The parliamentary committee on Defence and Internal Affairs is
investigating the cause and devising possible solutions to the ethnic
and land tensions in Kasese District.
The disputes are between the cultivators who are mainly ethnic Bakonzo and pastoralists, largely ethnic Basongora.
The disputes are between the cultivators who are mainly ethnic Bakonzo and pastoralists, largely ethnic Basongora.
The seven-member committee chaired by Mr Milton
Muwuma (Kiguli South), started investigations on September 6, with a
series of public consultations.
However, on the set-off of the inquiries, the
district vice chairperson, Mr Tadeo Muhindo, stunned residents and MPs
when he claimed the district had no tribal tensions.
Mr Muhindo said government should not be misled by
politicians who want to use the alleged tribal tensions for their own
selfish gains.
“The district is calm but we only have the problem
of population increase. But I appreciate the fact that all tribes have
constitutional rights of freedom of expression,” Mr Muhindo said,
angering the municipal mayor, who quickly refuted the remarks.
“Nobody should deceive you that there is no problem
in Kasese. The problem is there. Imagine a group of civilians attacking
the whole police station. Leaders are shying away from the truth,” Mr
Kabyanga Kiime said, adding that if not addressed, the tribal tensions
will cause more bloodshed.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/MPs+investigate+Kasese+conflict/-/688334/1501288/-/10cximm/-/index.html
“These conflicts have escalated because government
has not solved issues of land, district splitting,’ Mr Odongo said.
Meanwhile, at Nyakatonzi Sub-county, Isebantu Erisa Mugisa Ateenyi, the
self-proclaimed cultural leader of the Banyabindi, wondered why
government gives a lot of attention to the Omusinga.
“Government is deceived that if it doesn’t consult
the Rwenzururu King Charles mumbere, decisions can’t be made. This is a
total lie. He is like me. I am also a cultural leader. We have suffered
for 50 years under the Rwenzururu struggle,” Mr Mugisa said.
The minority communities, comprising of the
Basongora, Banyabindi and Bakingwe told the committee at Nyakatonzi that
the best way to solve the tribal conflicts in Kasese was to give them
their own district so that they can manage their own business without
being marginalised and oppressed.
Mr Muwuma promised that the committee will present their findings to Parliament.
