King Mumbere released on bail, re-arrested at court
The State minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Mr Christopher Mbalibula Kibanzanga holds hands with Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere as they leave the court room shortly after Jinja High Court granted him bail on Friday. The Omusinga was however re-arrested. PHOTO BY DENIS EDEMA
What you need to know:
- The judge observed that the king’s bail is his constitutional right which overrides the same fears.
- Part of the many conditions that the king is supposed to abide with includes being restricted to move in only three districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Jinja.
The Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere has been re-arrested just hours after Jinja High Court released him on bail.
The Omusinga was re-arrested and bundled on a waiting police van outside Jinja High Court gate.
He was driven to unknown location.
Earlier, the Omusinga had vowed not to leave court premises until he was sure he’s a free man.
Police van door open waiting to whisk away Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere after Jinja High court granted him bail on Friday. PHOTO BY DENIS EDEMA
“ I’m willing to stay here for even more than two weeks. If police is to re-arrest me, they should at least come with an arrest warrant,” said Mumbere describing it as a hostage situation.
After spending more than two weeks in prison, court on Friday released the Omusinga on a non-cash bail of Sh100 million.
His six sureties including the Leader of Opposition, Ms Winfred Kiiza were each bonded at Sh100m not cash.
Part of the many conditions that the king is supposed to abide with includes being restricted to move in only three districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Jinja.
READ:
Judge declines to transfer king Mumbere’s bail hearing
In her Thursday morning ruling, justice Luswata rejected an application by the state to have the case transferred to the International Crimes Division of the High Court
He was however barred from accessing Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo districts as he may reportedly interfere with the ongoing investigations in the Rwenzori region attacks.
The judge in her analysis, dismissed the fears of the state that once the king who commands a huge following of over seven million subjects is released on bail, he will interfere with investigations.
The judge observed that the king’s bail is his constitutional right which overrides the same fears.
She added that prosecution did not substantiate their fears, making them mere hear say.
