Mumbere applies for bail

 Mumbere leaving court. Photo by Tonny Tombya

The Omusinga (king) of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere, has applied for bail before Jinja High court.  

Mumbere said he has a substantial sureties and a permanent place of residence. He argues that it's his constitutional right to be granted bail.

Through his lawyers Alaka & Co Advocates and Ochieng Associates, Mumbere said he will not interfere with police investigations once released from jail.

Mumbere and his 152 guards were remanded over charges of terrorism, treason, murder and attempted murder all connected to the recent Kasese clashes.

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.

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.