The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Museveni has for the first time spoken out publicly about the arrest and push for the release of Rwenzururu Cultural leader, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, saying the issues will be resolved. He made the statement on Wednesday during the commissioning of the One-Stop Border Post-OSBP and new border export zone-BEZ in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha town council, Kasese district.
During the event, Kasese district LCV chairperson Eliphazi Muhindi, told the president that the people of Rwenzururu have been mending fences with the ruling government over the last six years and it’s time the president considers their plea to release their king. Mumbere was picked up in November 2016 together with 200 royal guards during a joint security raid on Buhikira Palace in Kasese district, which left 116 people dead.
Mumbere and the royal guards were arraigned in Jinja High court and charged with several offenses including treason, murder, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery among others. Mumbere was however later released on bail but restricted to moving within Kampala, Wakiso, and Jinja districts. About 140 royal guards have also been released on bail while others are still in prison.
In his response to the requests presented by Muhindi, Museveni without divulging details said Mumbere had written to him and the two will see how to sort out the issues.
In September during his broadcast message on South Rwenzori Diocese Radio Messiah, Mumbere said that his way to regaining freedom entirely lay in the hands of the executive and the military who he said have major interests in his case.
“The executive and the military of the Republic of Uganda are the ones who have interest and they are the ones with control. They are using the court to make decisions but the people with power in our case are the executive, the chief executive, and the military….” Mumbere said. The pronouncement by Museveni seems to end the talk led by local political leaders that the cultural leader will be in the institution before Christmas day.
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