KAMPALA.Police in Kasubi ,a Kampala suburb are holding a man suspected of attempting to set fire on the Kasubi Heritage Royal Tombs .
The suspect, Joseph Ssebunya, a resident of Nakulabye in Masiiro Zone,was found at the heritage site with a bottle of petrol and match box in the early hours of the morning.
According to eye witnesses , Ssebunya was intercepted at around 3am after he had already placed a ladder against the fence.
He was reportedly found carrying a one-litre plastic bottle of petrol and a match box concealed in a black polythene bag.
According to eyewitness Deo Kiwanuka, who was returning home from work, he noticed someone climbing the wall and decided to investigate.
When confronted, Ssebunya allegedly punched Kiwanuka, prompting him to call for help.
Residents quickly gathered and attempted to lynch the suspect before soldiers arrived and rescued him.
Police from Old Kampala Station, led by Division Police Commander Francis Liga, visited the scene later in the morning, reenacted the suspect’s movements, and took him into custody for further questioning.
During interrogation, Ssebunya appeared disoriented and gave inconsistent answers regarding his intentions and the source of the petrol.
Authorities have since launched investigations to determine whether he acted alone or under instruction.
On March 16, 2010, a fire gutted Kasubi Royal Tombs, leaving the kingdom and the entire nation devastated. The fire remains one of Uganda’s most tragic cultural losses.
The blaze completely destroyed Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main thatched mausoleum where four Buganda kings were buried, prompting widespread grief across the kingdom and nationwide outrage.
Initial reports indicated that the fire started at night under unclear circumstances, leading to speculation of arson.
The government established a commission of inquiry, and several suspects, including security guards, were questioned.
However, the investigations failed to produce conclusive results, and no one was ever convicted for the incident. To rebuild the heritage site , a lot of money in billions of shillings has been spent and the kingdom is in the process of commissioning it .