Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Cultural Leader of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu-OBR kingdom, has reiterated that his cultural institution stands for inclusivity and does not discriminate among the various tribes in the Rwenzori region.
In a speech delivered at St. Paul Cathedral in Kasese town to a Christian audience, Mumbere highlighted the historical presence of diverse tribes in the Rwenzori area. He urged against tribal divisions and called for unity, security, and the betterment of people’s lives.
Mumbere acknowledged Kasese’s unique role as a place where people from various backgrounds settle and contribute to the development of the district and the entire region.
Expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones during the military raid on his royal palace in 2016, Mumbere described the violence as unnecessary. He emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation as vital tools for social transformation.
Queen Agnes Ithungu welcomed Mumbere’s release and the release of royal guards, viewing it as a new beginning for the cultural institution. She called upon all subjects of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu to work towards peace and unity.
South Rwenzori Bishop Nason Baluku encouraged people in the district and beyond to embrace and heed Mumbere’s message. In November 2016, Mumbere, along with more than 200 of his subjects and royal guards, was arrested following a UPDF raid on his Buhikira Royal Palace in Kasese town.
Earlier this year, the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped all charges, including murder, terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery, against Mumbere and his associates.
