King Mumbere pledges loyalty to government
President Museveni and Rwenzururu king Charles Wesley Mumbere (R) shake hands at Kasese Secondary School on Sunday. PHOTO BY ENID NINSIIMA
What you need to know:
Assurance. The Rwenzururu king says he is appreciative of the peace and development ushered in Rwenzori sub-region by the NRM regime.
Kasese. The Omusinga of Rwenzururu Kingdom, Mr Charles Wesley Mumbere, has said his kingdom is not opposed to the NRM government.
“Those who tell you that Rwenzururu Kingdom does not support government are liars. We fully support you and your government for the development and peace you have ushered in the Rwenzori sub-region,” King Mumbere told President Museveni, who was the chief guest at the fundraising ceremony for Kasese Secondary School on Sunday.
In the past, King Mumbere has often accused government of sabotaging interests of the kingdom. He was last year blocked by police from visiting Bundibugyo District where a new king was installed.
On Sunday, the king reminded the President of his earlier request to meet him, saying he wanted Mr Museveni to solve some issues.
Kasese District chairperson Dura Mawa Muhindo commended the President for ending ADF insurgency in the sub-region.
“You are a special leader that nobody matches you and that is why I am politically baptizing you as Tibalingana (‘No body matches you) in lhukonzo and Tabalikwingana in Rutooro” he said.
Museveni warns
President Museveni warned the people of Kasese against sectarianism.
“You will never get peace if you still believe in tribes like here; Batooro/ Basongora versus Bakonzo/ Bamba. We managed to groom our army basing on non-sectarian ideology so that we have a common interest unlike other countries where every tribe has its own army,” he noted.
According to the Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, a traditional or cultural leader cannot join or participate in partisan politics. This includes attending a rally or debate where the views or interests of a political party are articulated.
The effects
King Mumbere’s mother Christine Biira Mukirane recently said he would convince his sons and the entire Rwenzururu kingdom from opposing the government and the President. “I will make sure that I tell my family and move to all Banyarwenzururu so that President Museveni wins the 2016 election,” Ms Mukirane told Kasese RDC James Mwesigye recently after she received the Shs250m from State House.
