FORT PORTAL UGANDA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has saluted the late King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a focused leader who attracted socio-economic development opportunities to Tooro Kingdom.
Museveni said he was saddened by the death of King Oyo, revealing that a day after his burial, he came across a letter the late King had written to him on June 15, 2026, thanking him for several things, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while officiating at the coronation of the new King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The coronation marks the beginning of a new reign following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026.
Museveni said the late King made a significant contribution to the development of Tooro Kingdom and expressed optimism that the new Omukama will also contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the region.
The President referred to Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as an experienced news anchor, saying he had watched him present news on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Television.
“I have been watching him on the news and he is a good newsreader. I am sure he will do a good job,” Museveni said.
Museveni also explained that his government supported the restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda because they play an important role in preserving cultural values, indigenous languages and traditional practices.
He urged cultural institutions to focus on their cultural mandate and avoid divisive politics.
The President further called on cultural leaders to promote what he described as a “cultural code” aimed at protecting communities from health risks. He encouraged the modernisation of indigenous medicine and promoted the use of wooden utensils as alternatives to plastic and ceramic utensils.
Museveni also donated 100 cows to Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as he begins his reign.
In his address, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I pledged to work with the government on socio-economic empowerment programmes for the people of Tooro.
He identified wealth creation, improved welfare, environmental conservation, tourism and education as some of the key priorities of his reign.
The new Omukama also called for unity among the people of Tooro and paid tribute to his predecessor, King Oyo, for his contribution to the transformation of the kingdom.
He thanked President Museveni, former Queen Mother Best Olimi Kemigisa, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the UPDF for their contribution to the development of Tooro Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd.) Tom Butime, described the enthronement of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as a significant transition for Tooro Kingdom, saying the kingdom is peaceful and ready for further development.
The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, cautioned cultural institutions against abandoning their core mandates.
Tumukunde commended the late King Oyo for his contribution to Tooro Kingdom and thanked all stakeholders who supported the successful coronation of the new Omukama.
The Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee, Rev. Fr. Isaiah Mayombo, acknowledged the government’s support towards the coronation, including a contribution of 800 million shillings.
