Tooro Kingdom enters a historic new era today as Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is formally crowned the 15th Omukama at the Karuziika Palace. The grand ascension brings an official end to the period of national mourning following the sudden passing of his predecessor, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni headlines the ceremony as the chief guest, joining thousands of Batooro subjects, cultural leaders, diplomats, and senior government dignitaries. This historic event marks Tooro’s first coronation in over three decades, following late Omukama Oyo’s ascension on September 12, 1995. Omukama Oyo passed away on August 27 after a 31-year reign and was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
Following the king’s passing, the Babiito royal clan—led by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi—selected Prince Edward Rukidi as the rightful successor, naming him Nyabongo I. The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council (Orukurato) officially endorsed the choice on September 15.
The official coronation itinerary begins with a solemn church service at St. John’s Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese, presided over by Bishop Reuben Kisembo. Following the service, the Omukama-designate will return to Karuziika Palace for the main cultural event.
According to Dr. Richard Rwabuhinga, head of protocol for the coronation committee, gates opened to the general public at 7:30 AM, followed by VIP arrivals. Senior government officials—including the Vice President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet ministers, and heads of diplomatic missions—are expected ahead of the King’s departure for the cathedral.
While the cathedral service will remain strictly liturgical with a single vote of thanks from Kamurasi, the palace program features six highly anticipated addresses. Fr. Isiah Mayombo, chairman of the central organizing committee, will open the speeches, followed by Kamurasi, the new Omukama, Gender Minister Henry Tumukunde, and Tourism Minister Tom Butiime, who will formally invite President Museveni to address the kingdom.
Today’s public ceremony is the culmination of an intensive, 24-hour sequence of ancient rituals that commenced at midnight on Monday and will conclude at midnight tonight when Nyabongo I sounds the royal drum.
Cultural scholar and former Orukurato Speaker Rev. Clovis Kyalimpa explained that these sacred rites are designed to transform a royal prince into the Omukama. The elaborate process includes a ritual bath, a midnight procession through Fort Portal, symbolic checkpoints, a mock battle at the palace gates to prove the throne is earned, and anointments by traditional priests.
The midnight procession initiated from Rwengoma Palace—a historic site built in 1903 by Omukama Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe. Nyabongo I is the fourth monarch to ascend to the throne from this residence, following in the footsteps of Sir George Kamurasi Rukidi III, Patrick Kaboyo (Olimi III), and Oyo.
At the centerpiece palace tent, known as the Hamusanga, seating arrangements have been adjusted for the first time in 31 years. Nyabongo I takes the center seat, flanked by Kamurasi on his left and his mother, Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma Amooti, on his right. The title Nyina Omukama translates directly to “mother of the king” rather than queen mother, as her late husband, Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, was a royal prince who never reigned.
To accommodate the massive influx of guests, the head of publicity, Fr. Charles Oyo, confirmed that organizers installed multiple high-capacity tents equipped with large digital screens ensuring all attendees can witness the crowning and the traditional Amakondere dance.
Due to the massive scale of the event, security forces—including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, and the Special Forces Command (SFC)—have heavily deployed across Fort Portal City.
Rwenzori West Regional Police Spokesperson Vincent Twesige announced major traffic diversions around St. John’s Cathedral. Motorists from Kampala and Kasese are being rerouted through Kamwenge Road, Kalamaga Stage, and Kyebambe Road. General public parking is designated at Kyebambe Girls School, Kabarole Primary, and Kyebambe Model Primary, while VIP parking is restricted to Kabarole Hospital. While businesses on Rukidi III and Ruhandika III streets remain open, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant against pickpockets and cooperate fully with security personnel.
Festivities officially kicked off Monday evening with a vibrant cultural procession through Fort Portal, with the entire city decorated beautifully in the iconic blue and yellow colors of the Tooro Kingdom
