The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application in which the king of Rwenzururu Kingdom Charles Wesley Mumbere wanted his pistol returned to him since the charges that led to its confiscation were dropped against him.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka in a decision declined to give Mumbere his pistol on the basis that it is being held as an exhibit in the pending case against his former co accused Thembo Kitsumbire the former Prime Minister refused to get Amnesty and remained alone on the case file.
Previously, Mumbere and his subjects faced charges of terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property , attempted murder, aggravated robbery, among others which were dropped after being granted amnesty.
The charges stemmed from 2016 UPDF ‘s raid of Rwenzururu Kingdom’s palace as they hunted for suspected terrorists.
Following the withdrawal of thre said charges against Mumbere and more than 200 of his subjects, he applied to court asking for return of his property that had been seized by the government following his arrest Buhikira palace in Kasese Municipality.
The property included his residential house which acted as the palace,Supreme Vehicle Toyota Land cruiser with Number Plate Omusinga 1, a Toyota Noah van; a Pick-up lead car ford with Number Plate Royal Guard a personal Pistol, 30 rounds of ammunition; two magazines which he claimed was bought by him by President of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
He argued that since the charges against him were withdrawn, the same should be returned and released to him.
However, the Prosecution through Thomas Jatiko, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the application on grounds that although proceedings against Mumbere and some others were discontinued, the proceedings against Prime Minister Thembo Kitsumbire who faces charges of Treason, misprision of treason, and terrorism are still ongoing.
Jatiko said the items the King listed are exhibits and they are Government property.
In ruling the Justice Komuhangi agreed with prosecution and dismissed Mumbere ‘s application.
