Rwenzururu King, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, delivered an emotional speech yesterday, rallying his subjects to abandon armed conflict and support peace efforts in the restive Rwenzori Sub-region.
His appeal, couched in conciliatory language, was delivered to ecstatic subjects who came to receive their king at his first homecoming event, four months after the government on June 12 dropped treason, terrorism and murder charges against him and more than 200 royal guards.
As he spoke, the Omusinga told his audience the time was up for anything that could breed renewed conflict, reminding them of the blood-soaked years gone by.
King Mumbere’s speech resonated with the massive crowds gathered to witness their cultural leader speak for the first time since his violent arrest on November 27, 2016.
His call for unity and peace also referenced the government’s efforts to move the sub-region away from its rebellious past.
King Mumbere also used yesterday’s highly emotional events to thank Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for his support in the turbulent aftermath of the 2016 attack.
Yesterday, Ms Peace Mutuuzo, the State minister for Gender, spoke for the government and advised area politicians against involving the king in politics again.
She clarified that the Omusinga would no longer be guarded by royal guards but by a specially trained government force.
