Rugunda denies role in Kasubi fire
Dec 15, 2010
DR. Ruhakana Rugunda has described as fabrication a claim by Princess Beatrice Namikka that he was involved in the fire that gutted Kasubi royal tombs in March.
By Vision Reporter
DR. Ruhakana Rugunda has described as fabrication a claim by Princess Beatrice Namikka that he was involved in the fire that gutted Kasubi royal tombs in March.
Appearing before a judicial commission of inquiry, Namikka, the former custodian of the tombs, on Monday alleged that Rugunda, while in the US, sent money to hire the arsonist that burnt the tombs, a World Heritage Site.
Rugunda’s full statement to New Vision reads: “It was with deep surprise that I read the article in which it was reported that I was named as an accomplice in the Kasubi tombs tragedy.
“Equally surprising was the version of events, a complete fabrication, that was narrated in the article alleging my involvement in this despicable and cowardly act. I am interested in the truth, getting to the bottom of this and the people of Uganda deserve to know the same.
There is no imaginable or conceivable reason for me to engage in planning, financing or execution of any act that would destroy a great national heritage like the Kasubi Tombs.
It is, therefore, with great anticipation that I await the New Vision, a respectful national newspaper, and others responsible, to establish the reasons for the fabrication of the story and why.
“I was neither involved in the planning nor in the execution of the destruction of this World Heritage Site. I abhor such cowardly acts and by whomever commits them. The perpetrators of this criminal act should be found and brought to justice.
“I, therefore, look forward to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry diligently pursuing their duties, establishing the truth and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.â€
DR. Ruhakana Rugunda has described as fabrication a claim by Princess Beatrice Namikka that he was involved in the fire that gutted Kasubi royal tombs in March.
Appearing before a judicial commission of inquiry, Namikka, the former custodian of the tombs, on Monday alleged that Rugunda, while in the US, sent money to hire the arsonist that burnt the tombs, a World Heritage Site.
Rugunda’s full statement to New Vision reads: “It was with deep surprise that I read the article in which it was reported that I was named as an accomplice in the Kasubi tombs tragedy.
“Equally surprising was the version of events, a complete fabrication, that was narrated in the article alleging my involvement in this despicable and cowardly act. I am interested in the truth, getting to the bottom of this and the people of Uganda deserve to know the same.
There is no imaginable or conceivable reason for me to engage in planning, financing or execution of any act that would destroy a great national heritage like the Kasubi Tombs.
It is, therefore, with great anticipation that I await the New Vision, a respectful national newspaper, and others responsible, to establish the reasons for the fabrication of the story and why.
“I was neither involved in the planning nor in the execution of the destruction of this World Heritage Site. I abhor such cowardly acts and by whomever commits them. The perpetrators of this criminal act should be found and brought to justice.
“I, therefore, look forward to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry diligently pursuing their duties, establishing the truth and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.â€