Uganda - riots

Eleven reported dead in riots, tense in Kampala

Article published on the 2009-09-12 Latest update 2009-09-12 15:49 TU

Ugandan police escort arrested civilians into the Wandegeya police station, Kampala 12 September 2009.
(Photo: Reuters)

The streets of the capital Kamapa are quiet today after two days of riots. Security forces are on the streets and the Buganda tribal leader has tried to calm things down. Hospital sources say 11 people were killed in the clashes between police and the Buganda king's supporters.

According to to hospital sources, at least eleven people were killed over the past two days in the violent protests when police clashed with supporters of the traditional ruler of the Baganda tribe, or Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.

The Kabaka cancelled late yesterday a controversial trip to one of the kingdom's territorial districts where there is a major land dispute with another minority tribe, the Banyala.

In a statement released from the Baganda Kingdom Palace in the capital Kampala, the Kabaka said he was forced to postpone his visit to the Kayunga District indefinitely on grounds that the central government had failed to guarantee him and his entourage their safety.