Tooro Chief Prince Charles Kamulasi Kayondo’s first visit to the Kasubi Royal Tombs highlighted the historical and cultural links between Buganda and Tooro, with both royal families expressing commitment to closer cooperation.
Tooro Chief Prince Charles Kamurasi has visited the Kasubi Royal Tombs, where Buganda’s former kings are buried, in a move aimed at strengthening the longstanding cultural and familial ties between the kingdoms of Buganda and Tooro.
Omusuuga Kamurasi was accompanied by members of the Buganda royal family, including Prince Frances Sseninde, Eng. Douglas Ssengendo Salongo Bassajjankuba, Prince Richard Walugembe and Prince Augustine Musanje, among others.
The visit marked the prince’s first time entering the historic tombs. Buganda Kingdom officials welcomed the delegation and guided the prince through the site, explaining its history and the kings buried there.
Speaking during the visit, Omusuuga thanked the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for preserving the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“I sincerely appreciate His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda for the way he has preserved and protected Buganda’s heritage. It is important for us to protect our history and traditions for future generations,” he said.
The prince also expressed sympathy over the fire that damaged the Kasubi Tombs, describing the incident as a painful moment for Buganda and Uganda.
“It was very painful when the fire destroyed the tombs. It was a sad moment for Buganda and Uganda as a whole. Whoever was responsible, I pray that God forgives them,” he said.
Omusuuga said the visit went beyond a courtesy call, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the two royal families.
“We look forward to working together with the princes and princesses of Buganda. When you come to Tooro, you should know that you are going home, because we are one royal family,” he said.
Members of the Buganda royal family welcomed the visit, describing it as an opportunity to deepen the historical relationship between the kingdoms.
Prince Edward Frederick Walugembe said the visit should not be seen merely as a political or ceremonial event but as an effort to bring the royal families closer.
“The prince has not come here simply for a courtesy visit. His visit is about strengthening the relationship between the royal families of Buganda and Tooro,” Walugembe said.
Akiki Kacho Sserubya, the Tooro representative in the United States, also thanked Buganda for the reception accorded to Kamulasi, promising a similar welcome for Buganda royals visiting Tooro.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome given to our prince. When the princes and princesses of Buganda visit Tooro, we shall also welcome them warmly,” he said.
The visit also featured support for Buganda Kingdom activities through the Luwalo Lwaffe contribution programme.
Eng Douglas Ssengendo Bassajjankuba contributed Shs400,000 towards the kingdom’s activities, urging people to support its work.
“I encourage the people of Nansana and everyone else to contribute towards the Kingdom. Our contributions enable His Majesty the Kabaka to continue carrying out his responsibilities and developing Buganda,” he said.
The contribution was handed over to the Kabaka’s officials in Nansana Ward. The officials, including George Ssebwato Kabogoza Ssabaddu and Stephen Brain Miro, commended Bassajjankuba for consistently supporting the kingdom through his annual contributions.
The delegation later joined Kamulasi at Kasubi as he continued his tour of the royal tombs.
The visit underscored the shared cultural heritage and familial links between Buganda and Tooro, with members of both royal families expressing a desire to strengthen their relationship.