Summary:
- The former Archdeacon of Fort Portal Archdeaconry and Chaplain of Kidukuru Anglican Church, as well as a former regent to King Oyo Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom, passed away on Thursday, according to information obtained by our reporter.
FORT PORTAL: Rtd. Rev. Richard Baguma Adyeri, widely regarded as the “Encyclopedia of Tooro Kingdom,” is dead.
The former Archdeacon of Fort Portal Archdeaconry and Chaplain of Kidukuru Anglican Church, as well as a former regent to King Oyo Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom, passed away on Thursday, according to information obtained by our reporter.
Renowned for his deep knowledge of history and folklore, Rev. Baguma was a celebrated figure in Tooro. He was famously known for hosting the Abatooro Nitugendankaha program on Voice of Tooro radio, where he shared the captivating folk tale Kahiigi.
Rev. Baguma held several key positions in the Kingdom of Tooro. He served as the Minister of Culture, Information, and Publicity, and in 2019, he became a senior advisor to the cabinet on cultural heritage. His roles as Omulinzi (Regent) and Omujwara Kondo (Knight/Coronet) underscored his influence and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Tooro.
Born on July 2, 1937, in Fort Portal, Rev. Baguma belonged to the Mwenge region and was a member of the Musiita clan. His extraordinary ability to recount his family’s genealogy and that of others, citing names and locations of relatives and ancestors, was a testament to his encyclopedic memory a rare skill in today’s increasingly fragmented societies.
Rev. Baguma served under three Tooro kings: George Kamurasi Rukidi, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo, and King Oyo Rukidi IV.
Though he held a diploma in public administration, his vast knowledge spanned disciplines such as natural science, theology, astrology, and anthropology, making him a sought-after resource for academic researchers.
Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Swahili, Lingala, Langi, Acholi, and several local dialects, Rev. Baguma’s linguistic skills enhanced his oratory prowess. Whether addressing the Langi in their native tongue or speaking Lingala in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his ability to connect with diverse communities was remarkable.
Ordained as a priest in 1995, Rev. Baguma devoted himself selflessly to his ministry. Serving a predominantly poor congregation, he exhibited unwavering determination to improve lives. Through his efforts and support from friends and well-wishers, he spearheaded the completion of the magnificent Kidukuru Church of Uganda building.
A prolific writer, Rev. Baguma authored both published and unpublished works that enriched Tooro’s cultural and historical literature. His notable publications include Kahiigi Folk Tale, Ebyafayo Byo Bukama Bwa Tooro Na Bunyoro (The Chronicles of the Kingdom of Tooro and Bunyoro), and Enfumo Za Tooro (Tooro Proverbs and Wise Sayings).
His 2017 book, Oruganikyo Rwa Kahiigi (Kahiigi’s Folk Tale), remains a celebrated adventure story of the legendary hunter Kahiigi within the Bunyoro Kitara Empire and beyond.
Rtd. Rev. Richard Baguma Adyeri leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, service, and cultural preservation that will be cherished for generations.
