Kabaka’s Palace (Twekobe)

Mengo Palace is located on the top of Mengo Hill at an altitude of 1,210 meters above sea level. It is bordered by other hills from almost all the sides. Mengo Palace at Mengo is the official palace in Buganda and is considered to be the Capital of the Kingdom. This palace has the distinction of holding all official functions and was used as a reception point for foreign missionaries arriving in Uganda.

Apart from the official Mengo palace the ruling King has the right to own his private palace. This palace has been the official home to the erstwhile and current Kings of Buganda. The official house of the Kabaka’s called Twekobe is also situated at this place.

Historical Facts

Mengo Palace has been one of the most sought after tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. It is spread on a vast piece of land, covered with an extensive fence around it. When Ssekabaka Mwanga 11 was crowned the King in 1885 at an age of 18, he constructed the Mengo Palace. When the palace was completed it started facing lots of problems which forced Mwanga to collaborate with members of the Nvubu clan to transfer the grinding stones (Emmengo) to Mbazi in Kyaggwe. The name Mengo was adopted from these grinding stones and the palace became Mengo Palace and the hill became Mengo hill.

Nearby Attractions

There are lots of tourist places of attractions in and around Mengo hill. Apart from the Mengo Palace, tourists can also visit Bulange, The Parliament Building of the Buganda Parliament which lies adjacent at Namirembe Hill or visit the Kabaka’s Lake, a man-made lake measuring approximately 5 acres or take a tour of Mengo Hospital or visit the main campus of St. Lawrence University, located close to the Kabaka’s Lake.