Politics 8 August 2026 Nile Post
Rwenzururu Kingdom Seeks Return of Property Seized in 2016
The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is making a renewed effort to reclaim kingdom and personal properties confiscated by the government following the 2016 clashes in Kasese. This initiative aims to restore the kingdom's administrative functions and royal residence. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362006/rwenzururu-kingdom-begins-fresh-push-to-recover-property-seized-after-2016-clashes
The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu has initiated a fresh campaign to recover assets, including vehicles and personal property, that were seized by the government subsequent to the 2016 clashes in Kasese. This action comes almost a decade after a security operation devastated the kingdom’s palace, leaving it without its primary administrative center and royal dwelling.
Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere expressed his perplexity regarding the continued inaccessibility of his personal belongings and kingdom assets, despite the conclusion of his legal case. He highlighted that his former residence and vehicles remain unreclaimed, prompting a call for resolution.
In response, the kingdom’s legal office has commenced discussions with government officials to facilitate the return of these properties. Alfred Makasi, a legal officer for the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, stated that the recovery of vehicles and other items, reportedly held by police, is crucial for the kingdom’s operational needs.
The ongoing property dispute is intrinsically linked to the broader challenge of reconstructing the kingdom’s infrastructure, which suffered significant damage during the 2016 events. The absence of a permanent royal residence has forced the Omusinga to reside in rented accommodations, a situation he deems unsustainable for the kingdom’s leadership.
Kingdom leaders, including Prime Minister Baritazale Kule, acknowledged the current operational difficulties due to inadequate office space and the lack of a permanent palace. Kule indicated plans for a fundraising drive, engaging subjects, development partners, and the government to secure funds for the palace’s reconstruction and the strengthening of administrative structures.
This renewed push for asset recovery and palace reconstruction is viewed by the kingdom’s leadership as essential steps towards restoring normalcy to its administrative operations and historical significance, nearly ten years after the tumultuous events of 2016.
Source: Nile Post