DPP drops charges against Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere

14 June 2023, 10:01 am

By Mathias Thembo, Kyamanduma Patrick & Enos Masereka,

The Director of Public Prosecutions DPP Jane Frances Abodo has withdrawn all charges against Rwenzururu King Charles Wisely Mumbere and 217 of his royal guards.

The charges which have been withdrawn before the international crimes division court presided over by Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi khauka, include murder, terrorism, malicious damage to property, attempted murder and aggravated robbery among others.

Today when the case returned for pre-trial conferencing, the state represented by Lilian Omara, Marion Benbella and Jackline Okui told court that the accused had applied for amnesty.

Speaking in response, trial judge, Alice Komuhangi Kaukha ordered that those on remand at Jinja Main prison and Luzira prison and those on bail should be discharged.

Mumbere was arrested together with royal guards in November 2016 after a joint operation by the army and police led to storming of his Buhikira Palace in Kasese Town in which 136 people were killed.

He recently started negotiations with government over amnesty that would see him and over 200 royal guards pardoned and released.

To watch the Banyarwenzururu celebrating follow this link below https://twitter.com/1005kgr/status/1668586803157164033

However, two of the royal guards including Thembo Kitsumbire and Kamada Masereka didn’t benefit from the amnesty and were ordered to return to court next month.

Speaking to Kasese Guide Radio shortly after Court the Rwenzururu Kingdom Attorney General, Counsel Alfred Makasi said government has finally set free king Mumbere and his royal guards.

Counsel Makasi on King……

Kasese District NRM Chairperson Dr Crispas Kiyonga, described the release of Mumbere and his royal guards as good news that has portrayed the wise leadership of the National Resistance Movement. Dr. Kiyonga on Mumbere…

The former leader of opposition in Uganda Hon Winnie Kiiza asked government to reconstruct the Royal palace and provide startup capital to all royal guards. Hon. Kiiza on King….  

Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament Hon Ferigo Kambale thanked President Museveni for providing amnesty to King Mumbere and others, saying this is one of the resolutions reached at by members of parliament from Rwenzori region during the NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi. Hon. Ferigo adds….

Mr. Saulo Maate, the Kasese district FDC boss said government has finally answered the request of Kasese people after intense discussions. Mr. Saulo on Omusinga speaking….

Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament Hon.Florence Kabugho, who called for reconciliation, commended all Banya-Rwenzururu for continued prayer and generosity towards the king and his royal guards. Hon. Florence on King…

Mr. Jafali Kigutiha, the chairperson local council one for basecamp lower in Kasese Municipality asked the Rwenzururu premier to launch local contribution drive to have the palace reconstructed.Kigutiha on king.. However, there was Jubilation in Kasese town and the entire district as the news of King Mumbere and his royal guards broke. Banya Rwenzururu Jubilating……

details will come later. END.