KAMPALA: The death toll from riots in Uganda's capital has risen to 21 people, including a 2-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet, officials said Monday.

Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakoba said seven people have died in hospitals since Saturday. At least 14 others are known to have been killed in the clashes that began Thursday. The situation calmed over the weekend.

The clashes pitted government forces against supporters of the Buganda, one of Uganda's four ancient kingdoms. Members of the Buganda ethnic group have clashed previously with the government over land rights.

More than 500 suspects have appeared in court on charges including inciting violence and destroying public property, Nabakoba said.

"Otherwise the city has returned to normal," she said. "The streets are already experiencing traffic jams."

The bloodshed started last week after the government prevented a representative of Buganda King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from traveling to a region near the capital on "security grounds." Many saw it as an insult to the king.

Such violence is unusual in Uganda, better known in Africa for its progressive HIV/AIDS policies, relatively free media and growing prosperity — partly funded by newly discovered oil reserves.

The king is restricted to largely ceremonial duties under an agreement with President Yoweri Museveni, who restored the kingdoms in 1993 after years of banishment. In return, the rural Buganda kingdom largely supported him in the 2006 elections. But veiled calls for federalism have become more pronounced in recent years and support in the 2011 polls appears to be less reliable.