Bulange, Administrative building in Mengo, Uganda
The Bulange is a four-story symmetrical building standing on Namirembe Hill that houses the parliament and administrative offices of the Buganda Kingdom. The structure was carefully designed to serve as the main center for kingdom governance and decision-making.
Construction of the building started in 1955 and was completed in 1958, marking the modernization of the Buganda Kingdom's royal administration. The project was a major development in strengthening local institutions during that period.
The entry hall of the building displays the emblems of the 56 Buganda clans on its walls for visitors to see and learn from. Each symbol tells the story and rank of a clan within the kingdom's social order.
Visitors should allow time to explore the four floors, as each level shows different functional areas of the kingdom's work. Using a guide or speaking with locals can help you understand the full purpose and layout of the different spaces.
The building took inspiration from the Stormont building in Belfast, which the king visited during time spent abroad. This European influence is clearly visible in the symmetrical layout and formal structure of the complex.
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