By John Okello Lapok
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the coronation of His Royal Highness 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.
King Oyo died on August 27, 2026 after a 31-year reign.The ceremony which took place at Karuziika Palace, Fort Portal attracted thousands of Batooro and guests from across Uganda and beyond who gathered to witness the historic event.
The coronation followed a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo, before celebrations shifted to the palace.
At the palace, royal drums that had been silenced during the mourning period were sounded again, while the lion statues were unveiled, symbolising the restoration of the monarchy following the mourning period.
President Museveni began his address by paying tribute to the late King Oyo, whom he commended for his contribution to Tooro and Uganda.
The President said he was deeply saddened the day after King Oyo’s burial when 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. 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.
He congratulated the new Omukama, 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.
The President used the occasion to explain why he supports cultural institutions, saying they play an important role in preserving aspects of society that may not be adequately addressed by the modern political system.
He said that before he joined the government, Uganda experienced divisions between supporters of traditional kingdoms and nationalists and Pan-Africanists, with religion and ethnicity sometimes influencing the debate.
President Museveni said his position is rooted in Pan-Africanism while recognising the importance of culture, adding that the major challenge arose when hereditary leaders sought to retain political authority.
“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.
He identified indigenous languages, culture and indigenous knowledge and science as three areas where cultural institutions can complement the modern system.
On indigenous languages, President Museveni said languages such as Runyankore contain concepts and expressions that cannot always be adequately captured in English.
“I could see danger. The indigenous languages are not being used, children speak English,” he said.
He said he wants cultural institutions to work with the government to preserve indigenous languages and revealed that, despite his busy schedule, he had written a Runyankore dictionary because the area had been neglected.
On culture, President Museveni cited traditional family and social practices, saying they provided detailed guidance on conduct, marriage, family relations and social responsibility.
He said traditional systems had mechanisms for maintaining family discipline and preventing practices that could have wider social consequences.
The President also highlighted indigenous science, saying traditional knowledge should not automatically be dismissed because it does 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.
President Museveni also warned against practices he said could expose Ugandans to health risks, including the use of polythene materials in food preparation.
During his address, he showcased wooden household products produced by Matongo Limited as an example of indigenous products, saying modern products had overshadowed some aspects of Uganda’s traditional culture and that this trend should be reversed.
The President once again congratulated Omukama Nyabongo I, blessed his reign and gifted him 100 cows.
Omukama Nyabongo pledges inclusive reign:
In his maiden address as Omukama, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I welcomed the people of Tooro and paid tribute to his predecessor, the late King Oyo.
He thanked Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for enduring the difficult period during King Oyo’s illness and expressed condolences to President Museveni, the royal family and the people of Tooro.
The new Omukama also thanked President Museveni for standing with Tooro throughout the transition.
“He has been with us throughout and has even blessed this day,” he said.
Omukama Nyabongo also thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the security agencies for their role following King Oyo’s death.
He expressed gratitude to the Babiito clan for entrusting him with the throne and commended the Omujwera Musuuga for his leadership during the transition.
He thanked his wife, Omugo Rebecca Omoding Akiiki, for her support, and his mother, Omujwera Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma Amooti, and his late father, Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, for laying the foundation for his life.
The new King also recognised the people of Tooro and Ugandans generally for their support, with special appreciation to the media fraternity and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, where he worked for 12 years as a news anchor and editor.
