By Our Staff Reporter

FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — September 29, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the coronation of His Royal Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the 15th Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, marking the beginning of a new reign following the death of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The coronation ceremony was held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal and attracted thousands of Batooro, cultural leaders, government officials, diplomats and other guests from across Uganda and beyond.

King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, after reigning over Tooro for 31 years. His death brought the kingdom into a period of mourning before the traditional and cultural processes leading to the installation of his successor were completed.

The coronation followed a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo before celebrations moved to Karuziika Palace.

At the palace, royal drums that had remained silent during the mourning period were sounded again, while lion statues were unveiled as part of the ceremonies marking the restoration of the kingdom’s public celebrations.

Museveni pays tribute to King Oyo

In his address, President Museveni paid tribute to the late King Oyo, describing him as a monarch who made contributions to Tooro and Uganda.

The President recalled finding a letter written to him by King Oyo on June 15, 2026, shortly after the late king’s burial. Museveni said the letter expressed appreciation for a number of issues, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro.

Museveni also congratulated Omukama Nyabongo I, recalling his previous career as a news anchor and editor.

The new Omukama worked for Uganda Broadcasting Corporation for 12 years as a news anchor and editor before taking on his new cultural role.

Museveni explains role of cultural institutions

President Museveni used the occasion to explain his position on the role of cultural institutions in modern Uganda.

He said cultural institutions have a role to play in preserving aspects of society that may not be fully addressed by the modern political system, particularly indigenous languages, culture and indigenous knowledge and science.

The President expressed concern over the declining use of indigenous languages, saying cultural institutions should work with government to preserve them.

He also highlighted traditional knowledge, including the preservation of indigenous cattle breeds, as an area where cultural institutions can contribute to Uganda’s development.

Museveni further showcased locally produced wooden household products as an example of indigenous products that could help preserve aspects of Uganda’s traditional culture.

At the end of his address, the President congratulated the new Omukama, blessed his reign and gifted him 100 cows.

Nyabongo pledges inclusive reign

In his maiden address as Omukama, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I paid tribute to his predecessor and thanked the royal family, the people of Tooro and Ugandans for supporting the kingdom during the transition.

He also expressed appreciation to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for her support during King Oyo’s illness and thanked President Museveni for standing with Tooro throughout the transition.

The new Omukama thanked the Babiito clan for entrusting him with the throne and recognised the role played by the Omujwera Musuuga, Charles Kamurasi, during the transition.

He pledged to lead an inclusive reign in which the Tooro Kingdom would serve all people without discrimination while preserving the culture, traditions and way of life of the Batooro.

Nyabongo also said his reign would promote peace and wealth creation through cooperation with religious leaders and elders.

Leaders commend peaceful transition

Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime described the coronation as a historic moment for Tooro and Uganda and commended the people of Tooro for maintaining unity during the transition.

Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi thanked President Museveni for his support to the late King Oyo and the kingdom.

Kamurasi also praised the UPDF Engineering Brigade for rehabilitation works at the palace and acknowledged several individuals and institutions that contributed to preparations for the coronation.

He subsequently formally handed over authority to the new King.

Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen. Henry Tumukunde said the Government recognised the contribution of the late King Oyo and welcomed the new royal couple.

He also said the central government had handled the transition with neutrality to protect the interests of the people of Tooro, while cautioning against competing centres of political power within cultural institutions.

Tooro marks beginning of new reign

The coronation transformed the grounds of Karuziika Palace into a major cultural celebration, with Batooro dressed in traditional mushana and busuuti.

Traditional dancers performed to amakondere music as royal drums sounded again and lion statues were unveiled.

Thousands of people, including elders, clergy, cultural leaders, diplomats, politicians and other guests, attended the ceremony.

The event formally brought the mourning period for King Oyo to a close and ushered in the reign of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new cultural leader of Tooro Kingdom.