CELEBRATING PEACE AND STABILITY AFTER THE END OF ARMED POLITICAL REBELLION IN WESTNILE AND RWENZORI REGION OF UGANDA.
Our dear followers, and other comrades in the struggle, this is to officially inform you that, on his own behalf, and on behalf of the entire Bakonzo ethnic community, His Highness, Crown Prince Swaleh Tibamwenda Basikania, the King In Waiting joined the rest who matter a lot, to congratulate the happy people of the West Nile Region, on the 3rd Peace Day Celebrations, that were held in Yumbe District, On Saturday the 12th of April 2025.
The tumultuous post - independence Military political History of Uganda, puts both West Nile and Rwenzori Regions on the same page of areas in the country, which happened to suffer armed political rebellions, executed by known enemies of peace and stability.
The story is quite long with all its details, but as for now, it is provided while shortened, just for informative purpose. Nevertheless, in the near future, it will be looked at in a lengthy presentation, with all the details for learning purposes.
With reference and extractions from the New Vision’s peace magazine, you may get informed as follows;
History has it that, on the 25th, January 1971, Idi Amin became the succeeding President of the Republic of Uganda, after overthrowing President Apollo Milton Obote. The, Amin’s regime lasted until on the 11th, April, 1979, when he was overthrown by the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), backed up by Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) of that time in past.
Quoting with reference as reported, the fall of President Idi Amin’s Government, in the year 1979, was the start of what would turn into a costly conflict for Northern Uganda and West Nile in particular.
West Nile sub region is a vast and diverse area. As of today, it is comprising of 13 administrative units. The Districts curved out of the West Nile are: Yumbe, Moyo, Koboko, Obongi, Maracha, Terego, Adjumani, Arua, Madi – Okollo, Zombo, Nebbi and Pakwach.
In Geo Political mapping West Nile is located mostly west of the River Nile. Turning to the so far known socio political History of the same area, records show that, the Ugandan Army from Independence to the year 1979, was dominated by people from Northern Uganda, and West Nile in particular.
When Idi Amin’s government was overthrown, these soldiers were rendered jobless, and tool refuge in the present day D.R Congo and Sudan.
After these Ex - soldiers had taken refuge, as a result life was never the same for them. In the subsequent years, a succession of fighting groups emerged, comprised of ex - soldiers, who served in the army during Amin’s regime.
LOOKING AT THE REBEL FORCE CALLED UGANDA NATIONAL RESCUE FRONT II (UNRF II)
A detailed story will be given in the near future. Nut as of now, be informed in brief that, the rebel group called UNRF II existed. This was the second phase of Rwenzururu rebel Organization (RRO), which was commanded by Charles Kisembo Mumbere from the year 1966 to 1982, when he was induced to surrender as Rebel Leader.
The UNRF II was a rebel organization that operated in Northern Uganda, particularly in the West Nile region, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Like the RRO of Mumbere within the Rwenzori Region, while in the West Nile Region, UNRF II was involved in the armed conflict the Government of Uganda during then. The same conflict resulted into deaths of people, loss of property, displacement of perosns and economic disruption among other cases of human suffering within the troubled West Nile Region.
When time came, the government of Uganda, and the Rebel group of UNRF II signed a formal ceasefire agreement in Kuru sub-county, Yumbe District, in 2002. This was with the aim of paving the way for a political dialogue in the West Nile Region.
The then Minister of Internal Affairs, Eria Kategaya, now the late, for the Government, and the UNRF II Chairman, Maj Gen Ali Bamuze, signed the peace Agreement, in which the two parties said they would “mutually and unequivocally” stop all forms of hostility and belligerence.
THE AMNESTY GRANTED TO THE FGHTERS OF THE UGANDA NATIONAL RESCUE FRONT (UNRF II)
The first widely known Amnesty in the Republic of Uganda is that on which was granted to the Rebel leader Charles Mumbere, and his warriors of RRO in 1982. Then, the other Amnesty to be heard of was that one which was granted to the UNRF II Fighters. They were able to return to their villages, and begin a new life in peace.
In the year 2002, Government and the UNRF II peace pact marked the beginning of the Rehabilitation process, aimed to support former combatants in their transition back to civilian life.
It is being observed and concluded that, the Landmark Agreement between the UNRF II, and the Government of Uganda has been instrumental in driving Economic Growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for communities within the formerly troubled West Nile Region.
It was based on the conditions and circumstances reflected in the above given information, that, His Highness, Swaleh Tibamwenda Basikania, the Crown Prince of Obwami Bwa Bukonzo Kingdom, of the Rwenzori Region, gained pleasure to congratulate the people of the West Nile Region.
He congratulated them for the tremendous progress made over the last 23 years of successful implementations of the peace Agreement between the UNRF II and the Government of Uganda.
THE PEOPLE OF KASESE DISTRICT TO LEARN VALUABLE LESSONS FROM THE WEST NILE REGION.
In reflection, Crown Prince states it that, starting from the year 1966, Charles Mumbere, and his warriors of the RRO, began being identified as Enemies of the State.
The same Charles Mumbere and 217 of his followers under the political outfit of OBR, who were pardoned by the Government on the 13th, June 2023, remained on record as pardoned EX – Terrorists, and Enemies of both the State, and peace within the Rwenzori Region. To put it in a short statement, until the date when Amnesty was granted to them, Mumbere and his warriors remained being regarded as enemies of peace and progress, at least within the territory of Kasese District!
Going by what is on the ground now, Charles Mumbere having been reduced to the lowest level and position of the so far twice pardoned EX Rebel leader, as we stand on the ground, the horizon of the expected peace and progress within the Rwenzori Region is very much exciting indeed, and more is yet to come by.
We are looking forward to receiving more significant investments by the Government, and other private investors, to attain improved welfare and quality of life for the people of the Region, who desire to enjoy peace, stability and progress.
The occasion of celebrating peace and stability in the West Nile Region was truly inspiring. It was a just reward for decades of hard work for peace by stakeholders of all forms and shape. The same hard work for peace ushered in socio Economic transformation.
The lesson to be learnt from the West Nile Region is that, sustainable peace is possible, when the people an their ruling Government collaborate effectively to combat, and neutralize threats, and fears as they emerge against the normal.
The West Nile experience offers valuable lessons for the Bakonzo ethnic people and others seeking to foster a culture of enjoyable peace, and harmony – based reconciliation within the Rwenzori Region.
Crown Prince, declares it that, this message has been authored in acknowledgement of the West Nile Region’s 3rd Peace Day celebrations, that were held in Yumbe District on Saturday the 12th, April, 2025.