Kasese attacks: Law society wants commission of inquiry

   Rwenzururu king Charles Wesley Mumbere              

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) wants a commission of inquiry set up to investigate the cause of conflict in the Rwenzori sub region and propose possible solutions.

Fresh clashes between security forces and suspected Rwenzururu kingdom loyalists erupted on Saturday after a group of alleged royal guards of Omusinga (king) of Rwenzururu hurled an improvised grenade at Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and Police officers.

The UPDF and Police were patrolling Kasese town when the improvised grenade was reportedly hurled at them. The joint security forces responded with gunfire which sparked off retaliation attacks by suspected kingdom loyalists on Police Posts across the district.

Fleeing from gunfire, some of the suspected loyalists sought refuge in the palace of Omusinga Charles Mumbere on Saturday. The UPDF ordered the Mumbere to direct the kingdom loyalists to get out of the palace or let the government forces in, but the orders were reportedly ignored.

On Sunday, the joint forces forcefully gained entry into the palace, opening fire on the suspected loyalists inside the facility. About 100 people, including 14 police officers, were killed in the attacks in Kasese on Saturday and Sunday.

Over 90 people, mainly civilians were killed in similar attacks by suspected Rwenzururu kingdom loyalists in Kasese, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo districts in 2014.

The ULS, in a November 28 statement, said it is deeply concerned about the unfortunate events in Kasese, and condemned the killings on both sides of the conflict.

"The unnecessary death and destruction of property in Kasese reminds us of our painful past captured in the preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the need to avoid violence as a means of resolving disputes," a statement signed off by the ULS president Francis Gimara, reads.

The proposed commission of inquiry, according to ULS, should involve both sides in the conflict, the International Community and human rights players. The lawyers also want both sides in the conflict to cease fire and exercise minimum restraint to avoid further loss of lives and property.

"All people involved in the abuse and violation of human rights be dealt with in accordance with the law and brought to book," ULS stated.