REUTERS - A Ugandan
traditional leader was charged with terrorism on Tuesday after clashes between
his guards and Ugandan security forces last month left at least 62
people dead,
court papers seen by Reuters showed.
Charles Wesley
Mumbere was initially charged with murder on November 29, two days after a
combined army and police force assaulted his palatial residence after a
stand-off with his guards who authorities said had refused an order to disarm
and surrender.
Uganda has several
so-called traditional leaders, local aristocrats who play ceremonial and
cultural roles in their regions. They also often wield considerable political
influence.
Mumbere's home
region is located near the east African country's border with the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC).
The area has been
the scene of intermittent skirmishes between security personnel and gunmen.
Officials have accused Mumbere and his officials of fomenting unrest to create
an independent republic.
Court papers seen by
Reuters showed Mumbere, who was appearing in court on the initial murder
charge, faced added charges of terrorism, aggravated robbery and attempted
murder.
Mumbere and 12
others who did not appear with him in court were accused of perpetrating
attacks on police stations "with intent to intimidate the public or a
section of the public," and conducting such attacks
"indiscriminately".
Long-ruling
President Yoweri Museveni, 72, who was declared winner of the country's
disputed presidential election in February, performed dismally in Mumbere's
Rwenzori region in the poll.
The area heavily
favored Museveni's rival, Kizza Besigye, and opposition officials have accused
the government of deliberately fomenting violence in the region as punishment
for its rejection of the ruling party.
The government
denies the accusations.
REUTERS
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