The Charles Wesley Mumbere homecoming organizing committee is facing challenges in meeting the budget as the day approaches. Mumbere’s return is scheduled for October 4, 2023. The homecoming organizing committee, along with the three pillars of the Kingdom, which include the Royal Family, Kingdom Veterans, and Chieftains, had initially set a budget of Shillings 9 billion for this event.

Out of the total budget, approximately Shillings 4.6 billion Shillings will be allocated to the Royal Springs International Hotel, formerly owned by the late Gen. James Kazini, where the main event will take place. However, Joseph Kule Muranga, the Kingdom Premier, revealed that they are yet to reach half of the estimated budget.

He appealed to area legislators to help mobilize funds from friends and make their own contributions to bridge the financial gap. Muranga expressed optimism that many of the pledges would be fulfilled by the end of September to facilitate proper planning for the return of their King, Charles Wesley Mumbere.

Despite the current shortfall, he reassured the kingdom loyalists that the function would proceed as scheduled and urged local leaders in the district to engage the community in raising the necessary resources. In a related development, Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, has made a contribution of Shillings 10 million toward the event.

The funds were delivered by the party’s Secretary-General, Lewis Rubongoya, to cultural institution leaders. Kyagulanyi pledged the party’s support and confirmed his attendance at the event during his nationwide tour in Kasese last month. It’s worth noting that in June this year, the Director of Public Prosecution dropped all charges against King Mumbere and dozens of his subjects.

King Mumbere, along with more than 200 kingdom subjects, had been arrested in 2016 following a raid on the Buhikira royal palace in Kasese Town, led by the army. While the last batch of 62 freed royal guards returned to Kasese last month, King Mumbere is still awaiting his homecoming.