The once-iconic Buhikira Royal Palace, which stood as a symbol of the Rwenzururu Kingdom's authority, identity and cultural heritage, remains absent from the landscape of Kasese, existing largely in the memories of the kingdom's subjects.
For many people in the Rwenzori region, the events of November 2016 remain among the most painful chapters in the kingdom's history. The violent confrontation between government security forces and royal guards at the Buhikira Royal Palace resulted in loss of life, displacement of families and the destruction of the kingdom's administrative centre.
Although relative peace has since returned to the region and the Omusinga, His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere, regained his freedom after years of legal restrictions, the kingdom continues to function without the infrastructure that once coordinated its cultural and administrative affairs.
Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson Geoffrey Kanyonyi said the absence of a permanent palace and administrative headquarters continues to affect the institution's operations.
"The absence of permanent infrastructure remains a challenge as the kingdom works to strengthen its institutions and restore services to its subjects. Rebuilding the palace remains one of our priorities as we seek to preserve our cultural heritage and identity," Kanyonyi said.
The return of the Omusinga was widely welcomed by his subjects and was viewed as an important step towards reconciliation and healing in the region. However, many residents say the King's current residence does not reflect the stature of a cultural institution that represents millions of people across the Rwenzori sub-region.
Jafari Kigutiha, a subject of the kingdom, said many people expected reconstruction efforts to begin soon after relations between the kingdom and government improved.
"The destruction of the palace remains painful for many of us. We welcomed the return of our King and believed that rebuilding the palace would soon follow. A kingdom of this stature deserves a palace that reflects its history and cultural significance," Kigutiha said.
In the years following reconciliation efforts, government officials and cultural leaders publicly discussed plans to rebuild the palace as part of wider efforts to restore confidence and harmony in the region. Despite those discussions, no major construction works have begun.
Bulembia Division Chairperson Richard Bomera said the prolonged delay has left many residents questioning whether the project remains a priority.
"The palace is more than just a building. It is a symbol of unity and identity for the people of Rwenzururu. The continued delay in its reconstruction is raising concerns among residents who expected progress after years of peace and reconciliation," Bomera said.
Responding to the concerns, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi called on kingdom subjects to contribute towards the construction of the King's palace while awaiting broader government support.
"The reconstruction of the palace is important, but the people must also take ownership of the process. Community contributions can demonstrate commitment to the kingdom while complementing government efforts towards the larger reconstruction project," Walusimbi said.
He added that community participation would not only help accelerate the project but would also demonstrate the people's attachment to their cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Kanyonyi revealed that the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is finalising plans for a fundraising campaign aimed at mobilising resources for several priority projects, including the construction of a royal residence for the Omusinga and the restoration of key kingdom facilities.
"We are developing plans to mobilise resources from subjects and well-wishers through a fundraising campaign. The construction of a royal residence and other kingdom infrastructure projects remains among our key priorities," Kanyonyi said.
As the kingdom continues to conduct its cultural activities from temporary facilities, the absence of a permanent palace remains a visible reminder of the events that unfolded in 2016 and the unfinished process of rebuilding.
For many subjects, reconstruction is about more than replacing a building. It represents the restoration of a symbol of unity, identity and resilience for a kingdom still recovering from one of the most traumatic episodes in its history.