The royal family of Rwenzururu Kingdom have renounced insurgent activities, issuing apology on behalf of their jailed King Charles Wesley Mumbere at a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Sunday.
Members of the Royal family, HRH Biira Christine, HRH Agnes I. Mumbere, Chief Prince C. Kibanzanga, Prince W. Kibanzanga and Princess Kibanzanga attended.
According to a statement from Don Wanyama, the Senior Press Secretary, they signed a statement of apology and renunciation of insurgency activities in the Rwenzori Region.
The statement showed the leaders’ admission of their individual and collective acts that preceded the 27th November 2016 incident which included attacks on Police posts, constant harassment of Police personnel and defiance of Government Authority which they considered regrettable as it had led to loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.
The statement acknowledged that the refusal by the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu royal guards to lay down arms had also led to the loss of lives and property. He is jointly charged with over 150 of his royal guards of everal charges including terrorism, treason, murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The royals admitted that attacks on police posts and that defiance of Government authority is regrettable and apologize to the people and Government of Uganda.
State House also said the royals acknowledged that the incident could have been averted.
They said the Omusinga was misadvised by some individuals within the region. Remorseful, they seek tranquility and security of the Rwenzori region.
Rwenzururu leaders renounce insurgent activities, issue apology at a meeting with President Museveni. Photo/PPU
Meanwhile, a preliminary objection raised today by principal state attorney, Racheal Bikhole objected that terrorism offences which are part of the several grave charges that King Mumbere is facing can only be tried before the International Crimes Division of the High Court and not the Criminal Division in Jinja.
But in response, Mumbere’s defense lawyers led by Caleb Alaka, Evans Ochieng and Samuel Muyizzi, strongly objected to the preliminary objection raised by the state.
The defense team went on to argue that bail application is not a trial and that even the Criminal Division of the High Court can hear the application.
Consequently, the judge adjourned the application to January 12, when she will give her ruling on whether the High Court-criminal division can entertain Mumbere’s bail application or not.