KASESE, Uganda — On November 26 and 27, 2016, the picturesque district of Kasese in western Uganda became the epicenter of one of the country’s deadliest clashes. Confrontations between Ugandan security forces and royal guards of the Rwenzururu kingdom resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including civilians, police officers, and royal guards, with some human rights groups estimating the toll at more than 150.
The violence erupted following escalating tensions between the Ugandan government and the Rwenzururu kingdom, which has long sought greater autonomy for the Bakonzo people. Months of sporadic violence, including attacks on police posts and civilian killings, preceded the deadly crackdown.
The Events Unfold
On November 26, 2016, Ugandan police raided the Rwenzururu kingdom’s administrative offices in Kasese town. The operation, described by authorities as a response to alleged attacks by militants linked to the kingdom, left at least eight royal guards dead.
The following day, the situation escalated dramatically. Security forces, including the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), stormed the Rwenzururu royal palace after King Charles Wesley Mumbere failed to meet an ultimatum to disarm his royal guards. The assault led to heavy fighting, with at least 87 royal guards and 16 police officers killed. King Mumbere was arrested alongside over 180 people who were inside the palace at the time.
Government Justifications and Backlash
The government defended its actions, citing the need to dismantle what it described as an armed group threatening national security. However, critics, including human rights organizations, accused the government of using excessive force and failing to seek peaceful resolutions.
Human Rights Watch reported that some of those killed included unarmed civilians, including children, and called for an independent investigation into the massacre. “The scale and brutality of the Kasese killings demand justice,” a 2019 report stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
King Mumbere was charged with offenses including murder and terrorism, charges he has denied. His trial has been marked by delays, leaving survivors and families of the victims in limbo. Despite international calls for an inquiry, no comprehensive investigation has been conducted, deepening frustrations over the lack of accountability.
The massacre left a legacy of grief and mistrust in the region. Families continue to mourn their losses, while the events of Kasese remain a painful reminder of the challenges Uganda faces in managing ethnic tensions and upholding human rights.
Calls for Resolution
As Uganda reflects on the Kasese massacre, many continue to demand justice for the victims. Observers argue that the tragedy underscores the urgent need for dialogue, fair governance, and measures to address grievances among marginalized communities to prevent a recurrence of such violence.
The Kasese massacre remains a somber chapter in Uganda’s history, raising questions about the balance between state security and human rights—a balance that many feel was tragically lost during those fateful days in November 2016.