On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with His Highness Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Omusinga of Rwenzururu Kingdom, at State House in Entebbe, where they discussed peace and reconciliation.

President Museveni took to social media to express his delight that the kingdom was focusing on peace and reconciliation, which would contribute to the kingdom’s socioeconomic progress.

“I am happy that the Kingdom has outlined new objectives centered around peace, reconciliation, and socio-economic transformation, aligning perfectly with our vision and historic mission in the NRM,” President Museveni wrote.

“These objectives were communicated to the Lukiiko during the restoration of kingdoms, emphasizing the importance of guiding our African people towards sustainable prosperity through business and strategic security. We won’t compromise on this path,” he added.

President Museveni said that during their meeting, they reached an understanding that previous regressive conflicts would not be repeated. He also said that cultural heritage should continue to play a vital role, highlighting the interconnections of the Ugandan people.

Kasese district leaders in the meeting expressed their excitement for the release and return of the Rwenzururu King, (Omusinga) Charles Wesley Mumbere, to his kingdom after seven years of being in jail.

This meeting comes after Her Worship Alice Komuhangi, the International Crimes Division of the High Court Judge, ordered Mumbere’s release and the release of over 200 of his co-accused subjects on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lost interest in the case and withdrew all charges against him.

This was an outcome of violent clashes that erupted in Kasese and saw over 103 people die after police raided Omusinga’s palace on November 26, 2016, killing eight royal guards and arresting two others in response to militant attacks on police posts in the region by the royal guards two weeks earlier.