The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped all charges against Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere the King of Rwenzururu and 217 other individuals who were facing serious accusations including murder, treason, and aggravated robbery. The decision comes after a thorough review of the case by the prosecution team.
Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the traditional king of the Rwenzururu kingdom in Uganda, was arrested and detained in 2016 following violent clashes between security forces and a militia group allegedly linked to his kingdom. The clashes resulted in the deaths of several people and the displacement of many others.
The clashes between police and militia which killed at least 55 people, after security forces stormed his palace amid claims of harbouring fighters have seen Mumbere and his royal guards battle different charges for eight years which they have always denied.
“The accused persons applied to the Amnesty commission for amnesty and the application was submitted to the DPP for consideration upon considering them she found out that they qualify for Amnesty and she facilitating the amnesty process,” said Ms Jacquelyn Okui senior state Attorney.
Last month, the case hit a dead-end when witnesses against the king and his royal guards did not appear in court because they kacked transport from Kasese District to Kampala.
While Mumbere and the other accused individuals are handed freedom, the focus shifts to Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire, the former Prime Minister of Rwenzururu. Unlike his co-accused, Kitsumbire did not apply for amnesty, citing a lack of understanding of the concept. His decision to continue with the legal proceedings raises questions about his motivations and the implications for his case.
Kitsumbire’s admission of not knowing what amnesty means has sparked curiosity and speculation among the public. It remains to be seen how this lack of knowledge regarding amnesty will impact his defense and whether it will play a role in the outcome of his case.
As the dropped charges against Mumbere and the others bring relief to some and raise concerns for others, the ongoing proceedings involving Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire add a new dimension to the situation. The outcomes of these legal developments will have significant implications for the individuals involved, the Rwenzururu region, and the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
With the dropped charges spreading and seeking attention this now turns to the future of Mumbere and the Rwenzururu kingdom. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the region and whether it will contribute to reconciliation and healing or give rise to new tensions and grievances.
