THE fire that gutted the historic Kasubi Tombs is a tragedy, not only for Buganda but for the whole of Uganda.The mausoleum, where four former Buganda kings lay buried, was not only a cultural site for the Baganda, it was part of our national heritage and an international tourist attraction recognised by UNESCO.

This is, therefore, a time for mourning for all Ugandans. While the grief felt by the Baganda is entirely understandable and shared by all, the acts of violence are irrational, unnecessary and totally unacceptable.

Moreover, such acts are counterproductive. By blocking the fire-brigade from reaching the burning tombs, the Baganda mob allowed the fire to spread and reduce the mausoleum to ashes.

Perhaps the historic site would have been saved had the fire fighters, who responded within 10 minutes of the outbreak, not been hindered.

There is no information yet on the cause of the fire, and whether or not it was arson. The grass-thatched huts could have been hit by lightning or caused by an electricity short circuit. They could have caught fire by a hurricane lamp, a thrown away cigarette or somebody cooking. It could also have been an act of international terrorism or other forces trying to destabilise Uganda.

As the cause of the inferno is being investigated, let us remain calm and patient and not jump to conclusions. Mengo officials, in particular, should act responsibly and call upon their subjects to desist from violence.

Like previous riots have shown, hooligans quickly take advantage of such situations to start looting and destroying property. The NRM Government restored the kingdoms to make people proud of their culture and identity and heal the wounds of the past; it was never meant to cause violence or open up fresh wounds.