culture 15 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mugaba Palace Reborn: A Journey Through Ankole Royalty's Restored Past
Mugaba Palace, once a symbol of decay on Kamukuzi Hill, has undergone a significant restoration, transforming into a heritage time capsule that showcases the rich history and evolving culture of the Ankole monarchy. The palace now welcomes tourists, offering a tangible connection to the past. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/homes-and-property/a-tour-through-mugaba-palace-s-restored-past-5596140
Mugaba Palace, the former seat of Ankole royalty, has shed its decades of decay and emerged as a meticulously restored heritage site on Mbarara’s Kamukuzi Hill. What was once a ruin, occupied by squatters and succumbing to neglect, has been resurrected by Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities into a “heritage time capsule.”
The restoration, a phased project initiated in 2017, focused on preserving the architectural evolution and cultural significance of key structures, including Gasyonga House and Kahaya House.
The perimeter wall, completed between 2019 and 2020, sets the tone with Ankole motifs, symbolizing the intertwined history of pastoralism and kingship. Inside, Gasyonga House, associated with the last Omugabe, Sir Charles Godfrey Gasyonga II, has been brought back to life through extensive oral research and historical documentation. The display of the royal couple’s clothing, reflecting both traditional attire and contemporary fashion of their era, offers an intimate glimpse into their public and private lives.
Kahaya House delves deeper into the past, showcasing the influence of Indian trade networks on Ankole’s elite during the 1930s. Furniture sourced from as far as Mombasa, Kenya, evokes the period, complementing the recreated throne rooms where the king held court. The restoration deliberately reveals the building’s construction history, with sections of walls stripped to expose the original mud-and-brick techniques, contrasting them with later cement additions. This approach allows visitors to understand the architectural innovations and transitions Ankole experienced.
Mugaba Palace now stands not just as a monument but as a bridge between eras, inviting visitors to explore the layers of Ankole royal history. The reclaimed dignity of the site serves as a living reference point for the material culture of the region, aiming to draw tourists and foster a broader appreciation of southwestern Uganda’s heritage.