The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, has withdrawn all charges against Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere and his subjects.
The charges, including murder, terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery, among others, were dropped in the International Crimes Division-ICD Court presided over by Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
The 218 suspects had been specifically accused of the double murder of two Police Constables, Saverio Ochema and Simon Peter Apille, on September 14, 2016. They were also implicated in the attempted murder of several police officers and the murder of Police Constable Godfrey Kasimba on March 24, 2016. Additionally, the prosecution alleged that Mumbere and his subjects were involved in attacks on police establishments and property in Bukara and Nyabutsi villages in July and November 2016.
During a court hearing this afternoon, Principal State Attorney Lillian Omara informed the court that the DPP had lost interest in the case and would be withdrawing charges against the accused individuals. A letter signed by Abodo, confirming the withdrawal of charges against Mumbere and the other suspects, was presented to the court.
The charges have been dropped against all the suspects except Masereka Kamada and Thembo Kitsumbire, the former Rwenzururu Prime Minister. The prosecution will continue with their prosecution since they refused to apply for amnesty.
The withdrawal of charges follows the amnesty granted to the group by the Amnesty Commission after they admitted to their participation in the crimes, denounced rebellious activities, and reconciled with the government.
Mumbere, along with over 200 royal guards and kingdom officials, were arrested in 2016 following a raid on the Buhikira Royal Palace in Kasese, resulting in over 100 casualties.
In 2018, Mumbere was committed to the International Crimes Division of the High Court (ICD) in Kololo to face charges of treason, terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, malicious damage, and attempted murder. He was granted bail with restricted movements within Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono Districts.