UGANDA, Entebbe | Real Muloodi News | In a significant development aimed at revitalising the Rwenzururu Kingdom, President Museveni has committed to constructing a new palace and purchasing a hotel for the kingdom.
This announcement was made during a meeting at State House, Entebbe, where the President hosted Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere and his delegation, including Queen Agnes Ithungu Asimawe and other officials.
The promise to build a new palace comes in the aftermath of the 2016 military and police raid that destroyed the previous palace.
The President also assured the Rwenzururu Kingdom of acquiring a hotel as a valuable asset. This proactive move is part of broader discussions centred around fostering peace and stability in the historically restive Rwenzururu territory located in the southwestern district of Kasese.
David Bradford Nguru, Omusinga Mumbere’s private secretary, highlighted the positive outcomes of the meeting.
President Museveni, he noted, pledged support on multiple fronts, including the construction of the new palace in the upcoming financial year.
Additionally, the President committed to providing three tractors and a new fleet of vehicles to further assist the kingdom.
Nguru explained that the Rwenzururu Kingdom had expressed interest in procuring the Springs International Hotel in Kasese but faced challenges in fundraising.
The President has now relieved this burden by committing to purchase and renovate the hotel for the kingdom’s benefit.
During the discussions, the Omusinga appealed to President Museveni to consider establishing a regional referral hospital in Kasese and upgrading Kasese Aerodrome into an international airport.
These proposals align with the kingdom’s broader objectives, emphasising peace, reconciliation, and socio-economic transformation.
In a statement, President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the outlined objectives of the Rwenzururu Kingdom.
He emphasised the importance of cultural heritage and the interconnectedness of the people.
The President underscored a commitment to avoid regressive conflicts and praised the kingdom’s focus on peace, reconciliation, and socio-economic development.
The news of these commitments has been well-received in Kasese, with local leaders and residents expressing optimism about the prospects of rebuilding relations.
John Monday Wakighoma, chairperson of Kitswamba Town Council, emphasised the timeliness of the meeting between King Mumbere and President Museveni, citing the need to renew and consolidate a positive working relationship.
Benson Baluku Kikumbwa, a resident of Ibanda-Kyanya, sees the meeting as a new chapter for the Rwenzururu Kingdom after the challenges of the past seven years.
The President’s pledges signal a positive shift for the kingdom, providing hope for collaborative efforts and lasting peace.
This pivotal meeting follows King Mumbere’s month-long tour of the chiefdoms within his kingdom, where he consistently advocated for peace, unity, development, and reconciliation.
Since his release in February 2017 and the subsequent dropping of charges against him, Omusinga Mumbere has been actively promoting a message of peace and reconciliation, emphasising the need to focus on the region’s abundant wealth rather than historical conflicts.
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