The World Heritage Committee has on Tuesday 12 September removed the Tombs of Buganda Kings from the List of World Heritage in Danger, the site had spent 13 years on the list after fire disaster destroyed it.
The World Heritage Committee is holding its extended 45th session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which commenced on Sunday 10-25 September 2023.
The proposal remove the Buganda Royal Tombs the list was supported unanimously by all UNESCO member states present including, Japan, Oman, Italy, Mali, Russian Federation, South Africa, Zambia, Belgium, Argentina, India, Egypt, Qatar, Rwanda, Mexico, Greece, Thailand, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.
The property, which is an outstanding example of an architectural style developed by the Buganda Kingdom since the 13th century, was reconstructed to its original style. Buganda Kingdom premier Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga is among the delegates.
In March 2010, fire almost completely destroyed the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga building, the main structure at the site which contained four royal Buganda tombs.
World Heritage Committee inscribes the Tombs of Buganda Kings (Uganda) to the List of World Heritage in Danger during the 34th World Heritage Committee session chaired by João Luiz da Silva Ferreira, the Minister of Culture of Brazil, on 29 July 2010
The List of World Heritage in Danger aims to raise international support for the conservation of World Heritage Properties.
The Committee found that significant progress had been made by Uganda in addressing this problems. It welcomed the Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen conservation measures, especially in dealing with tourism.
