UNESCO World Heritage
Uganda is not left out when it comes to World Heritage. The World Heritage Sites include:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located at the interface between lowland and mountain forest, has been described by UNESCO as "an isolated forest of exceptional biological richness". There are more than 160 tree species and over 100 fern species in this forest and most importantly, almost half of the world's mountain gorillas call the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest their home.
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the moon)
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in south-west Uganda in the Kasese District. It was designated in 1991, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and designated a Ramsaar site in 2008. The national park covers most of the Rwenzori mountain range, which at 5109 metres above sea level is home to the third highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The combination of spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, V-shaped valleys, fast-flowing rivers with magnificent waterfalls, clear blue lakes and unique flora contribute to the area's extraordinary natural beauty. The magnificent "Mountains of the Moon" are home to the richest mountain flora in Africa, including the charismatic giant lobelia, gale bush and giant heather, which have been described as "Africa's botanical big game".
Kasubi Tombs
The tombs of the Buganda kings in Kasubi are located on a hill in the Ugandan capital Kampala. The site has been used by the Baganda for their royal tombs since the 13th century and represents the spiritual heart of the Baganda people. The tombs of the Buganda kings in Kasubi cover almost 30 hectares of land, most of which is used for agriculture using traditional methods. The centrepiece of the site is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, which was built in 1882 and converted into a royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs are now housed in the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the circular main building topped by a dome. It is a significant example of an architectural achievement made of organic materials, mainly wood, thatch, reed, wattle and clay. However, the main significance of the site lies in its intangible values such as faith, spirituality, continuity and identity.
Unfortunately, the tombs were completely destroyed by fire in March 2010, just eight years after the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Fortunately, restoration work is continuing and it is hoped that the originality of the site can be brought back to life.
Photo: Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Uganda) © UNESCO
