Leaders from the Rwenzururu Kingdom have issued an apology for the violence that took place in Kasese District on November 27, 2016. The clashes resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians and 15 police officers, with many casualties occurring at the palace compound and the Rwenzururu Kingdom offices in Kasese Municipality. Numerous individuals were charged with treason, terrorism, and murder in connection with the deaths of the police officers.
Following his release on bail, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the king of Rwenzururu, was prohibited from returning to his kingdom until recently when the state dropped the charges against him and 217 of his royal guards. In a statement seen by the Nile Post, the group of leaders, which includes former and current ministers, veterans of the Rwenzururu Movement, and royal guards, expressed their commitment to refrain from engaging in criminal or insurgent activities.
They also pledged to comply with lawful orders from the government authorities. The leaders renounced their pursuit of an independent state known as Yiira state and acknowledged that the refusal of the royal guards to disarm and vacate the Omusinga's palace resulted in the loss of lives and property.
They announced plans to conduct a kingdom-wide tour aimed at discouraging participation in acts of violence, rebellions, and criminality, while encouraging the reporting of criminal elements. The leaders further expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to restore and promote peace and security in the Rwenzori Region.
Emphasizing their adherence to the Constitution and laws of Uganda, the leaders affirmed that the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu would operate within these legal boundaries and refrain from engaging in partisan politics.
Meanwhile, Prince Masereka Moris, a nephew of the Omusinga of Rwenzururu, called for truth, justice, and accountability following the recent amnesty granted to the Omusinga and his associates. He raised concerns about various incidents in the Rwenzururu Kingdom, including attacks on government security establishments, allegations of witchcraft in the palace, and the use of force during the palace attack.
Masereka suggested that the government allow the Omusinga to denounce Yiira state and insurgent activities, ultimately proposing his abdication from the cultural throne. While the apology from the Rwenzururu Kingdom leaders marks a positive step toward peace in the region, further efforts are needed to address issues of truth, justice, and accountability.
The Rwenzururu Kingdom has experienced longstanding tensions and conflicts with the government, with the 2016 clash being a major turning point. The apology signifies a willingness to move towards cooperation between the kingdom and the government to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
