The Mengo palace or the Buganda palace or the Kabaka’s Mengo palace or the Twekobe palace
Description of Kabaka’s Buganda palace
Besides aesthetics and costly nature, the Twekobe is one of the three popular buildings of the Buganda Kingdom. Certainly, these reflect this kingdom’s glorious past. The other two include Bulange and Kasubi tombs.
The Twekobe is located in the Lubiiri enclosure that seats on Mengo hill. Mengo hill chiefly stands at an elevation of 4000ft. It was undeniably established by the renowned Kabaka (king) of Buganda called Mwanga (11). This was certainly in 1885 a year after sitting on the throne of his father.
How important is the Twekobe palace?!
Twekobe is Buganda’s prime palace for all Buganda Kings. And thus it’s hereditary. The building is the official residence of the Kabaka of Buganda. However, the current kabaka does not favor home stays at this palace.
Too much blood spilled during the 1966 attack of the Lubiiri. Besides, troops from the central government subdued his father; Sir Edward Muteesa (11) and forced him into exile. In the 1970s Twekobe building transformed into a torture chamber. This happened the reign of late president; Dr. Milton Obote.
When was this Mengo palace re-constructed?!
After coronation in 1993, the current Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II alongside his assembly made concerted negotiations with the central government. Of course, the Kingdom regained the palace that very year. However, the soldiers vacated the area in 1997.
Markedly in the same year, refurbishing works begun. However, this work did not meet completion. Buganda was preparing for the king’s wedding that would occur later in 1999.
When was this Buganda palace re-opened for the Buganda kingdom?!
On the 30th of March 2001, H.E Museveni donated shs 100 million to Buganda for refurbishing the Twekobe. Fortunately, the building was completed by July 2018. At last, it was handed over to the kabaka during his 25 Jubilee celebration ceremony. The ceremony occurred on the 26th of July 2018.
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