Rwenzururu King Condemns Rwenzori Attacks, Hails Security Response

His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, the cultural leader of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, has condemned in the strongest terms the violent attacks that occurred on Saturday, November 1, in Bundibugyo, Fort Portal, and Kasese districts.

In a press statement issued by the Kingdom’s Royal Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Kule Benson Baritazale, the Omusinga described the assaults—carried out by unidentified gunmen and panga-wielding assailants—as cowardly and deeply troubling acts that have caused loss of life, fear, and disruption across the Rwenzori region.

His Majesty expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and security agencies for their swift response in restoring calm and order in the affected areas. He further voiced confidence that the perpetrators will be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

The King appealed to residents of the Rwenzori region to remain calm, united, and vigilant, and to cooperate with security forces during this period of heightened tension. He emphasized that peace, dialogue, and reconciliation—not violence—are the true path to lasting stability and development.

Omusinga Mumbere also condemned social media speculations attempting to link the attacks to the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, calling such claims false, malicious, and destabilizing. “Such actions only serve to mislead the public and divert attention from the real culprits,” the statement read, urging the public to treat such narratives with utmost scrutiny.

Reaffirming the Kingdom’s guiding principles, the statement concluded that the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu remains committed to promoting peace, unity in diversity, reconciliation, socio-economic transformation, and mindset change across the Rwenzori region.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed that the coordinated attacks targeted police and military installations in Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Fort Portal districts on Saturday.

According to UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the assailants—armed with submachine guns and machetes—attacked Kasese and Lugendabara Police posts in Kasese District, and UPDF positions at Malindi and Kakuka in Bundibugyo, as well as Canon Apollo School in Fort Portal.

Security forces swiftly responded, neutralizing several attackers while others fled and are being pursued. One civilian woman was killed in Malindi, and one UPDF soldier was killed in action.

Brig. Kulayigye commended the professionalism and courage of security personnel who acted decisively to protect lives and property. He assured the public that the situation is under control, with additional security measures deployed to reinforce stability.

The UPDF urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as investigations continue into the identities and motives of the attackers.