The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) has postponed this year’s coronation anniversary celebrations from October 19 to November 14, 2026, as Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma remains in Türkiye for a medical review.
The decision was announced by the Rwenzururu Kingdom leadership, which said the new date is intended to allow the Omusinga time to return to Uganda and take part in the celebrations.
According to Kingdom Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Baritazale Kule Benson, the November 14 programme will bring together the coronation anniversary and activities to mark the Omusinga’s birthday. The date also coincides with a planned birthday run in honour of the Rwenzururu monarch.
MUMBERE’S MEDICAL REVIEW
Mumbere travelled to Türkiye in late August for a medical review, prompting concern among some of his subjects over his health.
However, the Obusinga previously dismissed reports that the King was critically ill, explaining that he travelled on the advice of his doctors for a routine medical review following earlier treatment.
The Kingdom has continued to appeal for calm while thanking subjects and well-wishers for their prayers and messages of support. It has not publicly confirmed when Mumbere is expected to return to Uganda.
WHY THE ANNIVERSARY MATTERS
The October 19 coronation anniversary is an important date in the history of the Rwenzururu cultural institution.
Mumbere was formally installed as Omusinga on October 19, 2009, following the Government of Uganda’s recognition of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu as a cultural institution.
The anniversary has since become a major cultural gathering, attracting Rwenzururu subjects and guests from Uganda and beyond.
Previous celebrations have drawn large crowds in Kasese, including the 2023 event held at Kasese Golf Course, which brought together subjects from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries.
NOVEMBER 14 TO COMBINE KEY EVENTS
Rather than cancelling this year’s celebrations, the Kingdom has opted to bring several activities together on November 14.
The programme is expected to mark the Omusinga’s coronation anniversary and birthday while also providing an opportunity for subjects to welcome him back to the Rwenzori region, should he return as anticipated.
Mumbere’s return to Kasese earlier this year was met with a large reception, with crowds gathering at Rwenzori Square to welcome the monarch following years of legal and movement restrictions.
KINGDOM REVITALISATION EFFORTS
The postponement comes as the Obusinga continues efforts to strengthen cultural unity and participation among its subjects.
In August, the Kingdom launched a Kingdom Revitalization Programme, featuring cultural and community activities aimed at promoting unity, heritage and development within the Rwenzururu community.
The programme is scheduled to run through November 14, making the rescheduled coronation anniversary an important culmination of the year’s activities.
For Rwenzururu subjects, the November gathering is expected to carry significant cultural and symbolic importance as the Kingdom celebrates its institution and awaits the return of its monarch.
HIGHLIGHTS
– Rwenzururu has moved its coronation anniversary from October 19 to November 14, 2026.
– Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere remains in Türkiye for a medical review.
– The November programme will combine the coronation anniversary and the Omusinga’s birthday celebrations.
– Mumbere was installed as Omusinga on October 19, 2009.
– The Kingdom has not confirmed the exact date of his return to Uganda.
– The celebrations will also mark the culmination of the Kingdom’s revitalisation activities.
TAKEAWAY
The postponement allows the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu to preserve the significance of the coronation anniversary while giving Omusinga Mumbere an opportunity to return and participate in the celebrations. November 14 is now set to be a major date on the Rwenzururu cultural calendar.
