Joyce Namugambe
Following the Rwenzururu preparations for the return of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere to His kingdom, Kasese village leaders have joined the move to spear head the fundraising for the return of the Omusinga.
In 2016, Mumbere was prohibited from visiting the area when He and more than 200 Kingdom subjects were arrested and charged with various offences, including treason, terrorism, malicious property damage, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery. And now, after almost 7 years of absence from His kingdom, He is set to return to His Kingdom on October 4th 2023.
The group which was arrested had been specifically accused of the double murder of two Police Constables, Saverio Ochema and Simon Peter Apille, on September 14th 2016, along with allegations of attempting to murder Detective Police Constables Polycarp Ojoko, Benon Byaki, Francisco Nsimaki, and Assistant Inspector of Police Denis Ahebwa.
Mumbere and his subjects were also suspected of being involved in the murder of Police Constable Godfrey Kasimba on March 24th 2016, who was previously associated with the defunct Field Force Unit. They were also accused of attacking several police facilities and property in Bukara and Nyabutsi villages in July and November 2016.
In June of this year, the charges were dropped, granting the Rwenzururu King the freedom to return to his ancestral land, sparking His supporters the energy to fundraise and throw a warm welcome celebrating His return to the kingdom, and buying Him anew residence since he is not fit to return to the previous palace which was severely damaged during His arrest.
Out of the budget which is approximately 9 billion shillings set by the organising committee being headed by Dr. Nathaniel Mumbere Walemba, approximately 4.6 billion Shillings will be allocated to Royal Springs International Hotel, formerly owned by the late Gen. James Kazini, where the main event will take place. An initial deposit of about three billion Shillings is expected to be made by the end of this month.
Dr. Mumbere noted that they have initiated a mobilization campaign, encouraging each individual to contribute 10,000 Shillings or more towards the cause as they are called to contribute generously through their local leaders. He also mentioned that the committee will provide computerized receipt books with seals to Local Council leaders to ensure transparency and accountability during this fundraising drive.
