The International Crimes Division of the High Court has issued a ruling affirming that the Rwenzururu Royal Palace remains a crime scene until all legal matters concerning it are resolved. This decision follows a plea by King Charles Wesley Mumbere of Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu, who sought the release of the Buhikira Royal Palace and other properties seized by the Police on November 27, 2016.
The Palace, located on Kibanzaga Road Plot No. 36 in Kasese Municipality, is among the properties in contention. Additionally, items such as a Supreme Vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the number plate “Omusinga 1,” a Toyota Noah van, a Ford pick-up lead car with the number plate “Royal Guard,” a personal pistol of Israel make allegedly gifted by President Yoweri Museveni, and the Rwenzururu Kingdom administrative building situated at Alexander Street in Kasese Municipality are included.
Mumbere’s request was based on the withdrawal of charges including terrorism, treason, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery against him and 200 royal guards by the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, charges remain against Masereka Kamada and Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire, the kingdom’s former minister, who are undergoing pre-trial proceedings after declining to apply for amnesty.
These charges carry severe penalties, including death and life imprisonment upon conviction. The group of 218 suspects, including Mumbere, had been implicated in the September 14, 2016 murder of Police Constable Saverio Ochema and Simon Peter Apille, as well as the attempted murder of other law enforcement officers.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Alice Khaukha Komuhangi, the Judiciary emphasized that the properties in question are not classified as exhibits eligible for release until the pre-trial stage is concluded. The judge reasoned that returning the properties prematurely could prejudice the ongoing case, particularly if charges are confirmed against the remaining accused individuals.
Komuhangi cited Rule 27 of the Constitution (Management of Exhibits) (Practice) Directions, 2022, which dictates that exhibits should not be released or disposed of until the right of appeal is exhausted. She underscored the importance of adhering to legal procedures to ensure fair and impartial adjudication.
Throughout the proceedings, Mumbere was represented by lawyer Alfred Makasi, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by Chief State Attorney Lillian Omara and Senior State Attorney Marion Ben-Bella.
