Uganda: At least 55 killed in clashes between Ugandan forces and Rwenzururu kingdom separatist militia
At least 55 people have been killed in fierce fighting that erupted in western Uganda between security forces and a separatist militia linked to a tribal king, police said Sunday.
Police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi said 14 police officers and 41 militants had died in the clashes in the town of Kasese on Saturday, when fighters linked to the royal guard of the Rwenzururu kingdom attacked patrolling security forces.
Uganda’s deputy government spokesman Shaban Bantariza said the militia were fighting to form their own republic and “harbour intentions to break away from Uganda”.
“These militiamen have set up camps in the Rwenzori mountains from where they train and come to attack government installations ” Bantariza said.
The town of Kasese, home to the king, was under lockdown Saturday evening.