Security operatives have shot dead a man whom they claim to have tried to arrest at his home in Ruhara village in Bwesumbu sub county, Kasese district. Matayo Bighanzire, who has been the local council vice chairperson, was shot dead at his home at about 8am on Friday, according to Samson Bagenda the Bwesumbu sub county chairperson.
In his submission at Jinja Magistrates court today during the mention of this case, the state prosecutor James Muliro said investigations are complete and they are currently working on the committal papers so that the suspects are committed to International Crimes Division ICD of the High Court.
Land Forces Commander, Major General Peter Elwelu, was today awarded the Rwenzori Star medal, five months after he led a military assault on the palace of the Rwenzururu King in which over 100 people were killed. Elwelu is among the 143 people awarded with Rwenzori Star medal, Golden Jubilee Medal and Police Medals in Pallisa district during the ceremony to mark International Labour Day.
Jinja Grade One magistrates court has this afternoon charged four more Rwenzururu Kingdom royal guards with 41 counts of treason, murder attempted murder and aggravated robbery. The suspects, who were paraded before grade one magistrate Peter Mutala, include Eria Kule, Amos Bwambale, Ferguson Bwambale and Nehemia Mbusa.
The Rwenzururu premier Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire is opposing the bail conditions that were given to him by Jinja High Court Judge Eva Luswata. Kitsumbire was granted bail on Thursday last week after spending 86 days in jail. Justice Eva Luswata released him on a non cash bail of 75 million shillings pending the hearing of his trial. His three sureties including the Busongora South MP Jackson Mbaju were ordered to execute a non cash bond of 100 Million shillings.
Jinja High court Judge Eva Luswata has adjourned the ruling on bail application for Rwenzururu prime minister Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire to Thursday. According to Samuel Muyizzi, one of the lawyers representing Kitsumbire, the adjournment is a big blow to his client because his health requires immediate medical attention.
Muneyi Yeremiya, a clan leader from Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu who is in-charge of receiving the royal guards, says that 54 have so far surrendered, adding that they expect more to come out of hiding.
Mumberes lawyer, Caleb Alaka told Justice Michael Elubu in Jinja High Court this afternoon that Mumbere had agreed to some conditions with government for his release from Luzira Prison.
Mumberes previous appearances have been characterised by heavy security deployment, closing of some roads and restricted access to court premises. Today there is open access to court, no security deployment and roads have not been closed.
New Land Forces commander, Major General Peter Elwelu, says the International Criminal Court ICC is free to investigate him in relation to the Kasese clashes that left at least 100 people dead.
Prosecution led by Rachael Bikhole told Jinja Chief Magistrate John Francis Kaggwa, that the state had adduced enough evidence to pin the suspects. They face 41 counts of treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery.
High Court in Jinja has set Friday, January 13 to decide on the bail application filed by Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere. Mumbere has been in jail since his arrest on November 27 last year, when the army raided his palace. More than 100 people died during the clashes.
On Monday this week, Mumberes bail application failed to take off after prosecution led by Rachael Bikhole, the principal state attorney from the Directorate of Public Prosecution objected to hearing
Rachael Bikhole, the principal state attorney from the Directorate of Public Prosecution objected to the bail hearing, saying since the King is also facing terrorism, his application should be heard by the International Crimes Division of the High Court that has the jurisdiction over terrorism cases.
During the meeting between President Museveni and MPs on Wednesday at his farm in Kisozi in Gomba district, the legislators also demanded for the Omusingas unconditional release, as well as those of more than 150 royal guards also on remand in Luzira prison.
Our reporter saw Kitsumbire being taken from Katarangyes office opposite Rwenzori Square and forcefully whisked into a vehicle registration number UAK 164R. Captain Katarangye refused to comment on the matter.
Irene Nakimbugwe, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, says the King and his subjects were transferred from Kasese to Jinja Magistrates Court with permission from the Chief Justice.
Appearing before Jinja Chief Magistrates Court this morning, Mumbere and 161 Royal Guards were presented with a list of 41 counts of crimes allegedly committed between March and November 2016 within the Rwenzori region.
Gilbert Olulayah, a member of the committee and Shadow Information Minister for Defense, told URN that the information from leaders in district portrays a different picture from what they have gathered in Kampala.
