Joyce Namugambe
As arrangements for the return of Rwenzururu King Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma to his Kingdomare under way, the chairman for the organizing committee of the Omusinga’s return Dr. Nathaniel Mumbere Walemba, has revealed plans on how they are to organize for the return of their king.
The committee plans that they spend 4.5 billion Uganda shillings for buying a new residential for the Omusinga and 1.5 billion Uganda shillings for preparations for his return and his coronation.
It should be remembered that the Omusinga left his Kingdom on November 27, 2016, after a joint military operation by the Army and Police that left scores of people dead and his eventual arrest. He was arraigned in court and charged with several counts including treason, murder, attempted murder and aggravated robbery among others. However, he was later granted bail and his movements were restricted to Kampala,Wakiso and Jinja.
On June 13, 2023, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions – DPP dropped all the charges slapped against the Omusinga and all the 217 Royal Guards he was arrested with. The Royal Guards have since been re-joined with their families and relatives but the Omusinga still lives in Kampala.
Speaking at his office located at Rwenzori International University in Kasese town, Dr. Walemba noted that the 60-member committee also has representatives from the districts of Kasese, Bunyangabu, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and Kabarole.
Dr. Walemba stressed that the Omusinga selected people from all the districts across the Rwenzori Region since the event brings the people together irrespective of their tribe, region, religion and politics so that they come together and plan for the function.
He explained that the selected committee is answerable to the appointed Cabinet of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu headed by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Joseph Kule Muranga awaiting to be dissolved after the function.
The Educationist further revealed that the committee is currently working tooth and nail to organize for the home coming of the King, mobilize all the Rwenzururu subjects in the Rwenzori region and beyond to solicit funds to buy Springs International Hotel so that it becomes a property of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and also organize the forthcoming coronation anniversary in October 19, 2023.
One of the Kasese Residents Zaphali kigutiha has supported the idea of buying a new residential for the Omusinga, but expressed dissatisfaction for the money that the committee plans to spend on massive functions yet they have not considered the families of the guards who were arrested with the Omusinga.
Another Resident Baluku Joachim has pledged to work together with the committee to see the preparations a success.
The committee comprising of 60 members was appointed by the Omusinga himself, to organize for his return, which is being headed by the Chairman Dr. Nathaniel Mumbere Walemba, his Deputy Rt. Hon. Constantine Bwambale, secretary Clarence Bwambale, and Rev. Engineer Gabriel Fataki as the Treasurer.
The Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Ferigo Kambale, and the Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Florence Kabugho, are also part of the committee as members. The committee also has representatives from Mubende and Kampala districts that are however not among the 60 members of the steering committee.
