Jinja High Court judge Eva Luswata has granted a non cash bail of Shs500 million to Rwenzururu king Charles Wesley Mumbere facing terrorism, among other charges.
In her Friday afternoon ruling, justice Luswata agreed with the submissions of king Mumbere’s defence lawyers led by Caleb Alaka that the king has two fixed residences in Muyenga and Kasese among others things. Fixed residence is one the conditions for bail.
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Each of his six sureties, including the Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza who doubles as the Kasese Woman member of parliament, were also bonded Shs100 million, not cash as well.
Charles Mumbere however prohibited to travel to Kasese, Kabarolere and Bundibugyo districts.
The judge in her analysis, dismissed the fears of the state that once the king who commands a huge following of over seven million subjects is released on bail, he will interfere with investigations.
Principal State Attorney Rachael Bikhole had raised an objection, saying the Jinja High Court which was presiding over the matter did not have the required jurisdiction.
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The charges
Omusinga Mumbere is facing several grave charges including treason, murder, terrorism, attempted murder, aggravated robbery and malicious damage to property. The king is jointly charged with more than 150 of his royal guards who are currently in detention different prisons in Jinja District. The charges arise from the raid on his palace in Kasese which was bombed out on November 27 by a combined squad of the police and the army. More than 100 people were killed.