Progress on a Risk Management Plan for Kasubi Tombs World Heritage site in Uganda

Following an grant received from the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), the site management authorities of the Tombs of the Buganda Kingdom at Kasubi World Heritage property in Uganda are receiving online support from an international expert to guide the development of a Disaster Risk Management Plan for this World Heritage site in Danger, which has been the victim of two fires in 2010 and 2020.

An online training workshop was organized on 3rd November 2020, led by Mr. Kagosi Mwamulowe, Director-Northern Region, National Heritage Conservation Commission, to provide guidance on preparation of the Disaster Risk Management Plan for the Kasubi Tombs World Heritage property. In addition, mentoring and online exchanges are being held on a weekly basis with the site management authorities to review and follow the advancement of the plan.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Resource Manual Managing Disasters and Risks is being used as a reference by the site management authorities. The Manual provides valuable resources and guidance for: reducing risks to World Heritage properties from natural and human-made disasters; illustrating the main principles of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for heritage and a methodology to identify, assess and mitigate disaster risks;  explaining how to prepare a DRM plan; demonstrating that heritage can play a positive role in reducing risks from disasters and so help to justify the conservation of World Heritage properties; and suggesting how DRM plans for heritage properties can be integrated with national and regional disaster management strategies and plans.