Court allows Mumbere travel to bury his mother but on condition

The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has allowed the Rwenzururu King, Charles Mumbere to travel to Kasese to be able to attend the burial ceremony of his mother, Christine Mukirania.

Mukirania, died early this week at the age of 85 at Kilembe Mines hospital due to diabetes and is set to be buried next week but the Omusinga risked missing the burial ceremony due to conditions issued against him while he was granted bail in 2017 on terrorism and murder charges prompting him to ask court to give him a 14 day waiver.

On Friday afternoon, Justice Eve Luswata allowed Mumbere to travel to attend the burial ceremony and perform cultural rites as the Rwenzururu king.

“The applicant has identified as the Rwenzururu king whereas the deceased was his mother who died and the state has not dismissed the fact that she died,” Justice Luswata said.

“His going will mean respect to his freedom and exercise of his cultural rights and I accordingly allow the application.”

Conditions

Earlier, the Assistant DPP, Racheal Bikhole who represented the state had asked court to ensure Mumbere only attends the burial and not addressing locals.

In her ruling, the judge warned the Omusinga against addressing any gathering apart from mourners or making any statements that could incite violence.

“His activities will be restricted to burial and cultural rites but restricted from attending meetings, consultations or any other activities that will incite violence or will interfere with police investigations into the charges against him,” the judge said.

Justice Luswata also noted that the Omusinga is allowed to travel to Kasese through the districts of Bundibugyo and Kabarole and this will last for only 14 days between June 14 and June 29 .

“Upon return, the bail conditions will resume automatically and he will report to this court and CID director’s office,”Luswata said.

Mumbere was arrested together with royal guards in November 2016 after a joint operation by the army and police led to storming of his Buhikira Palace in Kasese Town in which 136 people were killed.

Mumbere was later airlifted and detained at Nalufenya police station in Jinja district but was granted bail by the High Court in Jinja

The Omusinga and his royal guards face several charges of treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery and malicious damage to property.

Mumbere has since been released on bail.