Tensions are high in Nakasongola following a fire that the destroyed the Kabaka’s palace at Nakasongola district headquarters.
The fire broke out at around 3am on Sunday night and destroyed part of the palace. The reed-built structure was constructed in May, 2015 to shelter Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II during his visits to Nakasongola district. No one resides in the Palace.
Gerald Kyanjo, the Buganda representative in Buruuli county (Kimbugwe) said that neighbours saw the fire flames coming from the palace at around 3am on Sunday morning and mobilized to put it out using water.
Kyanjo accuses Buruuli chiefdom officials for plotting to destroy the palace after trying to force him to demolish it in vain. Kyanjo adds that recently he received threats from Buruuli officials after they got information that he was planning to redevelop the palace.
Kyanjo has since recorded a statement at Nakasongola police where he implicates the chiefs of Buruuli for plotting to destroy the palace. Baganda loyalists have also launched a campaign to reconstruct the palace in the next three days.
But Samuel Kaweesi, the spokesperson of Buruuli chiefdom has dismissed the allegation as baseless.
Since 2015, Buruuli chiefdom officials have been protesting against the construction of the palace , saying its presence at Nakasongola district headquarters, a stone throw away from the office of the Isabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya was a sign of disrespect, provocation and aggression.
The Buruuli chiefs have also engaged the office of resident district commissioner and police to compel Mengo establishment to demolish in vain.
Savannah regional police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate says that police has embarked on investigations over the cause of fire but no person has been arrested.
Ssekate has however called for calm as police investigates the matter and brings culprit to the book.
This is the second time when fire guts the palace of the Kabaka of Buganda in Nakasongola district. In August ,2016 destroyed parts of the palace but Baganda loyalists re-constructed it amidst protests from Buruuli chiefdom loyalists
Buruuli chiefdom seceded from BugandakKingdom in December 2004 and since they have been engaged in wrangles with the latter as it struggles to control the area. Mengo still considers Buruuli as part of the kingdom and conducts activities that further its interests in the area.