Three Rwenzururu royal guards arrested in Bundibugyo district
Bundibugyo District Police Commander Mr Martin Tukahebwa showing the Press some of the weapons which were recovered-from the suspects. PHOTO BY LONGINO MUHINDO
BUNDIBUGYO: Police in Bundibugyo district are holding three royal guards attached to the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu cultural institution in Kasese district.
They are believed to have crossed to Bundibugyo in what is seen by police as re-organization for fresh ethnic clashes in the region.
The suspects were arrested over the weekend allegedly in possession of dangerous weapons at Njanja Masaka in Mirambi Sub-County Bundibugyo district. They were arrested by police after a tip off by the concerned locals.
The district police commander, Mr Martin Tukahebwa said the suspects were found carrying deadly weapons like batons, knives, sharp swords and traditional medicine.
The guards were also reportedly found with government stores like belts of UPDF and boots which belong to police and UPDF forces.
“What would be their intention of coming to Bundibugyo in a uniform of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu with such weapons; we are also investigating which deployment they were on, and what they were doing in Bundibugyo”, said Tukahebwa.
“They had traditional medicine which they put on like a watch, the intention was to protect against enemy. Their case files are almost complete and they are due to appear in court tomorrow (Tuesday),” Tukahebwa said on Monday.
On Saturday evening, another royal guard of the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu was shot dead as he allegedly resisted arrest by police at Bigando, Hima in Kasese district.
The incident left one police officer, Mr Amos Mutamba critically injured but was rushed to Kilembe hospital where he is still admitted while another royal guard, Mr Aloysius Ndungu was arrested and is in police custody.
According to the locals in Kasese, it all started about a fortnight ago when letters with a message threatening to attack the area LC I chairman, Mr Ezekiel Masereka and the Hima District Police Commander were circulated by unknown people.
Mr Masereka then alerted police who linked the two royal guards to the letters that were being circulated.There has been a spate of attacks in the Rwenzori region following the February 18 presidential and general elections. The clashes claimed over 40 people in the region including police, army and civilians.
