The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere, has condemned the violent attack on security installations and distanced the cultural institution from the acts.
Some of the arrested suspects
On Saturday, machete-wielding assailants attacked Kasese Central police station and Rughendabara police post, while another group attacked Malindi and Kakuka military detachments in Bundibugyo district and attempted to attack Canon Apollo School in Fort Portal city. The attacks left at least 19 dead and over 40 suspects arrested.
In a message delivered through a press statement by the kingdom’s prime minister Kule Benson Biritazale, Mumbere said he was concerned about social media speculations falsely associating or linking these acts of criminality to the kingdom.
He said such actions, whether motivated by history, prejudice or misinformation, only serve to mislead the public and divert attention from identifying the real culprits.
“Anyone spreading such unfounded narratives should be treated with utmost scrutiny, as they contribute to the instability in the Rwenzori sub-region,” Mumbere said in a statement.
He noted that the kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, unity in diversity, reconciliation, socio-economic and cultural transformation and mindset change, the principles that continue to guide the kingdom.
Mumbere also expressed concern over the acts of violence that were perpetrated by unknown assailants, which have caused death, fear and disruption within the Rwenzori region.
He extended his appreciation to the government and the security forces for the prompt and decisive response in restoring calm and order across the affected areas. The Omusinga called upon the residents of Rwenzori to remain calm, united, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies during this period.
In a related development, headteachers in Kabarole and Fort Portal have asked government to deploy at least two soldiers at every school following the Saturday attacks in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Fort Portal. This was during the urgent security meeting held at Kabarole district headquarters.
