By Milton Olupot
and Catherine Bekunda

MPS yesterday condemned the Kasubi fire. Gender minister Gabriel Opio regretted the incident and conveyed sympathy to the people of Buganda.

Opio told the House, presided over by Speaker Edward Ssekandi, that the Cabinet had set up a committee to investigate the situation.

On the committee are the Attorney General, the ministers of finance, tourism, education, local government and gender, and a representative from UNESCO. Ssekandi called for independent people to investigate the fire.

The acting leader of the opposition, Kassiano Wadri (FDC), called for an independent inquiry into the fire and the shooting of civilians at the site.

“It is not time for pointing fingers, but the Government must take responsibility for failure to provide security to Ugandans.”
Animal husbandry state minister Bright Rwamirama called for maturity in handling the matter, warning against politicising the issue. He also urged the public to respect the Police.

“It is not good for civilians to pelt the Police with stones,” he said.
Internal affairs state minister Matia Kasaija said “some people of bad will prevented the Police fire brigade from accessing the tombs”.

Two fire engines were blocked and damaged. The Police manning the trucks were injured and admitted to Mulago Hospital.

Works minister John Nasasira regretted the loss of the cultural site and called for calm. He said the country had lost an asset. “It is time to have collective grief.”

Latiff Sebaggala (DP) said people who had gathered to commiserate with the Kabaka, including MPs, were beaten by security people in civilian clothes. “We were ordered to lie down and some people beat us up. Anyone who remained standing was shot at.”

Nabilah Nagayi Sempala (FDC) said tragedy had befallen the country. “We were ordered to take cover as bullets whizzed over our heads. Then people came with sticks beating us. I was caned like a child. I don’t think it is right for people to flog mourners.” She said she heard somebody groaning in pain and calling for help.

Margaret Babadiri (NRM) was shocked that somebody burnt the tombs. “These (tombs) have been our pride. We are crazy. We started with schools, burning children like animals. Something must be done.” Hassan Fungaroo (FDC), Odonga Otto (FDC) and Susan Nakawuki (FDC) condemned the fire and the shooting of civilians.

Emmanuel Dombo (NRM) asked Kasaijja whether people had been killed by government forces, but the minister promised a detailed statement later.
Hussein Kyanjo (JEEMA) said people had been shot before the President inspected the ruins.

“I saw bodies being carried to a Police pick-up truck.

“The Police was doing its work well until people in civilian clothes started shooting. Police is finding it very difficult to do their work because of interference from such forces.”