Security agencies are investigating reports that some people are arming youths in Kasese district spears. It follows an incident on Tuesday when more than 30 youths armed with spears raided the home of Rwigi Rutakirwa Kabumba Ivan Bwebale IV, the cultural leader of the Basongora and confiscated a flag and royal drum. Since the installation of Rutakirwa, there have been reports that spears are being sold in secret places especially in Kasese Municipality but the attack gives credence to the rumors.
A source in security that preferred anonymity and is part of the investigating team says that they have received information that some elders in Kasese district are arming people with spears. The source however refused to disclose if it’s the Bakonzo or Basongora elders who are giving out the spears. According to the source, the shaft and the pointed metallic head are purchased separately and then assembled in homes. As a result, the source says that the district security committee has ordered for operations in areas where the spears are being hidden.
On Thursday morning, plain clothed security officers were deployed at Kasese market, after receiving information that some traders were selling spears. However no spears were recovered. He also says that they have requested the Rwenzururu Kingdom to avail the district security officials, the number of spears that are in possession of Mumbere’s royal guards and have also limited the guards from moving out of the palace armed with spears.
Security is also investigating where the Bakonzo youths who raided Rutakirwa’s home got the spears. But in a telephone interview, Metusera Sebayanda, the group’s leader maintains that those who raided Rutakirwa's home were Kingdom scouts and not mercenaries as alleged by security and the Basongora. He says that the scouts are entitled to have spears, but said that it was unfortunate that they carried the spears, during the raid.
Sebayanda also denied allegations that Rwenzururu Kingdom is arming the youths with spears with an intension of attacking the Basongora. Following the Tuesday incident, several police officers were deployed to patrol the streets of Kasese town to avert possible clashes. Police has also been deployed at Rutakirwa’s home in Muhokya trading centre along the Kasese Mbarara road.
On Wednesday, Kasese district security committee, led by the Resident District Commissioner Lt. Milton Odongo, met to discuss the Tuesday attack but details of the meeting weren’t divulged to the press.
