Many Ugandans may not be aware that the troubles of the Rwenzururu clashes sparked off decades ago, stretching as far as the colonial days.
The inhabitants of the Rwenzori region that included the Bakonjo and Baamba wanted independence from Toro Kindom. The colonial authorities denied their request thus forcing them to launch a guerilla war that they named Rwenzururu. In 1962 the movement triumphed as the colonial government declared Rwenzururu an independent Kingdom, with Isaya Mukirania as their first king.
This peace and joy were short lived as in 1964, Toro soldiers massacred many Konjo and Amba people as they claimed to own the lower valleys of Mt. Rwenzori. The Ugandan Army by then mediated the situation and peace was restored in the region again.
During Idi Amin regime in the 1970s, Uganda went to war with Tanzania. Our army was defeated and they retreated. However, during this process, the Rwenzururu population was said to have looted weapons and supplies. These arms were used by the Kingdom to pose a serious threat in the region.
In the 1990s the Bakonjo started a rebellion called the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU). Amon Bazira behind negotiations between Rwenzururu and government was shot dead at State House in Nakuru, Kenya in 1993.
In 2005, President Museveni restored Rwenzururu as a cultural institution led by Omusinga. However, in 2008, three contenders for the throne criticized the government’s recognition of Charles Wesley Mumbere as Omusinga and this brought back tension due to the power struggle in the region.
This very year during the election period, massive attacks broke out in the regions of Bundibujo and Kasese where over 100 people were reported to have lost their lives. This weekend other clashes broke out in Kasese, 14 police officers and over 40 suspected attackers were confirmed dead during the cross gunfire. UPDF and Police invaded Omusinga’s palace after his refusal to surrender his royal guards who are said to have been involved in killing Police officers.
Mumbere was also arrested and is currently held at Nalufenya Prison in Jinja. He is expected to appear before court to face treason charges.