By Gorette Kajumba
www.mkewslink.com
In Tooro—
The newly crowned Omukama of Tooro, His Royal Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has pledged to build a people centred and inclusive kingdom focused on unity, education, youth empowerment, environmental conservation and improved livelihoods.
Omukama Nyabongo 1 made the commitment on Tuesday during his coronation at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the ceremony attended by thousands of Batooro, cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and guests from across Uganda and beyond.
The coronation marked the beginning of a new reign following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026, after 31 years on the throne.
In his maiden address, Omukama Nyabongo 1 said the Tooro Kingdom belongs to its people and pledged that the palace would remain open to everyone.
“The kingdom is for the people and it is there to serve them. The palace is open for everyone.”
He said his administration would work with the central government, religious leaders, elders and other cultural institutions to promote development and improve the welfare of the people.
The new King pledged to support education, particularly by encouraging parents to ensure their children remain in school and receive guidance on responsible behaviour.
He also said the kingdom would focus on empowering young people through skills development and opportunities for employment, including supporting university graduates to find jobs and become economically productive.
Omukama Nyabongo 1 further called on the people of Tooro to embrace government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
He said environmental conservation would also be a priority under his reign, urging communities to protect forests, plant trees and safeguard the environment for future generations.
The King also emphasized the importance of peace and unity, saying the kingdom would work with religious leaders and elders while strengthening cooperation with other cultural institutions.
He said the kingdom would serve people without discrimination based on religion or other differences and would respect the constitutional role of cultural institutions.
Museveni calls for cultural institutions to focus on culture
President Museveni, who presided over the coronation, paid tribute to the late King Oyo, whom he credited for his contribution to Tooro and Uganda.
Museveni said cultural institutions have an important role in preserving indigenous languages, culture and traditional knowledge while leaving political leadership to the modern political system.
He encouraged cultural institutions to work with government in areas including cultural preservation, indigenous knowledge and development.
The President also congratulated Omukama Nyabongo 1, recalling his previous career as a news anchor and editor.
“I was watching him on the news as a good news reader in English, so I am sure he will do a good job here,” Museveni said.
Museveni also pledged his support to the new King and gifted him 100 cows.
Kamurasi hands over authority
The head of the Babiito clan, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, formally handed over authority to Omukama Nyabongo 1 after overseeing the kingdom during the transition following King Oyo’s death.
Kamurasi thanked President Museveni for supporting the late King Oyo from his education and treatment to his final send-off, and for attending the coronation.
He also commended the people of Tooro for remaining united during the transition.
“I have given you all the power since I am the one who has been holding power during the time since Oyo’s death,” Kamurasi said.
He congratulated the new King and pledged continued support for the new reign.
Bishop Kisembo calls for accountability
At the coronation thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral Kabarole in Fort Portal, the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo Amooti, urged the new King to establish a strong administration capable of promoting Tooro’s cultural values and development.
Bishop Kisembo called for transparency and accountability in the management of kingdom resources and urged the palace to clearly distinguish institutional property from personal property.
He also called for the empowerment of the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council to strengthen systems for managing kingdom affairs.
The Bishop encouraged the King to mobilise young people to embrace work and discourage gambling, while also urging parents to prioritise the education of their children.
He asked the new King to continue initiatives started by the late King Oyo, particularly tree planting and HIV and AIDS prevention.
Bishop Kisembo further called on the people of Tooro to respect, love and support their King as he begins his reign.
Government commends peaceful transition
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, commended the Babiito clan for cooperating during the transition and welcomed the new King and Queen.
He said the new Queen’s roots in the Teso sub-region represented an opportunity to strengthen unity among Ugandans.
Meanwhile, Mgr. Isaiah Mayombo, chairperson of the Central Organising Committee, thanked the people of Tooro and other stakeholders for their financial and logistical support towards the coronation.
The ceremony was marked by traditional dances, royal drums, amakondere performances and the unveiling of the lion statues at Karuziika Palace, symbolising the end of the mourning period and the beginning of a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom.
Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I now begins his reign with a pledge to preserve Tooro’s culture while working with government and other stakeholders to promote unity, education, environmental conservation, youth empowerment and economic development.