When looking at exploring a place with rich history, Kabaka’s Palace is a place to satisfy your curiosity. Locally known as Twekobe, which means working together, the Kabaka’s Palace is one of the most famous sites to learn about the history of the Buganda kingdom in Uganda.
Located in Mengo, a Kampala suburb, this palace is another historic gem to behold. Home to the King of Buganda, HRH Ronald Mwenda Mutebi IV, the Palace has been in existence since 1885, built by King Daniel Mwanga II, and it has been a union of over 52 clans.
According to Richard Mugenyi, a Ugandan tourist who had a tour at the Palace early this year, after making payments at Bulange, the administrative headquarters and official seat of Buganda Kingdom’s Lukiiko (Parliament), one is given a tourist guide who can then take them through the main tourist spots.
These include Idi Amin’s torture chambers, which were constructed using the Israelites because they were the then professionals in building.
With each cell accommodating more than hundreds of people, these had no windows and ventilators and had a metallic door.
Mugenyi shared how he was told the chamber was also designed with a pool of water electrified so that whoever tries to escape from the cell would be shocked by electricity.
Each year, the number of tourists who come to experience the historical background of this chamber increases, according to the tourist guide while explaining to Mugenyi.
Another good spot is a fire place locally known as Ekyooto, which keeps on burning day and night, and the person who is responsible for it must be from the lineage of the Nyonyi Nakisinge, according to the Buganda Tourism Board (BHTB).
The official residence of the Kabaka’s Palace is also said to have four main gates, with each gate having its own purpose. The first, namely Wankaci, is the main gate to the King, Queen, and Prime Minister.
The other one, called Kalala, is where the king is expected to marry a very beautiful woman.The third gate is the Nalongo gate, where the king’s gifts are brought in, and the fourth one is called the Ssabagabo gate, which is the gate that the Kabaka uses to go through for only private personal issues.
Many tourists visiting Kampala city must not miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the visit to the Kabaka’s Palace, as one can also proceed to the Kasubi tombs, another historical site belonging to the Buganda Kingdom.
In order to know the history of some kingdoms in Uganda, a tourist, either domestic or international, can make sure to consider this tour and get a deeper insight into the Kings of Buganda.
Taking you through all the historical background of the kings who have ruled the kingdom for the ancient years, it is indeed one of the greatest African traditional sites.
Conny V, an international tourist from the United Kingdom, shared his experience as a “very interesting and informative tour of the King of Buganda’s palace and history of the Buganda kingdom, the biggest kingdom of five that is now the country of Uganda. The visit included a tour of Idi Amin’s torture chambers with a very graphic explanation of the cruelty that has taken place there. Augustin was a very knowledgeable guide with deep knowledge of the history of Uganda. Money well spent.”
