Leaders from the Rwenzori Sub Region have asked government to pardon Thembo Kitsumbire, the former prime minister of Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu.
Kitsumbire has spent eight years away from home, rejecting amnesty conditions set by the government.
“The conflicts in the region are historical and do not stem from me as a person,” asserted Thembo Kitsumbire.
The Rwenzori Sub region witnessed heightened tensions that escalated into an armed conflict and an attack on the Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere palace in 2016, resulting in numerous casualties.
“Much as relative peace and calm have prevailed in the region with the Omusinga on the throne, pains and cries from those affected by the conflict are still heard,” said Christopher Kibanzanga, the NRM chairperson Bwendera Sub county Bundibugyo.
The arrest and trial of 220 royal guards, including the Omusinga himself, lasted for years until 2023 when they received amnesty from the government.
However, Kitsumbire did not benefit from the amnesty due to his refusal to accept the conditions.
“It’s time the government thought about fully pardoning individuals like my former prime minister,” Kibanzanga said, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and development contributions.
In the absence of amnesty acceptance, Kitsumbire faces the possibility of spending a significant part of his remaining life navigating the legal system until proven guilty.
This call for a government pardon underscores the ongoing struggle for reconciliation and the desire to integrate key figures like Kitsumbire back into the community for the collective development of the Rwenzori Sub Region.
