Mumbere Demands Return of Property Seized in 2016 Palace Raid

Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the King of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, has officially demanded the return of vehicles and other assets seized by security forces during the extensive raid on his palace in 2016. The confiscation has left the kingdom operating from temporary, rented locations.

In a recent statement, King Mumbere expressed significant dissatisfaction with the prolonged seizure. He noted that two key buildings belonging to the kingdom remain designated as crime scenes, while three vehicles are impounded at the Kasese police yard. This situation impedes the normal functioning of the kingdom’s administration.

Furthermore, the King accused the government of mishandling assets that are the rightful property of the Rwenzururu Kingdom. He specifically pointed to the land where his former palace stood, clarifying that it is his personal property. He stated that he had permitted the kingdom to operate from this land, but it is now being treated as part of an ongoing investigation.

King Mumbere has instructed the Kingdom’s Attorney General, Wilfred Makasi, to prepare an immediate report detailing the status of these seized properties and to pursue their swift release. The Prime Minister, Kule Baritazara, confirmed that the kingdom is actively working on resolving the issue and is mobilizing resources to establish new office spaces due to the current reliance on rented premises.

While Attorney General Makasi acknowledged being in contact with the Director of Public Prosecutions, he mentioned that legal matters, including the dropped charges against the King and his subjects, are complex. He assured that he is actively following up on the king’s directive to retrieve the seized property.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mumbere-demands-release-of-property-seized-in-2016-palace-raid-5547322