FDC warns local politicians over Kasese clashes

By David Lumu

Although the motive behind the separate attacks by gunmen in districts of Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Kasese is not yet known, FDC officials have warned politicians not to link the gloomy episodes in Rwenzori region to tribal tensions.

FDC officials argue that by reducing the volatile Rwenzori region tensions to clashes between Bamba and Bakonzo ethnic tribes, the politicians are evading the bigger picture of what caused the conflicts, which have since claimed over 60 people according to police spokesperson Fred Enanga.

Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters on Monday, John Kikonyogo, the FDC spokesperson suggested that government should implore politicians to stop politicizing the matter until thorough investigations are done.

“Local politicians should stop over blowing the tribal tensions. I have heard some MPs in that region arguing that the Bakonzo are killing the Bamba.

"These politicians should stop turning this thing into a Bakonzo against Bamba because there some innocent people belonging to these tribes,” he said.

true
The site of the attack on policemen guarding a weigh bridge, where one was killed. PHOTO/Wilson Asiimwe

true
Emmanuel Egar, a Police officer, who was shot twice in his right leg at Karugutu Police Station, receives treatment Buhinga Hospital in Fort Portal. He was attacked on Saturday. PHOTO/Dorcus Murungi

true
Bereaved residents at a mortuary in Kasese to identify the deceased

Urging government to “investigate and look at the matter in neutral way before concluding”, Kikonyogo said there are two lead questions that the investigations into the Kasese-Bundibugyo clashes must “interrogate and seriously find out why these events happened.”

“Ethnic wars are too complex. Daily newspapers have reported that 72 people have died. This is a huge number. We want investigations to focus on two things: Why did the perpetrators attack the barracks? Why are they looking for guns? By answering these questions conclusively, the cause might be found,” he said.

Kikonyogo said that government should look at the attackers as individuals and not as a tribe.

Some lawmakers we talked to have asked President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in the matter and also explain to the country what is happening in Rwenzori region.

“What is happening in Kasese is of serious concern to the country. The President should come out and explain to Ugandans what is going on in that area,” Roland Mugume, the Runkugiri Municipality MP said.

Assailants some armed with guns, pangas, spears, bows and arrows over the weekend carried out coordinated attacks on key security installations such as policy and army barracks and homes of citizens killing at ransom.

true
Graphic illustration by Brian Sekamate

Also related to this story

72 killed in Kasese, Bundibugyo attacks

Bundibugyo attacks: RDC shot on his way to office