Yiira republic agitation in Congo not Uganda, Kasese MP says

In its first official statement about the Kasese clashes in which over 100 people were killed last weekend, the Ugandan government mentioned a desire for statehood as a possible “political” reason for the restiveness of the Rwenzori region.

Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odong said in parliament; “the talk of secession and creation of the Bakonzo state of Yiira has been in the public domain for quite some time now.” He then quickly moved to dismiss it as a non-starter. “Government has been clear that this dream is an impossibility in the present times. This factor will be investigated whether it is one of the drivers of the violent actions of Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu.”