Uganda royal tombs gutted by fire

Kampala, 17 March-(ANA)-The tombs of four Ugandan regional kings have been wrecked by fire, sparking protests and claims of arson.

Thousands of people poured on to the streets of Kampala and eyewitnesses said at least one person was killed after security forces opened fire.

Police denied anyone had been hurt and said the cause of the fire was unknown.

The Unesco-listed site housed tombs of kings of the Buganda region. The kingdom has had uneasy relations with the central government recently.

A dispute over territory between King Ronald Mutebi and President Yoweri Museveni led to mass riots late last year.

Eyewitnesses say Mr Museveni tried to visit the Kasubi tombs near Kampala to see the extent of the fire damage, but supporters of the king blocked his convoy.(ANA)

FA/ANA/17 March 2010-----