The Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice Jane Frances Abodo says her office is set to proceed and prosecute the Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere and his co accused on terrorism related charges.
The charges stem from Mumbere’s arrest on November 27th 2016 following a raid by the army on his palace on November 27th, 2016.
His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere was later in January 2017 granted bail by the then High Court International Crimes Division Judge Eva Luswata and his movements restricted within Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts and he is also required him to report to court once every month.
Speaking to the media in Kampala today, the DPP Abodo says that they are ready to try the Rwenzururu King and Jamilu Mukulu, the former Commander of the Allied Democratic Forces but there are a few issues such as limited number of judicial officers, shortage of funding and the jittery in prisons since they follow the order of first come first out. Justice Abodo speaking1……
She says there are a number of issues playing out such as the Judge who was handling the case previously being elevated to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Abodo speaking2……..
When contacted over the matter, the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, Jamson Karemani said that the Judiciary is working on the replacement of Justice Eva Luswata who was elevated, and also working on the budgeting for the case to be disposed of.
Prior to the stalling of the case some time back in 2019, the Judiciary had listed Justice Duncan Gaswaga, Eva Luswata and Susan Okalany as the trial Judges for King Mumbere and his co accused. Earlier this month, the State Minister for ICT and national guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga said they were working closely hard with government for the freedom of the King this year, God willing. END