Government restricts Mumbere in wake of clashes

Two ethnic groups in Bundibugyo are in dispute over whether the Rwenzuru king should visit the district.

BUNDIBUGYO

Government has restricted the Omusinga (king) of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, Charles Wesley Mumbere, from visiting Bundibugyo District to ease tensions between the Bamba-Babwisi and Bakonzo ethnic groups.

This follows clashes last Friday between the two ethnic groups over the shrine that was constructed for king Mumbere at Kibindi Village in Busaru Sub-county.

The clashes started when the Bamba wanted to torch the shrine, but the Bakonzo resisted. Two motorcycles and property belonging to Bakonzo traders in Bundibugyo Market were burnt during the chaos.

In a meeting with Bamba and Bakonzo elders in Bundibugyo Town at the weekend, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Mr Ruhakana Rugunda, said king Mumbere, as the cultural leader of the Bakonzo should not anger the Bamba and visit Bundibugyo, because more clashes are likely to occur.

Mr Rugunda said Mumbere should also respect the Bamba since they are the majority in the district. The minister said more talks will be held between the two ethnic groups to reconcile them.

Mr Rugunda was sent by President Museveni to intervene in the conflicts after Bamba elders wrote to President Museveni requesting him to intervene. However, the Bakonzo in Bundibugyo have opposed Mr Rugunda’s remarks, saying it is a violation of the king’s rights.

In a telephone interview, Mr Michael Kahungu, a member of the Bakonzo Elders Association, said Mumbere cannot be stopped from visiting his subjects where ever they are. Mr Kahungu added that since there are Bakonzo in Bundibugyo, Mumbere will often be invited to visit his subjects and perform rituals.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner, Mr Samuel Kazinga, said the police and army have been deployed heavily in Bundibugyo Town and Kibindi until the situation stabilises.

Last week, the Prime Minister, Mr Amama Mbabazi, asked Rwenzururu Kingdom to remain calm and united to promote development. “Some of the tensions within your community should be solved calmly, you should not dwell much on those issues, let us maintain peace and so that you can benefit from the freedom you fought for,” Mr Mbabazi said.