Forensic Experts called in to analyse the Kasumbi Tombs Fire

A team of forensic experts has arrived at the Kasubi tombs to ascertain the cause of the fire that engulfed and destroyed the historic mausoleum of former Baganda Kings.

Government chemists and specialist engineers from Umeme, the electricity body, are currently inspecting the site of the devastation, said deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate Moses Sakira, who is leading the investigation.

“We are now gathering detailed information and carrying out analysis at the tombs. We have no conclusions yet.”

Mr Sakira said the police have not yet removed anything from the site for laboratory analysis. But a forensic lab at CID headquarters has been made available for the investigation.

Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba said nothing has been ruled out and the criminal investigation is yet to determine whether the cause of the fire was arson or an accident.

For the past two days, thousands of Buganda subjects have visited the scene to pay their respects to the revered burial grounds, and help clean and organise its remains.

Mr Sakira said this had caused problems for the investigations team because the evidence will have been tampered with. But the site is now cleared of the majority of civilians so the team was able to carry out their work effectively”

“Some people have remained because it is their culture that they must protect the site, but the stampede has reduced,” he said.

He said a metal barrier now cordons off the area around the central mausoleum.

The police investigation will feed into a government sub-committee to determine the cause of the fire and the shooting of civilians.