Deadly riots erupt in Ugandan capital for 2nd day
By GODFREY OLUKYA, Associated Press
Sep 11, 2009 10:20 AM CDT
A 13-year old boy lies dead after he got shot in the head during riots in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Sept. 11, 2009. The unrest began Thursday after the government prevented a representative of the traditional ruler of the Buganda kingdom from traveling to a region northeast of the capital for a political...   (Associated Press)

Three people including a child were shot dead Friday in the streets of Uganda's capital, witnesses said, bringing the death toll from two days of rioting to at least 10.

The violence broke out Thursday amid disputes between the government and supporters of the Buganda, one of Uganda's four ancient kingdoms. Members of the Buganda Kingdom have clashed previously with the government over land rights.

There were fears that the violence will continue into Saturday after Uganda's top policeman said he would prevent the Buganda King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from traveling to a rally. The government's refusal to allow the trip on security grounds sparked the first day of rioting Thursday after the king's supporters insisted he should be allowed to move freely.

On Friday, an AP photographer saw a 13-year-old boy shot in the head and another man shot in the back as stone-throwing protesters fought running battles in the streets with police. The boy's mother, who did not give her name, said a soldier in an armored personnel carrier shot her son as he stood outside a store.

Police officer Henry Mulwanyi, who was involved in the anti-riot operation, confirmed that a man and a woman had been killed near the city center.

"Both the dead had bullet wounds," he said. "I cannot establish who killed them."

Shops were closed and roads were fairly empty in the capital Friday. On the outskirts of town, protesters built burning roadblocks and set a bus alight. Police patrolled in armed vehicles.

Uganda's traditional kingdoms were banned in 1966 but reinstated by President Yoweri Museveni in 1993. But Museveni has restricted their leaders to a largely ceremonial role to avoid potential political rivals.

This week's unrest began after the government prevented a representative of the Buganda kingdom from traveling to a region northeast of the capital to prepare for a political rally. Members of the kingdom make up Uganda's largest ethnic group but there is friction between the Buganda and members of the smaller Banyara tribe, who claim the Buganda refuse to recognize them.

Uganda's inspector general of police, Kale Kaihura, told reporters Buganda's king would not be allowed to visit the Kayunga district.

"Some people died, property was looted and damaged including police posts, shops, vehicles and a paint factory," he said. "Buses were stopped at illegal roadblocks and passengers robbed. Women were attacked and humiliated.

"Accordingly, the king of Buganda's visit to Kayunga ... shall not be allowed to proceed as scheduled."

Five radio stations were suspended for inciting violence.

Analyst Solom Male said neither side wanted to back down and the riots were becoming a focal point for other groups dissatisfied with the government.

"Those people rioting on the streets are unemployed and poor," he said. "The government has not addressed their problems."

See 3 more photos