Unlike the previous six hearings, there is calm at Jinja High Court where Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere makes his bail application hearing according to media reports from the eastern town.
Usually, Mumbere’s appearances were characterised by heavy security deployment, closing of some roads and restricted access to court premises. Today there is open access to court, no security deployment and roads have not been closed.
Mumbere was initially granted bail on the 13th January by High Court judge Eva Luswata. He was however, re-arrested immediately upon release and slapped with fresh charges.
Mumbere and about 150 of his royal guards are facing charges of terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery and attempted murder. He was arrested last November after the UPDF-led onslaught on his palace in Kasese. The attack led to the death of more than 100 people.
Heads rebel group
The State is opposed the release of Mumbere on his second attempt to get bail on grounds that he commands a rebel out-fit called ‘Kirumira-mutima’.
The revelation is contained in the affidavit in objection to the king’s second bail application being heard today.
The affidavit has been sworn-in by detective Assistant Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Ayebare, who claims to be the lead investigator in the king’s charges.
“The investigations in Bundibugyo CRB 630/2016 incriminate the applicant (King Mumbere) as the commander-in-chief of Kirumira-mutima rebel group and in charge of recruitment training and organising attacks on security personnel with the aim of robbing guns,” reads Ayebare’s affidavit in part.
The State claims Kirumira-mutima rebel group is a new rebel outfit whose intention is to attack security installations and rob guns for purposes of overthrowing the government.
Mumbere is currently on remand at Luzira prison.