Exploring Kampala: Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage site)

I took some time on Uganda's Independence Day holiday to explore Kampala and to learn more about Ugandan history and culture.

One stop was the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 4 Buganda Kings are buried. See

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1022/

My guide was so knowledgeable as he discussed the history of the Buganda Kingdom, about each of the four Kings buried here, about the architecture and design of the structure, etc. 

At the conclusion of the visit, I thanked him and commented how informative the tour was. As it turns out - he is a Bugandan Prince! and he had researched and written a book about the Buganda Kingdom! It was one of the books on display at the check-in/ticket counter.  Of course I had to get a copy and have him sign it for me!

at the entrance I was given this "skirt" to wear to show respect while in this sacred and historic place

This building is constructed entirely of plant-based materials.


There were a few art galleries with pictures painted on the barkcloth

See https://drjsmafricanacademicadventures.blogspot.com/2025/10/exploring-kampala-kabaka-palace-royal.html for more about making barkcloth

I purchased this mountain gorilla - in anticipation of my gorilla trekking experience -- looking forward to framing this and displaying at our home on Florida!

Exploring Kampala: The Kabaka Palace, Royal Mile, and Idi Amin Torture Chambers, and barkcloth

I took some time on Uganda's Independence Day holiday to explore Kampala and to learn more about Ugandan history and culture.

Pictured here -- a visit to the Kabaka Palace of the Buganda Kingdom 

For more about the Buganda Kingdom, see 

https://buganda.or.ug/

Also on these grounds -- an armory that was converted to Idi Amin's torture chambers

And - an art gallery of works painted on the traditional Bagandan barkcloth

I was provided with this "skirt" for my visit to the palace grounds

the current King does not live here (due to the tragic events that have taken place on these grounds) - but it is still used for ceremonial purposes

the King had visited Edinburgh and was inspired to create a "Royal Mile" from the palace to the parliament in Kampala 

this is along the way from the palace to the parliament - only the King passes through this gate - we drove around it

this Rolls Royce was owned by the former Kingo of Buganda 

military barracks 

We then walked further on the grounds to this armory -- that later became torture chambers.  It is believed that more than 200,000 men and women lost their lives here.

I first saw this bark cloth when visiting the tombs -- but here my guide demonstrated how it was made  

This traditional barkcloth making is recognized by UNESCO -- on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/barkcloth-making-in-uganda-00139

my tour guide with one of his artwork

Exploring Kampala: the Gaddafi National Mosque

I took some time on Uganda's Independence Day to explore Kampala and to learn more about Uganda's history and culture.

One stop was the Gaddafi National Mosque

This is the largest mosque in East Africa - and second largest on the continent (after the King Hassan mosque in Casablanca - which I have also had the privilege to visit)

the climb to the top of the minaret provided stunning views of the city from every angle. My tour guide pointed out all the Kampala landmarks - including Makerere University and my hotel in Nakasero.

yes - I made it all the way to the top!

October 8 - 30 Years of the Ugandan Constitution

October 8th was the 30th Anniversary of the Ugandan Constitution, which was adopted on October 8th, 1995.

One of the researchers I will be working with at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States -- George Okiror -- is working on Constitutionalism and Rule of Law.  

I am looking forward to learning more about the Ugandan Constitution -- and reflecting on the influence if American constitutionalism in the Ugandan context.

It was interesting to read this article in the Daily Monitor: "What framers regret over 1995 Constitution"

Winston Churchill -- My African Journey -- Uganda "The Pearl of Africa"

When I learned that it was Sir Winston Churchill who coined the phrase that Uganda was the "pearl of Africa" I wanted to learn more about his experiences there.  It turns out, he wrote a book: My African Journey.

I found a used copy on eBay for me to read on the plane (or - one of the 3 planes that I would take from Tampa to Entebbe).

His journey took place during the summer of 1907 - as he described - in 4 stages (jungle, plains, mountains, lake). 

It was fascinating to follow along on his journey - to read his descriptions of the Buganda Kingdom and the wildlife here and to see some of the photographs that he took. I'll have to write a longer book review at a later time.

the flight from JFK to Doha was almost 15 hours

finally finished up the book at a restaurant in Kampala 

 

Meeting Faculty in the School of Social Sciences

Today my host Dr. Edward Silvester Kaweesi introduced me to the Political Science faculty. There are about 15 colleagues who make up the Department.

And also -- my next-door neighbor is a returning Fulbrighter who was a Fulbrighter at USF! Go Bulls!

We (at the Center for the Study of the United States) are actually going to be reaching out to alumni of US government exchange programs to partner with us. 

And, as it relates to Fulbright specifically, one of the researchers with the Center is working on a project about the impact of Fulbright in Uganda.

with Prof Philip Kasaija -- who was a Fulbrighter at USF!!

Ugandan Currency: The Ugandan Shilling

At the time of my travel, there were approximately 3,400 UGX per USD.  

Such beautiful colors!  (And I can't wait to see the gorillas - depicted on the reverse of the 50,000 UGX)