Ugandan President Vows to Prevent Cult Tragedy

Xinhuanet/December 31, 2000

Kampala - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni Sunday said that the government is anxiously awaiting the findings of inquiry into the cult tragedy at Kanungu which perished about 1,000 people, noting that the findings will enable the government to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Delivering the New Year Message to the nation, Museveni lamented all those who perished at Kanungu and other places at the hands of fanatical religious leaders, according to a press release from the President's Office.

He said that the tragedy is a clear example of abuse of freedom and a violation of the right to life.

Some 1,000 people have been confirmed killed this year by leaders of the cult Movement of the Restoration of Ten Commandments of God.

On March 17, about 500 were burnt to death inside the cult's church building at Kanungu, more than 300 km southwest of Kampala. Some 500 more bodies have since been found in mass graves on properties owned by cult leaders in Rukungiri and neighboring districts.

The government has set up a special team to look into the matter since the tragedy happened.