Omusinga Mumbere's triumphant return to Kasese brings business to halt

KASESE - The Rwenzururu King, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, on Friday, March 27, made a triumphant and majestic entry into his kingdom after more than five months away.

His return coincided with birthday celebrations for his wife, Queen Agnes Ithungu Asiimawe.

The Omusinga’s absence in his kingdom stems from his travel to Turkey in October last year for specialised medical treatment, then returned in December of the same year, but remained in his Kampala-based palace to receive convalescence.

Accompanied by some of his close associates, Mumbere moved in a convoy of sleek vehicles, including his new Toyota Prado motor donated by the government of Uganda.
The convoy approached Kasese through the Fort Portal highway.

Chants, beautiful sounds of xylophones and drumming filled the air as excited subjects danced to the Bakonzo traditional folklore at various trading centres, including Kikongo, Rugendabara, Mubuku and at the Roundabout in Kasese Town as the king proceeded to Rwenzori square in Kasese Municipality.

Mumbere was received at Kikongo trading centre in Rugendabara-Kikongo Town Council in Kasese at the border with Bunyangabu District, by senior kingdom officials led by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Benson Kule Baritazaale and local political leaders among other kingdom subjects.

Queen Agness Ithungu Asiimawe slicing a cake, which she later shared with her people in celebration of her Birthday. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

Addressing huge crowds at Rwenzori square in Kasese Municipality, Mumbere warned his subjects against engaging in activities that have the potential to destabilise the peace and harmony that Kasese, and the entire sub-region, is enjoying today.

The Omusinga cited the November 1, 2025, attacks on military installations in the entire Rwenzori region, especially the police barracks in Kasese town and the police post in Rugendabara-Kikongo town council, an incident which led to the death of over ten people and the arrest of 105 who continue to face various charges at the Kasese High Court.

"I wonder why some unscrupulous persons continue to take advantage of innocent young people to recruit them into subversive activities," Omusinga said.

He urged the people of Kasese and all Rwenzururu kingdom subjects to be law-abiding citizens before making a passionate appeal for the furtherance of education within the society, emphasising that well-educated people cannot easily be manipulated by persons seeking to fulfil their selfish interests.

"As the kingdom, we will continue supporting the education of our subjects through its scholarship scheme," he said.

Mumbere also pleaded to the political leaders to mobilise communities to engage in socio-economic activities so as to eliminate poverty and reduce the rate of idleness among young people. 

In attendance at Rwenzori Square in Kasese Municipality was an old man expressing his joy for the king's return by carrying a portrait of the Omusinga and his wife. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

Government pledges to the kingdom 

Various political leaders who turned up to welcome the king cited the need for the central government to make good of all the outstanding promises it made to the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu.

Dr Julius Rude Monday Bwambale, the Member of Parliament-elect for Bukonzo East constituency, observed the need to have the kingdom’s palace constructed at the earliest time possible as promised by the central government.

Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke, the Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament-elect, said following up on all government pledges to OBR will be among her first talking points when she enters Parliament in May.

Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, the Kasese District LC5 Chairperson, said there is need to support the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu in its campaign to put up income-generating projects, including buying a business house as central government promised.

In the same event, Queen Agnes Ithungu Asiimawe, the King's wife, sliced a cake and shared it with her people in celebration of her birthday.