Rwenzururu Fighting Leaves Three Dead

type here By Simon Turibamwe, Bundibugyo: At least three people have been reported dead following clashes that erupted between the Rwenzururu kingdom supporters and Bamba, Babwisi and Batwa in Bundibugyo district. “Three people, two bakonzo and one Mwamba including a child have been killed in the two-day fight among the tribes that do not believe in the Rwenzururu kingdom that has its palace in Kasese town,” Regina Masika, an eyewitness said. “How can the king come in our territory where he has no land and construct shrines for his kingdom rituals with guards ,spears and drums all over the area? He knows we don’t subscribe to his kingdom why can’t he do his things from Kasese and leave our land?’ Masika wondered. The shrine that brought confusion was established at kirindi trading center in Busaru sub-county. The fighting that attracted high profile government officials saw many properties which could not be readily valued ranging from motorcycles, crops, houses and animals among others, destroyed. Roads to Bundibugyo were on Friday blocked by demonstrators that left police, the army and other security agencies with no option but to tear gas them. Efforts to get the particulars of victims were futile as the Bundibugyo DPC, Denis Namuhooza, was not ready to talk to press about the matter. When contacted on phone about the situation on ground, the DPC said, “Aha first leave me alone,” before he hang up. Government leaders who reached the area to intervene in the situation included ICT minister Ruhakana Rugunda whose meetings were futile before Premier Amama mbabazi and later IGP Lt Gen. Kale Kayihura joined the efforts. According to security sources, Kayihura ordered for reinforcements of 200 police officers from the neighboring districts. Cops in Kasese were on Friday seen preparing to head to Bundibugyo district. In exclusive interview with security personnel on ground who preferred anonymity due to the magnitude of the matter, they faulted the kingdom for encroaching on the land of the people that don’t pay allegiance to the kingdom. “We shall keep guarding the shrine until court pronounces itself on the matter,” the source said.