Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn all charges against Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Omusinga of Rwenzururu, along with 217 of his subjects. The decision comes after a majority of the accused individuals applied for amnesty, leading to the charges being dropped. This took place at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kololo, with Judge Alice Komuhangi presiding over the hearing.
The events trace back to November 27, 2016, when Mumbere and over 200 of his subjects, primarily his security detail, were apprehended from his palace in Kasese Municipality. They faced various criminal charges, including treason, murder, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery. While most of the accused sought amnesty, two defendants, Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire, the former Rwenzururu premier, and another individual, did not apply for amnesty and continue to face charges.
During the recent court session, Principal State Attorney Lillian Omara informed the court that the DPP had lost interest in the case and decided to withdraw charges against all the accused individuals, except for Kitsumbire, who declined to apply for amnesty. The charges that have been withdrawn by the DPP encompassed murder, terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery.
The withdrawal of charges follows the amnesty granted to the accused group by the Amnesty Commission. This amnesty was granted after the suspects admitted their involvement in the crimes, renounced rebellious activities, and sought reconciliation with the government. To further promote peace, unity, and reconciliation in the Rwenzori region, King Mumbere appointed an 11-member committee tasked with spearheading peace talks with the government.
Following his commitment to the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kololo, Mumbere was granted bail, albeit with restricted movements limited to the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. Preparations for the trial included the protection of witnesses and the sharing of exhibits with Mumbere’s legal team. However, the pretrial process encountered delays due to changes in staffing at the International Crimes Division.
