Kampala — A GROUP of traders who lost their merchandise during the Buganda kingdom riots in September are opposed to the unconditional reopening of CBS radio.

At a press conference at Speke Hotel in Kampala on Saturday, they accused CBS of promoting sectarianism and inciting violence which, they said, fuelled the riots.

"As persons who suffered physical injury and lost property at the hands of rioters who were incited and inspired by CBS radio broadcasts, we are strongly opposed to the unconditional reopening of CBS," said Fred Maswanku, one of the traders.

As victims of the violence, they have formed an association which has over 200 members, he added.

The riots erupted after the Government opposed the Kabaka's visit to Kayunga, citing security reasons.

In a statement, the victims' association quotes CBS as calling upon the people of Rubaga to escort the Kabaka to Kayunga and they were to come "prepared to engage the enemy".

Three days earlier, the group claims, the radio called upon its listeners to "raid State House and oust the dictator". On the same day, a special announcement called upon the Baganda youth to go with the Kabaka to Bugerere "dressed in jeans and canvass shoes and go and fight for the throne."

As examples of promoting hatred against 'traitors' and non-Baganda, the association quotes CBS as saying: "Baganda should come out and chase away people who they think betray Buganda - such people should not go back and be safe in their homes."

Incited by CBS, angry youth mounted roadblocks and targeted non-Baganda and their property, the statement says.

"They inflicted physical bodily harm on people who did not know and could not sing the Buganda anthem, or those whose physical features were perceived not to be of the Baganda."

As victims who lost property, the traders said, they should be involved in any negotiations to reopen CBS so that their concerns are considered.

They said the reopening of CBS must be on condition that the radio practices responsible journalism, there is no more inciting of violence and genocide and zero-tolerance to sectarian statements.