Kampala - Seven people have been killed and dozens wounded in rioting in the Ugandan capital Kampala after security forces fired live bullets and tear gas at demonstrators, reports said Friday.

Thousands of people took to the streets Thursday to protest against an apparent move to block the king of the Baganda tribe, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, from visiting a town north-east of Kampala.

The demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads in the business district, pelting the police with stones and bottles. Police fired tear gas and live bullets at the surging crowds. Seven died in the chaos, local media said.

Deputy police spokesman, Richard Musisi told the German Press Agency dpa that two people were confirmed dead and 43 were hospitalized, including four police officers.

The centre of Kampla was deserted on Friday morning as police and military patrolled the streets.

The riots kicked off when police blocked the Baganda prime minister from overseeing preparations for youth day ceremonies the king was due to attend on Saturday.

Uganda revived kingdom rule 16 years ago after its abolition in the 1960s, but the current monarchs have no political power and are restricted to cultural functions only.

The Baganda tribe has been at loggerheads with President Yoweri Museveni's government, with the kingdom's administration and its nearly 10 million subjects demanding greater power for their king. (dpa)