By Mathias Thembo
The pretrial hearing of the case in which Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere is accused of terrorism has failed to kick off yesterday in the International Crimes Division of the High Court after his co accused failed to raise transport fee.
His Majesty Charles Mumbere and more than 200 of his subjects are facing charges including; murder, terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, among others allegedly committed before and during the 2016 raid by security of the Rwenzururu Kingdom’s palace.
The case was expected to continue before Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha with the Prosecution led by Joseph Kyomuhendo to inform court on the progress of the investigations.
The defense lawyer, Counsel Alfred Makasi told Court that the matter cannot proceed in the absence of more than 90 suspects mostly from Kasese whom he said had failed to turn up over failure to get transport money.
Whereas the rest of the suspects were to appear in court from different places including Luzira and Jinja prisons for those still on remand, those supposed to appear in court via zoom in Bundibugyo court failed due to poor internet connections, forcing an adjourned to May 16th 2023. Counsel Makasi speaking…….
Asked if Mumbere applied for amnesty as it has been rumored on social media, Mr. Makasi said they are in negotiations with the government to have these charges settled amicably but he doesn’t know if amnesty could be the end result. END