Mumbere charged with murder, terrorism and robbery

 Mumbere in the dock speaking to his wife and Kaseses leaders including the Leader of Opposition  in Parliament. Photo Tonny Tumbya

The Omusinga (king) of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere, has been further remanded until December 28, 2016.

Mumbere is facing murder charges. The charge sheet was ammended to include robbery, attempted murder and terrorism charges. He appeared before Jinja Chief Magistrate, John Francis Kaggwa.

About 100 people, including 16 police officers, were killed in the attacks in Kasese on last month following fresh clashes between security forces and suspected Rwenzururu kingdom loyalists.

This was after a group of alleged royal guards of Omusinga hurled an improvised grenade at Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and Police officers.

The UPDF and Police were patrolling Kasese town when the improvised grenade was reportedly hurled at them. The joint security forces responded with gunfire which sparked off retaliation attacks by suspected kingdom loyalists on Police Posts across the district.

Security denied  Dr. Kizza Besigye access to court premises.

Fleeing from gunfire, some of the suspected loyalists sought refuge in the palace of Omusinga Charles Mumbere.

The UPDF ordered the Mumbere to direct the kingdom loyalists to get out of the palace or let the government forces in, but the orders were reportedly ignored.

The joint forces forcefully gained entry into the palace, opening fire on the suspected loyalists inside the facility.