People flee in panic through the main gate at the site of the burned Kasubi tombs on Wednesday, following a raid by military police. The burning of the Kasubi tombs, one of the most sacred sites of the Buganda tribe, ignited unrest in parts of Kampala after people on the streets accused the government of arson. (Marc Hofer/Associated Press)

Ugandan security forces fatally shot three people in the capital Wednesday during clashes with rioters angry after the tombs of five traditional kings were destroyed overnight by fire, a tribal government official said.

Lubega Segona, minister of information for the Buganda kingdom, said the shots were fired by members of the presidential guard. He said the guards shot at angry members of the traditional kingdom who had tried to stop Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni from visiting the tombs.

"Those killed were among a crowd which was stopping the guards to enter where the tombs are located," Segona said. "The guards responded by opening fire and killing three people and injuring several."

In 1993, Museveni restored Uganda's traditional kingdoms, which his predecessor had banned in 1967. But Museveni has been adamant that kings restrict themselves to cultural duties and keep out of politics.

Police Inspector General Kale Kaihura condemned the shootings Wednesday and said police would investigate.

"All those involved will be arrested and punished," he said.

Buganda's leader, King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, declared five days of mourning after fire early Tuesday destroyed the building housing the kings' tombs.

Government to underwrite tombs' rebuilding

Museveni told the crowd the government will help pay for reconstruction of the tombs. Earlier Wednesday, angry protesters attacked police officers, firefighters and soldiers who tried to approach the tombs.

One rioter said he suspected the government set fire to the tombs, a charge that a police spokeswoman denied.

"We know that the relationship between the central government and Buganda kingdom is not good," said George Senvuma, a member of the kingdom. "There is a possibility that government operatives set fire on the tombs."

Police spokeswoman Judith Nanbakooba said hundreds of officers were sent to the scene but could not approach the tombs for fear of being attacked.

"Those people do not want to see anyone in police or army uniform," she said. "They have been beating up policemen and army men sent to keep law and order since last night. They even stopped firefighters from reaching the burning tombs. Only policemen in plainclothes can access the place."

In September, riots broke out in Kampala when security agents clashed with Buganda members, leaving more than 20 protesters dead. The government had prevented a representative of the Buganda king from travelling to a region near the capital on "security grounds." Many saw it as an insult to the king.