Tooro Crowns a New Era: Museveni Presides Over Coronation of Omukama Nyabongo I Amid Cultural Splendour

KARUZIIKA PALACE, Fort Portal, Uganda — September 29, 2026/ Osmara Digital Media

Tooro Kingdom has ushered in a new chapter of its royal history following the coronation of His Royal Highness Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the 15th King of Tooro, in a colourful ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.

The historic occasion brought together thousands of Batooro, cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and distinguished guests from across Uganda and beyond, as the kingdom formally ended its mourning period for the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and welcomed its new monarch.

King Oyo, who died on August 27, 2026, after a 31-year reign, left behind a significant legacy in the cultural and social life of Tooro. His successor, Omukama Nyabongo I, now assumes the responsibility of preserving that heritage while guiding the kingdom into a new era of unity, cultural preservation and development. The coronation marked more than a change of leadership. It was a powerful expression of the resilience of Tooro's cultural institution, the continuity of the Babiito dynasty and the enduring bond between the Omukama and his people. Royal drums sound again as Tooro welcomes its new King.

The celebrations began with a thanksgiving service at St John's Cathedral, led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo, before the royal procession and festivities moved to Karuziika Palace. At the palace, the return of the royal drums marked one of the most moving moments of the day. Silenced during the period of mourning for King Oyo, the drums sounded once again, announcing the restoration of royal celebrations and the beginning of a new reign. The unveiling of the lion statues at the palace further symbolised the end of mourning and the renewal of the kingdom's traditional authority.

Dressed in vibrant traditional mushana and busuuti, Batooro filled the palace grounds, while traditional dancers performed to the rhythmic sounds of amakondere. Ululations, songs and cultural performances transformed Karuziika into a celebration of Tooro's identity and heritage. Elders, clergy, cultural leaders from other kingdoms, members of the diplomatic community and political leaders joined thousands of subjects who braved the afternoon sun to witness the historic occasion.

The ceremony brought together generations of Batooro in a shared moment of remembrance, gratitude and hope for the future of their kingdom.

Museveni pays tribute to King Oyo and welcomes Nyabongo

President Yoweri Museveni began his address by paying tribute to the late Omukama Oyo, commending his contribution to Tooro and Uganda. The President recalled a letter written to him by the late King on June 15, 2026, expressing gratitude for various matters, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro. Museveni said discovering the letter after King Oyo's burial had deeply saddened him, particularly because it demonstrated that the late monarch had continued communicating and engaging with national affairs only weeks before his death. “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. He was thanking me for a number of things, including appointing ministers from Tooro. This means that by June he was still writing letters,” Museveni said.

The President congratulated Omukama Nyabongo I, recalling the new King's previous career in broadcasting 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's remarks drew attention to the new monarch's professional background and the transition from a career in journalism to the responsibilities of cultural leadership. The President also congratulated the royal family and the people of Tooro for maintaining unity during the transition.

Cultural institutions recognised as guardians of heritage

In a wide-ranging address, President Museveni explained his support for cultural institutions, describing them as important partners in preserving the aspects of society that may not be fully addressed by modern political systems.

He reflected on Uganda's historical debates between supporters of traditional kingdoms and nationalists and Pan-Africanists, noting that religion and ethnicity had sometimes influenced those discussions. Museveni said his position was grounded in Pan-Africanism while recognising the importance of cultural institutions in safeguarding indigenous identity and heritage. He maintained that political authority should remain with the citizens, while cultural institutions concentrate on their traditional and cultural responsibilities. “When the hereditary leader makes a mistake, what do you do with him? That is why it was wise to say that politics is for the Wanainchi,” he said.

The President identified indigenous languages, culture, and indigenous knowledge and science as three important areas in which cultural institutions could work alongside the government to strengthen national development.

On indigenous languages, Museveni expressed concern about the declining use of local languages among younger generations, noting that children were increasingly communicating in English at the expense of their mother tongues. “I could see danger. The indigenous languages are not being used, children speak English,” he said.

He encouraged cultural institutions to work with the government to preserve indigenous languages and promote their use among young people. As an example of his personal commitment, the President revealed that he had written a Runyankore dictionary, saying he undertook the initiative because the subject had received insufficient attention. His remarks placed indigenous languages at the centre of cultural preservation, education and the transmission of traditional knowledge between generations.

Museveni also highlighted the role of cultural institutions in preserving traditional family values, social practices and indigenous knowledge. He said traditional systems provided guidance on family relations, marriage, social responsibility and community conduct, while helping maintain discipline and cohesion within society.

He further called for recognition of indigenous science and traditional knowledge, arguing that knowledge developed within local communities should not automatically be dismissed simply because it does not originate from modern scientific institutions. He cited the preservation of Ankole long-horned cattle as an example of the economic and cultural value of indigenous heritage. “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. Museveni also cautioned against practices that could expose Ugandans to health risks, including the use of polythene materials in food preparation.

Showcasing wooden household products manufactured by Matongo Limited, the President encouraged greater appreciation of locally produced goods and traditional craftsmanship. He said modern products had overshadowed aspects of Uganda's traditional culture and called for renewed efforts to preserve and promote indigenous products.

The message resonated with the wider cultural significance of the coronation, which brought together traditional institutions, national identity and opportunities for economic development rooted in Uganda's heritage. At the conclusion of his address, President Museveni congratulated Omukama Nyabongo I once again, blessed his reign and announced a gift of 100 cows to the new King.

The gift reflected the cultural importance of cattle in many Ugandan communities, where they are associated with heritage, wealth, family relations and traditional ceremonies.

Omukama Nyabongo pledges an inclusive and united reign

In his maiden address as Omukama, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I welcomed the people of Tooro into a new chapter of the kingdom's history, paying tribute to his predecessor and acknowledging those who had supported the royal family during the difficult period.

The new monarch expressed gratitude to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for enduring the challenges associated with King Oyo's illness and conveyed condolences to President Museveni, the royal family and the people of Tooro. He thanked President Museveni for standing with the kingdom throughout the transition, describing the President's presence at the coronation as a gesture of support and goodwill. “He has been with us throughout and has even blessed this day,” Nyabongo said.

The Omukama also recognised the contribution of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the security agencies in supporting the kingdom following King Oyo's death. He expressed gratitude to the Babiito clan for entrusting him with the throne and commended the Omujwera Musuuga, Charles Kamurasi, for providing leadership during the transition. The new King further acknowledged the support of his wife, Omugo Rebecca Omoding Akiiki, and his mother, Omujwera Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma Amooti.

He paid tribute to his late father, Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, for laying the foundation for his life and upbringing. In a special acknowledgement of his professional background, Nyabongo thanked the media fraternity and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, where he served for 12 years as a news anchor and editor.

His appreciation of the media highlighted the connection between his previous public service in broadcasting and his new responsibility as custodian of Tooro's cultural heritage.

He called on the people of Tooro to work closely with the central government in advancing national development, emphasising cooperation, peace and unity. “We shall work together in unity, trusting that the Lord shall protect and bless the people of Tooro,” he pledged. Nyabongo also committed his reign to promoting peace and wealth creation in partnership with religious leaders, elders and other stakeholders. His message placed unity, inclusion, cultural continuity and shared prosperity at the heart of his leadership.

Tooro leaders commend unity and peaceful transition

The Omujwera Musuuga, Charles Kamurasi, welcomed the President and expressed appreciation for the care and support extended to the late King Oyo throughout his life, including during his illness. “Thank you for loving Tooro and the people of Tooro,” Kamurasi said. He also commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for rehabilitation works at Karuziika Palace and thanked Gen. Kainerugaba for deploying teams to support preparations for the coronation.

Kamurasi recognised the contributions of Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Minister Butime, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the organising committee and other individuals who provided resources, expertise and support.

He said the kingdom would remember King Oyo for his advocacy against HIV and AIDS, while thanking the people of Tooro for coming together to ensure a successful coronation. In a symbolic moment marking the completion of the transition, Kamurasi formally handed over the authority he had exercised following the death of King Oyo to the new monarch. “I have given you all the power since I am the one who has been holding power during the time since Oyo's death,” he said.

The handover underscored the role of the kingdom's traditional leadership in maintaining continuity and order during the period of mourning and preparations for the new reign.

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 their cooperation throughout the transition. He welcomed the new royal couple and commended them for their patience as the traditional processes leading to the coronation were completed. “We thank you for allowing processes to usher you into office,” Tumukunde said. He noted that the new Queen's roots in the Teso sub-region provided an opportunity to strengthen national unity, adding that the people of Tooro had responded with love and acceptance. Tumukunde said the central government had handled the transition with neutrality to protect the interests of the people of Tooro.

He also encouraged cultural institutions to strengthen their institutional capacity and cautioned against the emergence of competing centres of political authority within kingdoms. The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Mr. Isaiah Mayombo, thanked God for making the coronation possible and congratulated the new Omukama. He appreciated President Museveni for attending the ceremony and acknowledged the government's financial support, while commending Kamurasi for his leadership during the transition. “We are proud of you as the people of Tooro. You made good decisions and stood on your word,” Mayombo said.

A kingdom united in culture, remembrance and hope

As the afternoon celebrations continued at Karuziika Palace, Tooro's cultural heritage took centre stage in a colourful display of traditional identity. The palace grounds became a sea of traditional regalia, with Batooro dressed in elegant mushana and busuuti, while cultural performances, royal drums and the sounds of amakondere filled the air.

The unveiling of the lion statues and the resumption of royal drumming provided a symbolic conclusion to the kingdom's mourning period and marked the beginning of a new chapter under Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.

For the elders, it was a moment to honour the traditions passed down through generations. For the young, it was an opportunity to witness the continuity of their cultural institution. And for the kingdom as a whole, it was a day of remembrance for a departed monarch and renewed hope in the leadership of his successor. The presence of cultural leaders from across Uganda, government representatives, diplomats, religious leaders and thousands of subjects also reflected the national significance of the occasion.

As the Batooro celebrated the restoration of their royal traditions, the message from the new Omukama remained one of unity, inclusion, peace and development.

With the coronation complete, Omukama Nyabongo I begins his reign at a defining moment for Tooro, carrying the responsibility of preserving the kingdom's rich cultural heritage while working with his people and national institutions to advance the aspirations of future generations. The royal drums have sounded again at Karuziika. Tooro has welcomed its new King, and a new chapter in the history of the kingdom has begun.