably.  

"I believe the attack is related to the ongoing land grabbing because just a month ago, Nakibuuka, another shrine at Nagalabi, caught fire under mysterious circumstances.

"We did not take it seriously since it was a small fire on a structure that did not contain important kingdom items,” said Lawrence Kimbowa Mukalazi, the person in charge of the grounds.

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The Katikkiro of Buganda John Baptist Walusimbi (right), Police officer Muhimbura , Kyadondo MP Medad Ssegona and other officials at Nagalabi Wednesday morning. PHOTO:Abu Mwesigwa

Kampala Police commander, Andrew Felix Kaweesi said although the coronation land was a sacred private property, the Police would provide security to safeguard the reconstructed structure.

The Katikiro, John Baptist Walusimbi, who rushed to the scene, looked bewildered as he inspected the grounds in the company of the Police and kingdom officials. 

He said as Police investigations continue, he would mobilise resources for the immediate restoration of the structures.

The Police urged whoever has any information about the matter to provide it to them.

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The Katikkiro of Buganda kingdom John Baptist Walusimbi (left), his deputy Ssemuwemba Sekimpi  at the scene where fire destroyed Bwanika shrine at Nagalabi Wednesday morning. PHOTO:Abu Mwesigwa

 

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