Tooro Kingdom Royal Tombs in a Sorry State

By Sylvia & Joseph.

Tooro Kingdom subjects have tasked the institution to prioritize the face-lifting and refurbishment of the Kingdom Royal tombs locally Known as “Amagasani” both at Kibiito in Bunyangabu and Karambi Fort Portal city areas in a bid to promote tourism and preserve the kingdom’s history for future generations.

The concern, follows complaints from subjects of the Kingdom in Bunyangabu County, Bunyangabu district saying the Kingdom has adamantly left the royal tombs in a sorry state despite various calls from the population to have the sites renovated.

Kingdom Subjects downhearted by the institution

Arnold Kasoro a resident of Kangoma cell in Kibiito town council, narrated that during the early years, the area received a number of tourists from all over the world coming to visit the Tomb of the first King of Tooro, the late king Olimi Kaboyo I who was buried in Kangoma village, however as time went on the structure that was beautiful got destroyed and later collapsed which has reduced of tourists in the area.

” The tomb of the first king of Tooro is left in direct open sunlight without a structure to safeguard it and the compound was turned into a playfield and grazing ground” Deplored Kasoro

He says this has affected their income as locals that used to earn a living from tourists who visited the place and also entertainment of traditional dance performances at the site.

LC1 decries unavailable funds to maintain the tomb

Steven Batalingaya the Kangoma village chairperson who has been taking care of the Royal tomb of the monarch’s first king, on orders of princess Elizabeth Bagaya, told us that the place was beautiful back in the days however with the aging of the princess who used to finance the maintenance works, it has been hard to keep it in good shape.

Batalingaya, attributes the responsibility to the Kingdom, particularly the ruling clan, to maintain the history of Tooro kingdom through preserving the kingdom’s cultural sites for the future generations.

Allan Bagweri, a resident of Karambi in central division Fort Portal, said the kingdom has failed to maintain the royal tombs in Karambi observing that most of them are damaged due to the running water and sometimes earthquake.

Kingdom officials speak out

Owek. Vincent Mugume, the deputy spokesperson of Tooro Kingdom, said the institution is well aware of the status of the kingdom cultural sites particularly royal tombs, and any plans to refurbish them will be soon communicated to the public.

However, on the 27^th  coronation anniversary for king Oyo ,the Kingdom premier Stephen Frankston Kiyingi said that the kingdom is set to rehabilitate the karambi royal tombs in a bid to attract tourists and also as a source of income for the kingdom.