Kabaka's Palace (Lubiri)

Kabaka's Palace, also known as Lubiri, is the traditional seat of the King of Buganda, located atop Mengo Hill in Kampala. Built in 1922, the palace features a striking white colonial-style architecture that reflects the long-standing relationship between the Buganda Kingdom and British influence. However, the site is most famous for its central role in Uganda's turbulent post-independence history. In 1966, it was the site of a violent battle when government troops under Milton Obote attacked the palace, forcing the Kabaka into exile. A haunting part of the complex is the underground concrete tunnels originally built as armories, which were later repurposed by Idi Amin in the 1970s as notorious torture chambers for political prisoners. Today, guided tours take visitors through these dark bunkers, where scratches on the walls still remain. The palace serves as a powerful monument to both the cultural pride of the Buganda people and the grim political realities that have shaped the nation of Uganda.

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