Mumbere Rejects Talk of ‘Yira State’ Breaking Away from Uganda

By SkiKak Reporter

The Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, has firmly dismissed claims that he or his cultural institution is pursuing the creation of a so-called “Yira State” or “Yira Republic,” warning that such narratives are misleading and potentially destabilising.

Addressing his subjects at Rwenzori Square in Kasese on March 27, the Omusinga said neither he nor the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is involved in any separatist agenda. Instead, he emphasised that his leadership remains strictly cultural, focused on preserving identity, unity, and heritage.

“I am not fighting for the Yira State or Yira Republic,” he said. “Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and the Bayira culture will never die… We are not fighting for such things.”

The king’s remarks came as he addressed hundreds who had gathered to welcome him back from Kampala, where he has been residing since December 2025 following specialised medical treatment in Istanbul.

Focus on cultural identity

In a speech lasting more than three hours, Mumbere stressed that the kingdom’s mission is to safeguard and revive the original identity of the Bayira people, rather than engage in political or secessionist ambitions.

He reflected on the historical division of the Bayira community during the colonial period, noting that groups now identified as Bakonzo in Uganda and Banande in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were separated under British and Belgian rule.

“Our culture is one, our language is one,” he said. “This is a clear indication that we were divided.”

Despite the separation, he noted that strong linguistic and cultural ties remain between communities on both sides of the border.

Reclaiming the Bayira identity

A significant portion of the Omusinga’s address focused on what he described as the distortion of his people’s original identity. He argued that the term “Bakonzo” is not authentic but a nickname with negative connotations, advocating instead for the restoration of “Bayira” as the correct identity.

He credited his father, Isaya Mukirania, the founding king of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, with initiating efforts to reclaim the community’s identity.

“Ever since I discovered that we are Bayira, no one should call me Mukonzo again,” he said. “I cannot remain identified by something that was discovered to be a nickname.”

The kingdom, he added, is considering measures to phase out the use of “Bakonzo” and promote “Bayira,” alongside preserving the Lhuyira language in its original form.

Call for unity and peace

Mumbere urged scholars and cultural leaders to protect the integrity of the Lhuyira language, warning that distortions threaten the identity of the Bayira people.

He also cautioned against individuals exploiting young people under the guise of pursuing a “Yira State,” warning that such actions could destabilise the Rwenzori sub-region.

Referencing past violence, including the 2016 Kasese palace clashes and more recent incidents in November 2025, the Omusinga questioned when lasting peace would be achieved in the region.

Reaffirming that the Rwenzururu Kingdom is a recognised cultural institution, he urged his subjects to prioritise unity, development, and peaceful coexistence, and to resist manipulation by actors with hidden agendas.

“The kingdom stands for culture, not conflict,” he said, adding that its cultural ties extend beyond Uganda into eastern DRC.