On September 29, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni attended the enthronement of His Royal Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026, aged 34. King Oyo had reigned for more than three decades after ascending the throne as a child. Museveni paid tribute to the late monarch, describing his contribution to the Tooro Kingdom as remarkable.
President Museveni recalled discovering a personal letter from the late monarch shortly after his burial. The letter, written on June 15, 2026, expressed appreciation for several issues, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro. Museveni said the letter reminded him of the late monarch's contribution and his relationship with the central government. He saluted the memory of King Oyo for the wonderful work he did.
The President also congratulated the newly enthroned King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who previously worked as a television newsreader and journalist. Museveni said he had been watching Nyabongo on the news and was impressed with his performance. He expressed confidence that Nyabongo would do a good job as the new Omukama. Nyabongo, formerly known as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan following the death of King Oyo.
The selection of Nyabongo was subsequently endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom's Supreme Council. The coronation was scheduled for September 29 at Karuziika Palace following the completion of traditional installation rituals. The enthronement followed a period of mourning for King Oyo. Traditional ceremonies began before the formal coronation, including the restoration of royal symbols that had been placed in mourning.
In his address, President Museveni urged cultural leaders to pay greater attention to the institution of marriage and the stability of families. He called for the revival of traditional approaches to marriage, arguing that customary practices historically provided clarity about marriage responsibilities and helped maintain social order. Museveni linked his concern to serious social and public health challenges facing parts of Uganda.
President Museveni also called upon Ugandans to protect indigenous languages, cultures, traditional knowledge, crafts and scientific practices from disappearing. He said local knowledge accumulated over generations remains important to Uganda's identity and survival. Museveni cited his personal efforts to preserve the Ankole long-horned cattle breed, saying he had continued promoting the cattle despite discouragement from some modern veterinary scientists.
Nyabongo's enthronement brings to an end weeks of mourning and uncertainty following the death of King Oyo. The succession process attracted public attention after disagreements emerged within the royal family over the succession. The government subsequently confirmed that the kingdom could proceed with the coronation after no formal court appeal had been registered. Nyabongo's background as a journalist and former television news anchor has distinguished him from several previous occupants of the Tooro throne.
Key points
- President Museveni urges cultural leaders to promote responsible family life and protect indigenous knowledge.
- King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, formerly a journalist, has been enthroned as the new Omukama of Tooro.
- The enthronement marks a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo.
