The Rwenzururu Kingdom has broken its silence on widespread speculation surrounding the health of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, dismissing social media claims that the cultural leader is critically ill.
In a clarification issued on Sunday, September 6, kingdom officials said Mumbere travelled to Türkiye for a routine medical review and urged the public not to be carried away by alarming reports circulating online.
The Omusinga reportedly left Uganda late on August 27 and arrived in Türkiye on August 28, according to Owekitsumbi Geoffrey Kanyonyi, the kingdom's spokesperson. Kanyonyi appealed for calm, saying the trip followed medical advice connected to the King's earlier treatment in the same country.
Rwenzururu Kingdom Prime Minister Kule Benson Baritizale also dismissed suggestions that the monarch's condition had suddenly deteriorated.
The kingdom stressed that the latest journey was part of a planned follow-up review, with officials explaining that doctors had recommended a return visit after Mumbere's previous treatment.
“We wish to clarify that HM Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma is not critically ill, contrary to reports circulating on social media,” the kingdom said in its public message, while thanking supporters for their prayers, concern and well-wishes.
The clarification comes at a time when heightened public sensitivity surrounding the health of traditional leaders has fuelled intense speculation online, particularly following the recent mourning period in the neighbouring Tooro Kingdom.
But Rwenzururu officials have insisted there is no cause for panic and have encouraged the Omusinga's subjects to remain focused on upcoming kingdom activities.
Among the major events on the calendar is the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Mumbere's coronation scheduled for October 19, followed by the Omusinga Run in November.
For now, the message from Kasese is clear: the Omusinga is away for a medical review, not because of the critical condition portrayed in viral social media claims.
As prayers and messages of support continue to pour in, the kingdom has appealed for privacy and urged the public to rely on official communication regarding the health and movements of the Rwenzururu monarch.