Nearly ten years after deadly clashes in Kasese left the Rwenzururu Kingdom’s royal palace in ruins, the cultural institution is still operating without a permanent headquarters, raising fresh questions about the pace of reconstruction and long-promised recovery efforts.
The destruction of the Buhikira Royal Palace in November 2016 marked one of the most painful moments in the kingdom’s recent history. The violent confrontation between security forces and royal guards led to deaths, displacement of residents and the collapse of the kingdom’s administrative centre.
Today, the palace—once a powerful symbol of authority, identity and cultural pride—remains absent from Kasese’s physical landscape, existing largely in memory for many subjects of the kingdom.
Although relative calm has since returned to the Rwenzori region, and Omusinga His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere has resumed his role following years of legal constraints, the kingdom continues to function without a permanent administrative base.
Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson Geoffrey Kanyonyi said the lack of infrastructure continues to hinder operations.
“The absence of permanent infrastructure remains a challenge as the kingdom works to strengthen its institutions and restore services to its subjects. Rebuilding the palace remains one of our priorities as we seek to preserve our cultural heritage and identity,” Kanyonyi said.
For many residents, the return of the Omusinga was seen as a key step toward reconciliation. However, there is growing concern that reconstruction of the palace has not followed as expected.
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Some subjects say they anticipated immediate progress once relations between the government and the kingdom improved.
Jafari Kigutiha, a kingdom subject, said the delay has become a source of frustration.
“The destruction of the palace remains painful for many of us. We welcomed the return of our King and believed that rebuilding the palace would soon follow. A kingdom of this stature deserves a palace that reflects its history and cultural significance,” Kigutiha said.
In the years following reconciliation efforts, officials and cultural leaders discussed plans to rebuild the palace as part of broader efforts to restore trust and stability in the region. However, no major construction work has since begun.
Local leaders are now questioning the lack of progress.
Bulembia Division Chairperson Richard Bomera said the delay has raised concerns among residents.
“The palace is more than just a building. It is a symbol of unity and identity for the people of Rwenzururu. The continued delay in its reconstruction is raising concerns among residents who expected progress after years of peace and reconciliation,” Bomera said.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi urged kingdom subjects to participate in efforts to rebuild the royal residence while awaiting wider government support.
“The reconstruction of the palace is important, but the people must also take ownership of the process. Community contributions can demonstrate commitment to the kingdom while complementing government efforts towards the larger reconstruction project,” Walusimbi said.
He added that community involvement would help speed up progress while strengthening cultural ties.
Meanwhile, Kanyonyi said the kingdom is preparing a fundraising drive aimed at mobilising resources for key priorities, including a royal residence and other institutional infrastructure.
“We are developing plans to mobilise resources from subjects and well-wishers through a fundraising campaign. The construction of a royal residence and other kingdom infrastructure projects remains among our key priorities,” he said.
As the kingdom continues to operate from temporary offices, the absence of a permanent palace remains a powerful reminder of the 2016 violence and the slow pace of recovery.
For many subjects, rebuilding the palace is not only about restoring a structure, but also about reclaiming a symbol of unity, identity and resilience for a kingdom still healing from one of its darkest chapters.
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