President Museveni calls for unity, cultural focus at Tooro King’s coronation
“I am optimistic that the new King will make a significant contribution to the development of Tooro and the wellbeing of his people.”
Fort Portal: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on cultural institutions in Uganda to remain focused on their core mandate of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity, while avoiding divisive politics.
Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday while officiating at the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The coronation marks the beginning of a new reign following the death of the former Tooro King, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026.
Museveni said he supported the restoration of cultural institutions because they play an important role in preserving indigenous languages, cultural practices and traditional values.
“The role of cultural institutions is to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. They should not get involved in divisive politics.”
The President also urged cultural leaders to promote what he described as a cultural code aimed at protecting communities from health and social risks.
He cited the development and modernisation of indigenous medicine and the promotion of locally made wooden utensils as some of the areas cultural institutions could support.
Museveni paid tribute to the late Omukama Oyo, describing him as a focused leader who attracted development opportunities to Tooro Kingdom.
He said he was optimistic that the new Omukama would continue contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
“I am optimistic that the new King will make a significant contribution to the development of Tooro and the wellbeing of his people.”
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 government to implement socio-economic empowerment programmes for the benefit of the people of Tooro.
He identified wealth creation, improving people’s welfare, environmental conservation, tourism and education as key areas of focus during his reign.
The Omukama also called for unity among the people of Tooro and paid tribute to his predecessor for the transformation he brought to the kingdom.
“I call upon the people of Tooro to unite and collectively support initiatives aimed at developing our kingdom.”
The new King thanked President Museveni, former Queen Mother Best Olimi Kemigisa, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the UPDF for their contribution to the kingdom’s development.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Col. (Rtd.) Tom Butime described the enthronement as a significant change for Tooro Kingdom, saying the kingdom is peaceful and positioned to pursue further development.
Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde also cautioned cultural institutions against drifting away from their core mandates.
Tumukunde commended the late Omukama Oyo for his contribution to the development of Tooro and thanked stakeholders for supporting the successful coronation of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
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