Breaking News in Kampala, Uganda

Yesterday gun shots, rioting, car burnings, trash cans burning and war cries and drums rang out as the Katikkiro the Prime Minister of Buganda was blocked from visiting one of the areas belonging to the Kabaka king by police officers. This was a slap in the face to the Kabaka (King) and to those wh oand honor his rulership which is more important than the role of the President of Uganda.

The Kabaka represents at least 40% of the Ugandan people because he is the \"King\" to the Baganda ethnic majority group in Uganda. So, to deny his \"Prime Minister\" access to his land that culturally belongs to him is a major offense. Hence, the youth have rebelled against the ruling presidential authority represented by the army and police. In retaliation, the youths blocked roads, burned tires and police stations, while innocent civilians and police officers were petted with stones, robbed and many physically harmed many, according to the Daily Monitor News paper on Friday September 11, 2009.

I just happen to be in Kampala for some professional meetings yesterday so when it began, I was stuck at Makerere University for over 3 hours. I heard the rapid gun shots, I saw the smoke from the distance and I listed as the sirens of the police and ambulance raced through the streets to carry the wounded from the riot. While waiting for the mayhem to settle, I listened to the elders comment on how the rioting was the worse they'd witnessed in the city since 1966, the year I was born. Everyone at the dinner table were worried about the safety of their family members traveling safely from the city to their place of abode.

Today, there are still pockets of places where rioting is still occurring, and it is predicted to get worse tomorrow, since the Kabaka is scheduled to return to Mukono Township to cross the bridge to his providence there. If the Kabaka himself isn't allowed to reach, I pray for the people of Kampala, because who knows the fate of either the people of Buganda, or Mukono along with the police.

When oh when, will Ugandan's learn to live in peace, instead of tearing their country to pieces?