Kyenjojo RDc warns on tribalism

By Emmanuel Mulondo The Kyenjojo Resident District commissioner, Grace Ssendabaguzi, has warned perpetrators of ethnic rifts in Hapuyo to stop or face arrest.She was recently addressing residents at Iringa-lyaruhinda parish where the Bakiga and indigenous Batoro have been threatening violence against each other.Ssendabaguzi said her office had received names of five perpetrators who were convening night meetings on a tribal basis.The area LC5 councillor and district vice-chairperson, Edward Sande Basiima, called the meeting. He said he was one of the targets according to reports.The meeting turned out to be a reconciliation one as some of the trouble-causers were asked to explain to the community why they were attacking other ethnic groups.Charles Kwesiima, who was disqualified from contesting for LC3 councillorship, had reportedly been mobilising the Bakiga, saying his disqualification was aimed at having a Mutoro unopposed.The Assistant Chief Administration Officer who handled the area nominations and elections said Kwesiima was disqualified for flouting the law.The law requires that a civil servant seek leave 14 days to nomination if he is to stand for election.Gadi Rwomushana, a Mukiga, who was re-arrested for escaping from prison also said there was ethnic harassment there. Parents of another Mukiga who had been arrested for vandalising a road culvert also said their son had been mistreated in prison on tribal grounds. Ssendabaguzi warned against such tribal sentiments when dealing with crime.She called upon residents to spy on one another.