These past two days has seen the Ugandan capital of Kampala in turmoil. Ten people are dead, dozens of stores looted, and police posts were set on fire as rioters protested a tribal King’s visit to the capital.
AP
The troubles began when the King of the Buganda – the largest ethnic group in the East African nation – wanted to visit a hostile area near Kampala. Since tribal Kings are mostly figureheads and are not allowed to take part in politics, some Parliament members were uneasy with the King, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, travelling to an area that the New York Times reports is where a different ethnic group lives.
Restrictions were reportedly set up, and some of the King’s officials claimed harassment. That was when the rioting began.
Protesters burned tires and threw rocks at police. Some Ugandans took advantage of the opportunity to loot stores, and then the police and soldiers began to shoot the people.
Although the official count is 2 dead, an Associated Press photographer claims he saw 10 dead bodies of civilians in the streets.
The reason for the unrest may have to do with growing discontent with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Even though there is an election coming up, Museveni supposedly will not step down. He has also accused the Bugandan King of receiving foreign finance.
The Bugandan kingdom is one of four in Uganda. It wasn’t established until the 1990s.
The riots in Kampala are unprecedent. It is normally seen as one of the more peaceful capitals in Africa.
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