Eronda
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- Dec 16, 2025
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Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere King of Rwenzururu Kingdom denounced claims of Yira State breaking away from Uganda during a March 27, 2026 speech in Kasese, emphasizing cultural preservation over political separation amid historical colonial divisions of the Bayira People between Uganda and Congo.
His subjects had gathered at the venue to welcome him after his return from Kampala where he had been residing since December after undergoing treatment from Istanbul, Turkey
He clarified that neither he nor the institution he leads is involved in any campaign advocating for the formation of a separate state.
While addressing his subjects at Rwenzori square in Kasese Town, he remarked that they are not fighting for the Yira state and that the Bayira culture will never die until the return of Jesus.
His rejection echoes prior statements from 2020-2021, where he distanced the kingdom from separatist agendas following the violent 2016 clashes with Uganda forces that led to the death of over 100 people leading to his arrest.
On restoring the Bayira Identity, Omusinga expressed concern that the name Bakonzo is not the authentic designation of the community but a Nickname with negative mindset.
Citing historical records, he referred to documents presented by elders on August 15, 1962 to the British Governor in Entebbe. According to him, these records indicate that the name Bakonzo was not originally used by the people themselves.
"The word Bakonzo is derived from a Kiswahili word "Mgonjwa", meaning a sick person. For how long will we remain sick?" Omusinga Said.
During his Speech, the Omusinga went ahead and credited his father, the First King of Rwenzururu Isaya Mukirania with bringing efforsts to reclaim the true identity of the people which vision continues to guide the kingdoms current efforts to restore the original name Bayira and promote the use of the Lhuyira language in its correct form.
He also Urged his subjects to prioritize unity, development, peace and avoid being misled by individuals with hidden agendas, noting that the kingdoms cultural reach extends into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: Daily Monitor
His subjects had gathered at the venue to welcome him after his return from Kampala where he had been residing since December after undergoing treatment from Istanbul, Turkey
He clarified that neither he nor the institution he leads is involved in any campaign advocating for the formation of a separate state.
While addressing his subjects at Rwenzori square in Kasese Town, he remarked that they are not fighting for the Yira state and that the Bayira culture will never die until the return of Jesus.
His rejection echoes prior statements from 2020-2021, where he distanced the kingdom from separatist agendas following the violent 2016 clashes with Uganda forces that led to the death of over 100 people leading to his arrest.
On restoring the Bayira Identity, Omusinga expressed concern that the name Bakonzo is not the authentic designation of the community but a Nickname with negative mindset.
Citing historical records, he referred to documents presented by elders on August 15, 1962 to the British Governor in Entebbe. According to him, these records indicate that the name Bakonzo was not originally used by the people themselves.
"The word Bakonzo is derived from a Kiswahili word "Mgonjwa", meaning a sick person. For how long will we remain sick?" Omusinga Said.
During his Speech, the Omusinga went ahead and credited his father, the First King of Rwenzururu Isaya Mukirania with bringing efforsts to reclaim the true identity of the people which vision continues to guide the kingdoms current efforts to restore the original name Bayira and promote the use of the Lhuyira language in its correct form.
He also Urged his subjects to prioritize unity, development, peace and avoid being misled by individuals with hidden agendas, noting that the kingdoms cultural reach extends into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: Daily Monitor
