Amnesty Commission Rolls Out Resettlement Package for Freed Rwenzururu Royal Guards

The Amnesty Commission in Uganda has unveiled a resettlement package to support former royal guards of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) in Kasese District as they rebuild their lives.

The package includes essential household items, agricultural tools, seeds, and bedding, all intended to help the beneficiaries recover from the financial hardships they endured during their recent incarceration.

More than 200 royal guards were arrested in 2016 following a military raid on the royal palace of Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu. They faced a range of charges, including murder, terrorism, treason, malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery.

However, in 2023, the cases were withdrawn by the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, leading to the release of the suspects alongside Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere.

According to the Commission’s Coordinator, Ronald Ssekatawa, the Amnesty Commission acknowledges the reintegration challenges faced by the former royal guards and is appealing to local NGOs and development partners to support their livelihood recovery efforts.   

Joseph Katunda, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kasese, urged the former royal guards to embrace peace and act as ambassadors of stability within their communities. He also encouraged them to take advantage of existing government programmes to improve their livelihoods.  

Hilda Maate, the LCIII Chairperson of Hima Town Council, called on the former royal guards to work closely with government structures to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to community development.

Meanwhile, 76-year-old Reuben Muti shared his personal ordeal, noting that his advanced age makes it difficult for him to start over after spending more than seven years in prison. He revealed that, upon his release, he found that his family had sold off his property, underscoring the profound personal losses he suffered during his incarceration.