DP call for an international inquiry into Kasese killings
Norbert Mao. File photo
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A day before, another 30 people including 10 police officers died in different attacks in the district after the army and police raided the administrative offices of the kingdom.
He said the conflict is a symptom of failure by the government to address pertinent issues that affect citizens.
KAMPALA- The leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Mr Norbert Mao has called for an international inquiry into the “ongoing massacre in Kasese and Rwenzori region”.
Addressing journalists in Kampala at the party headquarters on Tuesday, Mr Mao said given the numerous reports on the killings in the region, it is difficult for the truth to come out if a local commission of inquiry is instituted to investigate the carnage.
“We need an international independent commission of inquiry to be constituted because this is going to involve people across borders. It can no longer be a commission of inquiry set up by a Ugandan minister,” Mr Mao said.
He added that what the government is doing through the gun is treating symptoms of the problem not its causes.
He said the conflict is a symptom of failure by the government to address pertinent issues that affect citizens.
“Nobody in this conflict wants to overthrow the government. The problem is that the Bakonjo and Bamba feel that their sense of identity in Uganda is not being recognised,” Mr Mao said.
On Sunday, the army raided King Wesley Mumbere’s palace in Kasese town leaving dozens of people dead. King Mumbere was also arrested and taken to Nalufenya in Jinja where he is detained.
Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo has since said that security forces were left with no option but to storm the palace since King Mumbere had declined to disarm and disband his royal guards.
A day before, another 30 people including 10 police officers died in different attacks in the district after the army and police raided the administrative offices of the kingdom.
“We condemn the killing of civilians and security officers. The heavy deployment in the area was not called for and civilians were wrong to attack policemen who are supposed to keep law and order. Unless we tress the historical roots of these conflicts, we cannot find a solution,’Mr Mao said.
