Death Toll Rises to 21 in Ugandan Riots

By Jared Kleinman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda - Police fired live ammunition and tear gas at protestors on September 10th, killing 21 and injuring 86 people.  The protestors were demonstrating against the police’s refusal to allow King Ronald Mutebi II, ruler of the Baganda tribe, access to the Kayunga district.  After the Bagandan ruler’s travel ban had been imposed, the Bagandan youth took to the streets, stealing ammunition from police and other confronting officers.  The protestor’s actions escalated tensions and infused riots which resulted in violence and bloodshed.  663 people were ultimately arrested. 

(Source: CNN - Ugandan police ride past a burning barricade in the Natete suburb of Kampala on Friday.)

The King Ronald Mutebi II, known locally as the kabaka, is the leader of the Bagandan people, Uganda’s largest ethnic group.  The kabaka attempted to enter the district in order to observe preparations and make a formal presentation for the festivities of National Youth Day that was scheduled to take place September 12th.  The Kayunga district, in which the kabaka was denied access, is populated with a renegade rival group, the Banyala, who reject the kabaka’s authority.  The government’s refusal to allow the kabaka access to the Kayunga district was taken as an insult to the Badandan people and as a result riots ensued.

Kings in Uganda are limited to a ceremonial role overseeing traditional and cultural affairs. Government officials and the Buganda kingdom have been at odds for years, sparring over land, sovereignty and political power.  "The government is wrong to undermine cultural institutions, which are the backbone of Uganda's heritage," said Mzamiru Balidha, a resident of Kampala.  "Cultural leaders must be left alone since they are not interfering in politics."

It still remains unclear whether any of the protesters initially engaged in violence.  The police’s reaction to the protestors by firing tear gas and live ammunition is what remains under review.  "The available evidence raises serious concerns that police used excessive force in confronting demonstrators," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.  "Violence during protests may require that the police use force, but it must be proportionate," said Gagnon.  "Here it appears that the police use of live ammunition prompted an escalation in bloodshed."  "A thorough investigation is needed to find out who is responsible for yesterday's violence."

For more information, please see:

Bloomberg - Ugandan Riot’s Death Toll Rises to 21; Arrests Made, DPA Says – 14 September 2009

CBC News – Ugandan Riots Kill 21 – 14 September 2009

CNN - At Least 21 People Died in Ugandan Riots, Police Say – 14 September 2009

HRW - Uganda: Police Restraint Needed in Response to Protests – 11 September 2009 

Comments

[Gabe]

Well done Jared. I can't believe I was there only a month ago. The conflict happened right near where I was staying. I even visited Kabaka's Palace in Kampala, the residence of the current king of Buganda. Thankfully the conflict is resolving itself but it's hard to say what type of effect events like these can have on public opinion and future social unrest.