Prime
Rwenzururu premier charged with murder, terrorism
The Acting premier of obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Johnson Thembo Kitsumbire being led to a waiting Kirinya Prisons bus shortly after he was charged at Jinja Chief Magistrates Court on Friday. PHOTO BY ANDREW KATABULAWO
What you need to know:
- The charges stem from the coordinated attacks on security installations, which claimed the lives of 16 police officers allegedly conducted by Rwenzururu Royal Guards in November this year.
- Mr Thembo was not allowed to take plea because of the nature of his offences.
The prime minister of Rwenzururu Kingdom Johnson Thembo has been charged with 41 counts including murder.
Mr Thembo on Friday appeared before the Jinja Grade one magistrate Peter Mutala where he was also charged with terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery and malicious damage, among others, the same charges slapped against the Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere and 161 of his subjects a week ago.
According to the charge sheet, Thembo together with five others; Gertrude Masiko, Joseph Maate, Benge - Annie Hamada, Josephat Mbisiiko and Mustapha Mbusa between July and September attacked and killed police and army officers in Kasese municipality.
Prosecution also told court that in March, 2016, Mr Thembo together with others still at large, unlawfully attempted to cause the death of Mulhumbira James, Mulhumbira Johnson, Lance Corporal Rwothngeyo Robert, Corporal Ottobbe James, Commissioner of Police Opolot Jacob, Lance Corporal Katuramu Hannington and SPC Joel Mbusa.
However, Mr Thembo was not allowed to take plea because of the nature of his offences.
The magistrate said his court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the charges brought against him. Mr Thembo who was arrested last Saturday, didn't have any legal representation.
He was remanded to Kirinya Prison in Jinja until December 28, 2016 when he and his co-accused will return to court.
The charges stem from the coordinated attacks on security installations, which claimed the lives of 16 police officers allegedly conducted by Rwenzururu Royal Guards in November this year. The attacks prompted the army to lead an offensive against Mumbere's palace on November 26 leading to the death of 49 royal guards. The army also arrested at least 149 royal guards and Mumbere.
