Ssemagulu Museum brings back the history of Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom right from the ancient time, through the Arabs, the explore, missionary, and colonial-era to independence to date the present government.
No place in Uganda that hosts much more narrative collections about the Buganda Kingdom and that right place is the Ssemagulu Royal Museum. The museum of a hub of Buganda’s collections right from the time of Kintu and Nambi related to the biblical Adam and Eva narrations.
Well, the Ssemagulu Royal Museum is a privately owned museum located in Mutundwe a suburb in Kampala. It was started by John Ssempebwa, the former Uganda Tourism Board deputy CEO following an inspirational visit to the Brussels Museum.
Uganda’s abundant history right off to the post-colonial time to the independence is all gained here, as well, much more to learn about the chronology of varying government to the present governing government.
The Museum particularly capitalized on storytelling exhibitions of the real heritage. This is another impulsive tourist and tourism strategy of displaying what beautiful Uganda got to offer rather than depending on nature and wildlife which is very competitive with neighbors offering almost the same rewards.
Stories are unique to particular people, so using them not only earns the country money but keeps and passes the past records to another generation who can compare and learn why things are done in certain ways.
John Ssempebwa, the initiator of the museum says, “If we don’t tell our stories, we are allowing our young people to forget who we are. We must tell them where we came from and our values. We must tell the stories the right way”.
The Museum was named Ssemagulu which meant a royal throne of Buganda Kingdom before the infant King Mulondo took over the throne. When king Mulondo assumed power, he could not set on the Ssemagulu and get respect from the subjects. So, this prompted his handlers/helpers to make him an exalted throne high enough that everyone could easily see him and this throne was renamed Namulondo meaning King Mulondo’s throne. And to date, the Kabaka’s (king’s) seat is called Namulondo.
What to find at Ssemagulu Royal Museum?
It’s about history when reached the museum, however, there are various physical items with hidden meanings; and among these include;
The Museum brings about the past life and traditions to post-independence of Uganda. The much emphasis sticks on the Buganda Kingdom right from the time of Kintu and Nambi the wife who is thought to have come from Gulu (heaven), tells about the first none black people the Arabs time, the colonial eras, and the period after independence.
Significant Sculptures; these are designed in chronological order of the Kings of Buganda. Having a broad tale of each king of Buganda is another special thing one should expect when reaching the Museum.
Learn about the social and political narratives that date to the Arabs time, the coming of the explorer and missionaries. What happened during the colonialism time, the Uganda Martyrs time, a story where a number of believers were burnt live for standing for what they all believed. And as well the tales of Uganda’s politics before and after independence and in-depth details of all presidents.
The artistic works, paintings on the walls, and sculptures bring put the story of the people, the culture, religion, and their story. Among the artifacts noticed here include the spares, board game (omweso), shields, etc.
The Ssemagulu Royal Museum became so echoed when it helped to rescue the former Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka Benz Vehicle which was dumped at Wakaliga police station when his house was demolished in 2018. Also, there was another Benz 220D model that belonged to one of the colonial masters (governor) Andrew Cohen.
