Restored Kasubi tombs in Uganda reopen to public 16 years after fire

The Kasubi Tombs, the powerful symbol of African heritage situated on a quiet hill overlooking Uganda's capital of Kampala and reduced to ashes in a fire 16 years ago, are coming back to life and open again to the public after restoration.

After years of rebuilding, this sacred site is now welcoming visitors and reconnecting a nation with its storied past.

Built in the 19th century as a royal palace, the tombs later became the burial ground for four kings of the Buganda Kingdom, one of the largest and oldest traditional kingdoms in East Africa.

Buganda's current king, who serves as a cultural leader of the region today, has already been back here, walking through the restored grounds and reconnecting with a place of deep historical and spiritual meaning.

After its destruction in 2010, what followed were years of careful rebuilding, using traditional materials, skills and cultural rituals passed down through generations.

"In the fire, we lost a lot. And among what we lost, we have a lot of irreplaceable artifacts, some of them we can never have them back. Things which displayed our heritage and culture, authority in the kingdom, daily tools, and items, the beautiful lantern lamp Kabaka Mutesa received from Queen Victoria of England was one of the items we lost," said Elvis Ssekibuule, a caretaker of the tombs.

Inside the main structure, culture is not just preserved, it is lived. Songs, rituals and quiet moments like these continue to connect the present with the past.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Kasubi Tombs are more than architecture, but a living cultural space, where tradition, spirituality and identity meet and where there is a connection between the living and ancestral spirits.

In the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the heart of the Kasubi Tombs, rituals are still performed here. And for many, this remains a direct link between the living and their ancestors. From the woven grass roofs to the royal drums, which once signaled the King's presence, every detail carries meaning. And as visitors walk through the site, they are not just observing. Instead, they are stepping into a tradition that continues to this day.

"When you come inside, it feels like you release everything, just calm down, you can sit, rest, mind your thoughts, and it's very relaxing and very peaceful," said Eric Albani, a tourist.

For Uganda, the reopening is more than a cultural milestone. It is also an invitation to the world to experience a heritage that is both historic and deeply personal.

"Culture is our identity, especially here in Africa. If you don't preserve or protect your culture, then you cannot tell where you are heading. Our past we need to protect it," said Ssekibuule.

From tragedy to renewal, the Kasubi Tombs stand once again, strong, sacred and enduring. A reminder that even in the face of loss, culture can be rebuilt, and some stories are never lost.

Restored Kasubi tombs in Uganda reopen to public 16 years after fire

Renewed tensions in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are casting a shadow over Iran's fragile tourism rebound, with hoteliers in the historic city of Isfahan helplessly saying that international visitors remain scarce despite a gradual return of domestic travelers.

The war that erupted in late February, triggered by the U.S. and Israel airstrikes and followed by Iranian retaliation, has left a heavy toll on Iran's tourism and lodging industry.

In Isfahan's old town, the Ghasr Monshi Hotel stands as a 400-year-old mansion converted into a boutique property. Once owned by a son-in-law of Safavid ruler Shah Abbas (1571-1629), the residence has been restored with traditional courtyards, underground cooling spaces and so forth, making it a showcase of Iranian heritage tourism.

Rahimi, manager at the hotel, said that visitor numbers dropped sharply around Nowruz, the Persian New Year falling on March 20 this year, but the property has kept its doors open despite the tourism frustration. Since a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire on April 8, guests from across Iran have slowly returned, though international bookings remain minimal, according to Rahimi.

"The war has affected all hotels in Iran, especially ours. But our motto has always been to keep the lights on. Thanks to Allah. We were the only hotel in Isfahan that has continued to provide services throughout this period," said Rahimi.

Demand remains lower than last year, with rising costs for supplies, wages and operations adding pressure.

Rahimi said that the hotel is trying to retain long-term staff, but renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf have left flight schedules, reservations and traveler confidence uncertain.

"Because of the war, all these issues have brought us many difficulties, whether in raw material prices, staff wages or other costs. But we are working hard through comprehensive management to overcome them," he said.

"If war breaks out again, our hotel policies will be adjusted accordingly. Of course, we will continue to provide service, but regrettably, we would have to cut some staff to keep the hotel running," he added.

Rahimi said that before the conflict, the hotel, as one of Isfahan's best guesthouses, was booked six months in advance.

He expressed hope that if stability holds, international tourists will begin returning in the coming weeks, reviving a sector that once brought vitality to the city's economy.

Tensions in Strait of Hormuz weigh on Iran's tourism recovery