By Swift Reporter
The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu has dismissed reports circulating on social media that King Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma is critically ill, saying the monarch is in TĂĽrkiye for a routine medical review.
The clarification was issued after concerns about the King’s health began spreading online, prompting questions from his subjects and members of the public.
In a statement shared through the kingdom’s official communication channels, the Obusinga said there was no cause for alarm over the reports.
“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.
According to the kingdom, Mumbere travelled to TĂĽrkiye on the advice of his doctors for a scheduled medical assessment.
The Prime Minister of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, Kule Benson Baritizale, separately confirmed the development, explaining that the King’s trip was part of a routine follow-up following an earlier medical visit.
“When he went for treatment the other time, they gave him six months for review. It is a normal medical review,” Baritizale said.
He later reiterated the clarification on the kingdom’s official X account, appealing to the public not to be alarmed by the reports being circulated online.
The kingdom also expressed appreciation to members of the public for the concern, prayers and goodwill extended to the monarch, the Royal Family and the cultural institution.
“We sincerely appreciate everyone for the love, prayers, concern, & well-wishes extended to His Majesty, the Royal Family & Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu. Thank you for your continued love and support,” the statement said.
The latest clarification follows a similar situation in October 2025, when Mumbere travelled to TĂĽrkiye for a medical review and personally addressed concerns about his health.
At the time, the King rejected reports suggesting that his condition was serious, saying he remained able to walk and speak normally.
“I would also take this opportunity to send a message to my subjects that although I am going for a medical review, I am not as bad as it has been published on social media, portraying that I am unable to walk and talk,” Mumbere said at the time.
He added that he was travelling for medical reasons but was otherwise in good health.
The King has previously faced a prolonged period away from his kingdom following his arrest in November 2016, when he was detained alongside hundreds of his subjects and royal guards.
Mumbere returned to Kasese District in October 2023, after spending about seven years in custody.
His return was a significant moment for the Rwenzururu cultural institution, whose activities had been heavily affected by the events surrounding his arrest.
With the latest reports about his health now dismissed by the kingdom, officials have urged the public to rely on official communication regarding the King’s condition and activities rather than unverified claims circulating on social media.
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