Lubiri (Mengo Palace) & Idi Amin Torture Chambers
The palace of the Buganda kings, seized by the army in 1966 and later turned into a barracks under Idi Amin, whose underground torture chambers are a sobering historical site.
Lubiri, the Mengo Palace, was built in 1885 by Kabaka Mwanga II. In 1966 the Obote government sent troops to attack the palace, and Kabaka Mutesa II went into exile. The palace was then used as a military barracks. During the Idi Amin era, underground torture chambers were built in the grounds, and prisoners' writing can still be seen on the walls. They are among the most harrowing sites of Kampala's dark history. The palace itself is generally not open to the public, but at the gate you can pay a guide to show you the grounds outside and the torture chambers (roughly UGX 10,000–20,000). The subject matter is heavy, so please remain respectful, and photography is prohibited in some areas.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Kabaka's Lake
- Owino Market (St. Balikuddembe Market)
- Bulange
- Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi Mosque)
- Lubaga (Rubaga) Cathedral
- Namirembe Cathedral (St. Paul's)
- Nakasero Market
- Independence Monument