President Yoweri Museveni has presided over the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the 15th Omukama of Tooro, ushering in a new chapter for the kingdom following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The coronation took place on Tuesday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where thousands of Batooro and guests from across Uganda and beyond gathered to witness the historic ceremony.
King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 32, after a 31-year reign.
The coronation followed a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo, before celebrations moved to the palace.
At Karuziika Palace, royal drums that had remained silent during the mourning period were sounded again, while lion statues were unveiled to symbolise the restoration of royal ceremonies.
In his address, President Museveni paid tribute to the late King Oyo, whom he commended for his contribution to Tooro and Uganda.
President Museveni said he was deeply saddened when, shortly after King Oyo’s burial, he came across a letter the late monarch had written to him on June 15, 2026.
“I was very sad because the day after King Oyo was buried here, I was going through my documents and I found a letter which he had written to me on the 15th of June 2026,” President Museveni said.
He said the letter thanked him for several things, including appointing ministers from Tooro.
President Museveni congratulated Omukama Nyabongo, 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,” he said.
Museveni backs cultural institutions
President Museveni used the occasion to explain his support for cultural institutions, saying they have an important role to play in preserving indigenous languages, culture and knowledge.
He said cultural institutions can complement the modern political system in areas that require the preservation of society’s heritage.
President Museveni said indigenous languages should be protected because some concepts and expressions cannot always be adequately captured in English.
He revealed that he had written a Runyankore dictionary to contribute to the preservation of the language.
President Museveni also highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and science, saying traditional practices should not automatically be dismissed because they do not originate from modern scientific institutions.
He cited the preservation of Ankole long-horned cattle as an example.
“I insisted on keeping Ankole traditional cows. Now Ramaphosa, the South African President, came and when he saw my cows he bought 43 cows from me. Now in South Africa it is a big story,” he said.
The President also showcased wooden household products produced by Matongo Limited, saying modern products had overshadowed some aspects of Uganda’s traditional culture.
He urged Ugandans to promote indigenous products while embracing modern development.
President Museveni congratulated Omukama Nyabongo, blessed his reign and gifted him 100 cows.
Nyabongo pledges inclusive reign
In his maiden address as Omukama, Nyabongo paid tribute to his predecessor and pledged an inclusive reign that would serve all people without discrimination.
He thanked Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for her support during King Oyo’s illness and expressed condolences to the royal family and the people of Tooro.
The new Omukama also thanked President Museveni for supporting the kingdom during the transition.
“He has been with us throughout and has even blessed this day,” he said.
He also thanked Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the security agencies for their role following King Oyo’s death.
Nyabongo thanked the Babiito clan for entrusting him with the throne and commended Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi for his leadership during the transition.
He also recognised his wife, Omugo Rebecca Omoding Akiiki, his mother, Omujwera Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma Amooti, and his late father, Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, for their support and guidance.
The new King further thanked the people of Tooro and Ugandans for their support, with special recognition to the media fraternity and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, where he worked for 12 years as a news anchor and editor.
He said his reign would preserve the culture, traditions and way of life of the Batooro while promoting unity and development.
“We shall work together in unity, trusting that the Lord shall protect and bless the people of Tooro,” he said.
He added that the kingdom would promote peace and wealth creation in partnership with religious leaders and elders.
Leaders hail peaceful transition
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime described the coronation as a historic occasion for Tooro and Uganda.
He thanked President Museveni for his support and commended the Batooro for maintaining unity during the transition.
Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi welcomed President Museveni and thanked him for supporting the late King Oyo, including during his illness.
“Thank you for loving Tooro and the people of Tooro,” he said.
Kamurasi also commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for rehabilitation works at Karuziika Palace and Gen Kainerugaba for supporting preparations for the coronation.
He also acknowledged other leaders and members of the organising committee for contributing resources and expertise towards the ceremony.
Mr Kamurasi said Tooro would remember King Oyo for his advocacy against HIV and Aids before formally handing over authority to the new Omukama.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen Henry Tumukunde said the Government recognised the contribution of the late King Oyo and thanked the Babiito for cooperating throughout the transition.
He welcomed the new royal couple and commended them for allowing traditional processes to take place before the coronation.
Gen Tumukunde said the new Queen’s roots in the Teso sub-region presented an opportunity to strengthen national unity.
He said the central government had handled the transition with neutrality to protect the interests of the people of Tooro.
He cautioned against competing centres of political power within cultural institutions, saying this could create instability, and encouraged kingdoms to strengthen their institutional capacity.
The chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Isaiah Mayombo, thanked President Museveni for attending the ceremony and for the Government’s financial support.
He also commended the Omujwera Musuuga for his leadership during the transition.
Tooro celebrates
The Karuziika Palace grounds were transformed into a colourful celebration as Batooro dressed in traditional mushana and busuuti gathered to witness the beginning of the new reign.
Royal drums thundered after months of silence, while traditional dancers performed to the sounds of amakondere.
Ululations filled the air as the lion statues were unveiled, marking the end of the mourning period and the beginning of a new chapter under Omukama Nyabongo I.
