Local council chairpersons in Kasese District have been given the responsibility to gather funds for the return of Rwenzururu Cultural Leader Omusinga Charles Wisely Mumbere.
After almost seven years of absence from his kingdom, Mumbere is set to come back on October 4, 2023. In 2016, Mumbere was prohibited from visiting the area when he and more than 200 Kingdom subjects were arrested and charged with various offences, including treason, terrorism, malicious property damage, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery.
The group had been specifically accused of the double murder of two Police Constables, Saverio Ochema and Simon Peter Apille, on September 14, 2016, along with allegations of attempting to murder Detective Police Constables Polycarp Ojoko, Benon Byaki, Francisco Nsimaki, and Assistant Inspector of Police Denis Ahebwa.
According to the State, Mumbere and his subjects were also suspected of being involved in the murder of Police Constable Godfrey Kasimba on March 24, 2016, who was previously associated with the defunct Field Force Unit. They were also accused of attacking several police facilities and property in Bukara and Nyabutsi villages in July and November 2016.
However, in June of this year, the charges were dropped, granting the Rwenzururu King the freedom to return to his ancestral land. In light of this, his supporters are organizing a homecoming celebration worthy of a King.
The organizing committee for the homecoming, along with the three pillars of the Kingdom, which include the Royal family, Kingdom Veterans, and Chieftains, have outlined a budget of 9 billion Shillings for this event.
Out of this budget, approximately 4.6 billion Shillings will be allocated to Royal Springs International Hotel, formerly owned by the late Gen. James Kazini, where the main event will take place. An initial deposit of about three billion Shillings is expected to be made by the end of this month.
Dr. Nathaniel Mumbere Walemba, the head of the organizing committee, mentioned that they have initiated a mobilization campaign, encouraging each individual to contribute 10,000 Shillings or more toward the cause.
He also mentioned that the committee will provide computerized receipt books with seals to Local Council leaders to ensure transparency and accountability during this fundraising drive. He expressed optimism that local council chairpersons will make significant contributions by mobilizing the people in their areas to contribute generously.
“We are requesting all local council chairpersons to assist us in securing resources, but contributions should only be accepted with proper receipts,” added Walemba.