By Gorrette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal—-
Tooro Kingdom has rescheduled its annual youth conference to November 27, 2026, following the death of the former king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, which disrupted the kingdom’s planned coronation celebrations.
The conference, which was initially scheduled for August 4, will be held under the theme “Inspired by Heritage, Driven by Innovation.”
Tooro Kingdom Youth Minister Mugume Nicholas announced the new date during a press conference held at Mucwa in Fort Portal Tourism City. The event was attended by youth leaders, councillors, and representatives from tertiary institutions, Miss and Mr Tourism, and development partners.
Mugume called on all youths in Tooro Kingdom to participate in the conference and use the platform to discuss development challenges and propose solutions aimed at improving the kingdom.
He also welcomed the new king, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, pledging the youth’s support and commitment to working with the monarch to promote development across the kingdom.
Mugume further revealed that several activities would be organised ahead of the conference, including health camps and exhibitions, to encourage youth participation and showcase their talents, innovations and development initiatives.
He said the kingdom’s Youth Ministry had also embarked on empowerment programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical skills and promoting innovation.
Among the initiatives are the establishment of youth incubation centres and information and communication technology (ICT) centres designed to provide opportunities for young people to develop their ideas, acquire skills and contribute to community development.
Mugume disclosed that seven youth incubation centres had so far been established in different counties as part of the kingdom’s ongoing youth empowerment programme.
He encouraged young people to unite, share ideas and actively participate in initiatives that can drive social and economic development in Tooro Kingdom.
The annual youth conference is one of the activities traditionally held ahead of Tooro Kingdom’s coronation anniversary celebrations. However, the planned activities were disrupted by the death of the former king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The rescheduled conference is expected to provide a platform for young people to engage with kingdom leaders and development partners on issues affecting their communities, while exploring ways to preserve Tooro’s cultural heritage and embrace innovation.
