BY NT CORRESPONDENT IN UGANDA.
There was drama in a Ugandan court after Rwenzururu king Charles Wesley Mumbere refused to leave even after being released.
According to him, this was a gimmick by the Ugandan government to have him rearrested.
He refused to leave Jinja court premises after being released on bail.
King Mumbere was seen being driven out of the Jinja court premises but when he was told there was a waiting police car outside the court gate, he stopped and vowed not to leave until he was sure he was free.
Addressing journalists during the fiasco, the King said he would not leave until he was sure he will not be re-arrested.
“ I’m willing to stay here for even more than two weeks. If police is to re-arrest me, they should come at least with an arrest warrant,” said Mumbere.
He described the occurrence as a hostage situation.
He was on Friday released on a non-cash bail of Sh100 million.
His six sureties including the Leader of Opposition, Ms Winfred Kiiza were each bonded at Sh100m not cash.
Part of conditions that the king is supposed to adhere to includes being restricted to move in only three districts: Kampala, Wakiso and Jinja.
He was however barred from accessing Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo districts.
It was alleged that he may a interfere with ongoing investigations over the Rwenzori region attacks.
The judge in her analysis, dismissed the fears of the state that once the king who commands a huge following of over seven million subjects is released on bail, he will interfere with investigations.
The judge observed that the king’s bail is his constitutional right which overrides the same fears.
She added that prosecution did not substantiate their fears, making them mere hear say.
