Ugandan king charged with terrorism

A Ugandan king has been charged with terrorism, aggravated robbery and attempted murder.

That’s on top of being accused murder of a police officer.

The King of Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere appeared in court today in the eastern Ugandan town of Jinja.

The court was packed with the king’s supporters, as well MPs from his home region.

He was arrested on 27 November following a raid by the police and army on his palace in Kasese town, in the west of Uganda.

Clashes between the king of the Bakonzo tribe’s guards and the army left over 80 people dead and over 100 others in police detention.

The government accused the kingdom establishment of recruiting and training militants that are seeking secession from the rest of Uganda, to create their own Yiira Republic, an accusation the kingdom denies.

He was remanded to Luzira Upper Prison in Kampala until 28 December.

The king’s lawyer told the BBC that 12 other men have also been charged, including royal guards and a witch doctor.