By Jamila Kemigisa
Kasese – The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) has issued a stern warning to political actors, cautioning them against using the name of His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma in political campaigns.
This comes after allegations surfaced that former Leader of Opposition, Hon. Winnie Kiiza Nyabahasa, invoked the Omusinga’s name while campaigning for a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate during the Kawempe North by-election. In a video circulating on social media, Kiiza is reportedly seen telling NUP supporters that she had been sent by the Omusinga to seek votes for the party’s candidate.
In a press release signed by Acting Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Benson Kule Baritazale, OBR firmly distanced itself and the Omusinga from Kiiza’s claims.
“The Omusinga has not delegated anyone to campaign on his behalf,” emphasized Rt. Hon. Noah Nzaghale, Speaker of the OBR House of Representatives, during a press briefing at the OBR Liaison Office in Kasese Town.
Nzaghale reiterated the cultural institution’s neutrality, stating that the Omusinga is focused on promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development in the Rwenzori region. He urged politicians to respect OBR’s non-political stance.
OBR warned that any further misrepresentation of the Omusinga’s name in political activities will prompt institutional action.
“We will not hesitate to take necessary measures if the Omusinga’s name continues to be dragged into partisan politics,” Nzaghale added.
The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is a recognized cultural institution representing the Bakonzo people in western Uganda. It has played a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of the Rwenzori region. However, the institution has a history of political tension, particularly during the 2016 clashes between security forces and royal guards at the Omusinga’s palace. Those clashes resulted in the arrest and trial of King Mumbere on various charges.
Following years of legal proceedings, the Omusinga was released and has since been away from politics focusing on reconciliation and community development.
