In the heart of Kampala, beneath the once-majestic Kabaka’s Palace on Lubiri Hill, lies a place that holds some of Uganda’s most painful memories — the Idi Amin Torture Chambers. Visiting this site is not easy, but it’s one of the most powerful experiences a traveler can have in Uganda.
For guests touring with Keefa Motor Tours, the chambers offer a sobering journey into a turbulent chapter of the country’s history. It’s a visit that blends history, emotion, and reflection.
The Rise of Idi Amin
Idi Amin Dada seized power in January 1971 after overthrowing then-President Milton Obote in a military coup. His eight-year regime became one of the most infamous in Africa, marked by political repression, human rights abuses, and mass killings.
During this period, Amin’s security forces — particularly the State Research Bureau — targeted political opponents, suspected rebels, journalists, religious leaders, and anyone considered a threat to his rule. Many of them ended up in these underground chambers.
The Purpose of the Chambers
The torture chambers were constructed during the colonial era as part of an armory for the Buganda Kingdom. When Amin came to power, he repurposed them for detention, interrogation, and execution.
Located under the Kabaka’s Palace grounds, the chambers were strategic — hidden from the public eye, yet within reach of Amin’s soldiers. Victims could be brought in discreetly and never seen again.
A Walk Through the Chambers
Visiting the chambers today is a chilling experience. Guided by a Keefa Motor Tours expert, you enter through a narrow concrete tunnel that slopes downward, immediately leaving the daylight behind.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Multiple Cells – Small, concrete rooms where prisoners were kept in complete darkness. Each cell could hold dozens of people in cramped, suffocating conditions.
- Flooded Floors – The chambers were deliberately designed to be partially flooded, with electric wires submerged in the water to shock prisoners.
- Graffiti and Marks – Scratches on the walls, believed to have been made by prisoners, remain as silent witnesses to the suffering.
- Iron Doors – Heavy and soundproof, ensuring no screams escaped to the surface.
Your guide will explain how prisoners were subjected to beatings, electric shocks, starvation, and psychological torment.
Life — and Death — in the Chambers
Survivors’ testimonies describe unimaginable cruelty. Many detainees were never formally charged; they were arrested on suspicion alone. Once inside, few made it out alive.
It’s estimated that thousands were killed in these chambers during Amin’s rule. Exact numbers are impossible to confirm, as many records were destroyed and mass graves concealed.
For those who survived, the scars — both physical and emotional — lasted a lifetime.
Why the Site Still Exists
After Amin was overthrown in 1979, the chambers were abandoned. For years, they stood as a silent, decaying reminder of the past. In recent years, they have been preserved as part of Uganda’s historical record.
Today, visitors can walk through them to understand the reality of dictatorship and to honor the memory of those who died here. The Kabaka’s Palace above still functions as a symbol of Buganda’s heritage, while the chambers below tell a very different story.
Fun & Lesser-Known Facts
- The chambers were originally part of an armory built by the British in the 1920s.
- The partially flooded floors were not accidental — this was an intentional design for electric torture.
- The site is still under the custody of the Buganda Kingdom, which allows visitors as part of guided tours.
- Some say the chambers are haunted by the spirits of those who perished here.
- The State Research Bureau had multiple detention centers in Uganda, but this one remains the most infamous.
The Emotional Impact of a Visit
Many visitors describe their time in the torture chambers as deeply emotional. It’s not uncommon for people to emerge in silence, struggling to process what they’ve just seen.
For Ugandans, it’s a reminder of the importance of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. For foreigners, it’s a powerful lesson in how absolute power can lead to unthinkable atrocities.
Tips for Visitors
- Be Prepared: This is not a lighthearted stop — it’s emotionally heavy.
- Respect the Space: Speak softly, avoid inappropriate selfies, and remember this is a memorial to real victims.
- Ask Questions: Guides can provide context that makes the history clearer.
- Combine Visits: The chambers are part of the Kabaka’s Palace tour, which also includes the Royal Mile and Buganda heritage sites.
- Timing: Morning visits are often less crowded.
Why You Should Visit
While the Idi Amin Torture Chambers are difficult to see, they are a vital part of understanding Uganda’s history. They remind us of the dangers of unchecked power and the resilience of a nation that has moved forward despite its scars.
With Keefa Motor Tours, you’ll get the historical background, survivor stories, and cultural context that bring the site’s lessons into focus. It’s a sobering but essential stop on the journey to truly know Kampala.
📍 Location: Under Kabaka’s Palace, Lubiri Hill, Kampala
🎟 Entry Fee: Included in Kabaka’s Palace tour
🚴 Best Way to Visit: With Keefa Motor Tours for historical narration and context
