Towards the end of last year, several people were reportedly killed in fierce fighting that erupted in western Uganda between security forces and a separatist militia linked to the king of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere.
The 26 and 27 November violence was sparked when royal guards to Charles Wesley Mumbere allegedly attacked several police posts, killing officers.
In response to the attacks, Uganda Police through its spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi accused Charles Wesley Mumbere of inciting this violence.
The Police launched an offensive against the royal guards, arresting Mumbere when they raided his palace.
Mumbere together with more than 150 suspects were charged with treason for participation in the clashes when paraded at Jinja Chief Magistrate’s court.
As the case still runs in court to this day, leaders from Rwenzori sub region used Sunday to issue a statement showing admission of their individual and collective acts that preceded the region clashes.
The leaders have apologized to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the nation at large over the insurgency by acknowledging that failure of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu royal guards to lay down arms led to the loss of lives and property.
In this statement signed at State House, Nakasero, the leaders have further “renounced and denounced the pursuit, through violence or any other means, the creation of the so-called Yiira state as it is considered treasonable and hostile to the interests of the people and the leadership of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu.”
The leaders emphasize that this statement has been made with firm belief that Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere fully supports and appreciates it.
The leaders have promised to collectively conduct a tour of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and educate the people to refrain from acts of violence, rebellion and criminality and instead urge them to concentrate fully on household income generating activities.
As reported, “the statement adds that the leaders have made the apology with the desire that it lays the ground work for the disposal of criminal cases against the Omusinga and other individuals from Rwenzori Region, and that Museveni would use his powers to the extent that the law permits him to make sure they are released.”
Together with the district leaders, the statement has been signed by Rwenzururu royalty who included; Her Royal Highness, Biira Christine, Her Royal Highness Agnes Itungu Mumbere, Chief Prince Christopher M.T. Kibanzanga, Prince William Kibanzanga and Princess Christine Kibanzanga to acknowledge their presence during the entire procedure.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
