Rwenzururu king disowns violence as arrests mount

King Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu condemned weekend violence targeting law enforcement sites and rejected claims linking his cultural organization to the bloodshed. Armed attackers struck police facilities in Kasese Central and Rughendabara, plus military positions at Malindi and Kakuka in Bundibugyo district, on Saturday, while another group attempted to reach Canon Apollo School in Fort Portal city. Authorities reported 19 fatalities and detained more than 40 suspects following the assaults.

Kingdom Prime Minister Kule Benson Biritazale released a statement expressing alarm over social media posts falsely connecting the institution to criminal activity. Mumbere warned that spreading unverified claims misleads citizens and diverts focus from actual perpetrators. He stressed that prejudice and incorrect information fuel regional instability. The monarch thanked security personnel for their rapid action in restoring order and urged Rwenzori inhabitants to stay composed while assisting investigators.

Education administrators from Kabarole and Fort Portal separately requested military deployment at academic facilities during an emergency district meeting. School leaders asked for at least two troops stationed at each campus after the coordinated strikes.