Tooro kingdom loyalists will, beginning today Saturday September 11, 2021, join palace officials to celebrate the 26th coronation anniversary of their king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
But unlike the usual norm where subjects would trek to the Karuzika Palace to spread love to their king, this year’s celebrations will be held virtually, with the function being relayed on NBS TV and on the kingdom’s social media pages including Facebook and Whatsapp among others.
The new development was communicated by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Bernard Tungakwo Ateenyi, who attributed the virtual celebrations to be in line with COVID regulations and SOPs.
Tungako revealed that before the pandemic, the Royal Palace traditionally known as the Karuzika would host jubilant crowds from all over Tooro region for more than a week. “The jubilant subjects have been trekking from as far as Kabarole,
Bunyangabu, Kamwenge, Kyegwegwa, Kyenjojo and Kitagwenda and the Kingdom usually organizes celebratory activities that are climaxed with a thanksgiving service to mark the memorable event,” he said.
He however noted that this year this will not be possible and as such these subjects have been urged to follow the celebrations virtually on TV and social media this weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
Speaking to The Inspector, the King’s Principle Private Secretary, Prince Jonathan Baguma, revealed that preparations are underway to ensure that Tooro and friends of Tooro from around the world are able to take part in this memorable occasion.
“We are working with our friends from Talent Africa Group whose history of remarkable hybrid event execution is undoubted to ensure that everyone can catch the virtual celebrations from the comfort of their homes.
The celebrations will start on the 11th as the King officially closes his silver jubilee celebrations and launches the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival and end on the 12th of September with a thanksgiving service alongside other celebratory activities. Be sure to watch the live celebrations on NBS TV and the Tooro Kingdom social media pages,” Baguma said.
Oyo was crowned as King in 1995 as a 3-year-old child following the death of his father, King Patrick Kaboyo Olimi III.
