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Appeal for calm after Uganda riots claim 11 lives
Security forces patrolled the streets of Kampala on Saturday as the traditional Buganda kingdom at the centre of two days of deadly riots sought to calm the situation.
Security forces patrolled the streets of Kampala on Saturday as the traditional Buganda kingdom at the centre of two days of deadly riots sought to calm the situation.
At least 11 people were killed in the violent protests that erupted on Thursday and Friday in the Ugandan capital, the chief of its main National Referral Hospital told AFP.
Five died on Thursday, and six on Friday, when police clashed with supporters of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, the kabaka or traditional ruler of the Baganda tribe, said acting hospital director Iga Matovu.
An earlier police toll put the number of dead at five.
Some were killed by bullets and others appeared to have been "been hit by demonstrators," the doctor said, adding that more than 30 people were admitted to the hospital yesterday with serious injuries.
"Twelve are still in critical condition, but we hope they will be out of danger because our staff are working round the clock to save the situation," said Matovu, while warning that the death toll could yet grow higher.
An uneasy calm had returned to Kampala where a strong military presence could still be felt.
Most police and military barricades had been lifted, but the security forces were still patrolling the streets, either on foot or aboard vehicles.
