Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, gave a heartfelt speech during his return to Kasese town on October 4, 2023. He urged his subjects to renounce armed conflict and support peace initiatives in the troubled Rwenzori Sub-region.
King Mumbere, who had faced treason, terrorism, and murder charges along with over 200 royal guards, saw these charges dropped after applying for amnesty. In his speech, he emphasized the need to prevent any actions that could lead to renewed conflict and reminded the audience of the painful years of violence.
“I joined the struggle when I was just nine, and I grew up in the conflict in the bush, a life we must avoid. We have lost too much blood, and it’s time to say enough is enough. I am tired of conflicts. This is the time to cooperate with the government and ensure peace and stability in this region,” he stated.
The king’s message resonated with the large crowds who came to hear him speak for the first time since his arrest in 2016. He also acknowledged the government’s efforts to steer the sub-region away from its tumultuous past.
During his speech, King Mumbere addressed the 2016 military raid on his Buhikira Royal Palace in Kasese town, which resulted in a tragic loss of over 100 lives, known as the ‘Kasese Massacre.’ He blamed false allegations and propaganda for the incident and called for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity.
The king also advocated for the utilization of the sub-region’s natural resources for socio-economic development. He stated, “This kingdom has the potential to become one of the richest in the world if we harness the resources within this area. We are sitting on a wealth that we don’t fully realize.”
Additionally, King Mumbere expressed gratitude to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for his support and thanked the President, Gen Salim Saleh, and the dialogue committee for their roles in resolving the crisis.
Ms. Peace Mutuuzo, the State Minister for Gender, advised against involving the king in politics and announced that he would now be guarded by a specially trained government force rather than royal guards. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the cultural institution and the government for a peaceful future.
Mr. Muhindi Eiphaz, the Kasese District chairman, requested government assistance in rehabilitating the palace and called for a post-conflict rehabilitation program, similar to what was done in post-war Northern Uganda.
With the Omusinga coronation anniversary celebrations approaching, leaders emphasized their alignment with the government’s peace and development agenda in their speeches.
Examining the 2016 Buhikira Palace Incident: What Really Happened
In November 2016, the Buhikira Palace, the residence of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, became the center of a significant incident involving government forces in Uganda. The government stated that this assault was part of an operation to stop militants who had attacked police posts in Kasese and were allegedly aided by royal guards. The violence escalated, resulting in casualties and arrests.
On November 26, 2016, a combined police and army force attacked Buhikira Palace, leading to the death of eight royal guards. The government had issued an ultimatum for the militants to surrender, which expired on November 27. Subsequently, soldiers raided the palace, resulting in over 100 deaths, including 16 policemen. Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere was arrested and taken to the Nalufenya police detention facility.
More than 200 royal guards were also arrested and brought to Jinja. On November 30, they, along with King Mumbere, were arraigned in Jinja Magistrates Court. They faced charges of treason and terrorism, including planning to overthrow the government and intimidating the public through violence.
These allegations were linked, at a political level, to the kingdom’s alleged aspirations to establish the so-called Yiira Republic using Rwenzururu militants. The Rwenzururu kingdom, which straddles the Uganda-DRC border, had a history of separatist movements and conflicts with the central government. Some advocated for the Yiira Republic, a self-governing enclave in southwestern Uganda and part of North Kivu in the DRC.
It’s worth noting that Omusinga Mumbere distanced himself from these agitation efforts and renounced armed rebellion. The incident remains a significant chapter in the region’s history, reflecting complex historical and political dynamics.
