Kasubi arson claim adds dramatic twist to police investigation

Kampala

For a fire that has ignited political tensions across the country, the blaze that brought down the historic Kasubi Tombs is one that any arsonist would want to only acknowledge at their death bed. Yet the number of people claiming to have struck the match that caused the fire grows by the week. The first was a suspect, only identified as Kasekende, who allegedly confessed to on-lookers soon after the inferno started on March 16, but he soon disappeared in the milling crowd.
Another suspect, Robert Mubiru, was arrested a few days later but released on police bond.
The latest, one Joseph Musoke, this week walked into a police station in Nakulabye, a city suburb near the burnt tombs, and claimed responsibility for the act.

So, whodunit?
According to police boss Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, the latest suspect could be the man with ash on his hands.
“I have spoken to the man and his story is consistent and logical,” Maj. Gen. Kayihura said yesterday. “Other investigators have also talked to him and his statement is still the same. We are taking his statement very seriously.”

Fiery spirit
Mr Musoke claimed he was sent by the Holy Spirit to burn what he described as satanic shrines, which the devil allegedly uses to kill people in the country. He described to detectives how he allegedly entered the tombs, struck a match and destroyed a 128-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site. Not everyone is convinced, however, not least of all, Buganda Kingdom, which has called for an independent inquiry into the fire.

Charles Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom’s information and cabinet affairs minister said yesterday that they are watching the story with interest and a healthy dose of skepticism. “The story is still in its infancy and has a lot of loopholes,” Mr Mayiga said. “It has a lot of gaps to be believed but the Kingdom is carrying out independent investigations about the same issue. We are waiting to see how the story develops.”

Mr Musoke was last night being held at the Central Police Station in Kampala and police officers indicated he is likely to be charged with arson today. Whether that rests the ghosts of the Kasubi fire or only adds fuel to the inferno of speculation remains to be seen.