Kasese clashes: Lwanga calls for dialogue

Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga cuts a cake with children. Photo by Juliet Lukwago.

The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has called for dialogue between the government and the people Kasese.

"As catholic bishops, we will release a statement encouraging dialogue," Lwanga said.

Lwanga made the remarks on Sunday at St Charles Lwanga Catholic parish Ntinda where he led mass to commission the ‘Kisoboka project.'

Fresh clashes between security forces and suspected Rwenzururu kingdom loyalists erupted 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. 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.

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.