On September 27, 2026, the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo, attended the coronation church service for Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City, Uganda. During his sermon, Bishop Kisembo urged the newly crowned King to honour the matrimonial vows he made to his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, by remaining faithful to their marriage. The Bishop emphasised the importance of upholding Christian teachings, citing that they advocate for one wife, one woman.
Bishop Kisembo also challenged King Nyabongo I to restore accountability and transparency in the management of kingdom resources. He encouraged the King to establish a strong administration, maintain proper books of account, and ensure that kingdom resources are used for their intended purposes. The Bishop made these remarks in the presence of the King, his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, his mother, Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma, and other members of the royal family, as well as religious leaders from institutions under the Tooro Interreligious Council.
The Bishop called for annual audits of the kingdom’s finances and urged the administration to ensure that all financial activities are properly documented and accounted for. He also asked the King to clearly distinguish between property belonging to the kingdom as an institution and his personal property, stressing that each should be used for its rightful purpose. According to Bishop Kisembo, some of the challenges the kingdom had experienced in the past were linked to accountability and the management of kingdom resources.
In addition to promoting accountability, Bishop Kisembo challenged King Nyabongo I to strengthen the Tooro Supreme Council and restore its authority and responsibilities in the administration of the kingdom. He urged the King to respect the role of the Supreme Council and ensure that it is sufficiently empowered to effectively perform its functions. This advice was given in the context of the King’s efforts to establish a stable and effective administration.
Bishop Kisembo also addressed the welfare of young people in the kingdom, asking King Nyabongo I to encourage them to work hard and pursue available employment opportunities. He also called on the King to mobilise parents to prioritise education and ensure that their children remain in school. Furthermore, the Bishop urged the King to continue the late King Oyo’s environmental conservation efforts by promoting tree planting and other initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.
The Bishop reminded the people of Tooro that despite having a new monarch, they should continue to recognise God as the ultimate King. He urged King Nyabongo I to put his trust in God and seek wisdom and guidance through prayer as he leads his subjects. The coronation ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including religious leaders from institutions under the Tooro Interreligious Council, such as Bishop Robert Muhiirwa of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and Pastor Dickson Lubega of Christian Fellowship Cathedral.
After attending the church service, King Nyabongo I left St John’s Cathedral and returned to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where the official coronation ceremony was held. The event marked a significant milestone in the life of the new King, who was crowned with expectations from his subjects and the clergy to lead the kingdom effectively and promote its development.
Key points
- Bishop Kisembo urges King Nyabongo I to uphold Christian matrimonial vows and promote accountability in kingdom resources.
