FORT PORTAL, UGANDA: The Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, has congratulated His Majesty Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I upon his coronation as the new King of Tooro Kingdom.
The coronation was held on Tuesday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City and was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In her message, Akifeza joined the people of Kisoro District and other Ugandans in congratulating the new Omukama, describing his coronation as the beginning of a new chapter in the long history and heritage of Tooro Kingdom.
Akifeza said the coronation is not only a celebration of Tooro’s culture, traditions and heritage, but also a reaffirmation of the role cultural institutions can play in promoting unity, identity and social development.
She expressed hope that the new king’s reign will be characterised by wisdom, peace and prosperity, while contributing to greater unity and development in Tooro Kingdom and Uganda as a whole.
The Kisoro Woman MP also emphasised the importance of cultural institutions in preserving Uganda’s heritage while contributing to social development and unity among communities.
On behalf of the people of Kisoro District whom she represents in Parliament, Akifeza wished Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I a successful and impactful reign.She concluded her message by wishing the Omukama and the people of Tooro Kingdom a long and prosperous future.“Long Live the Omukama. Long Live Tooro Kingdom,” Akifeza said.
Meanwhile, during the coronation ceremony, President Museveni paid tribute to 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 the kingdom.
Museveni said he was saddened by the death of King Oyo and revealed 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 said the late King Oyo made a significant contribution to the development of Tooro and expressed optimism that the new Omukama would also contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the region.
Museveni also 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.
The President further said the government supported the restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda because of their role in preserving cultural values, indigenous languages and traditional practices. He urged cultural institutions to focus on their cultural mandate and avoid divisive politics.
President Museveni also 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.
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 among 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.
The coronation marks the beginning of a new reign following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026.
We congratulate the New King of Tooro Edward Rukidi Nyabongo 1 upon the great inheritance.