Owek. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, has promised to prioritize reconciliation, youth empowerment, agriculture, and proper management of Kingdom money after his reappointment. His reappointment was announced by his personal assistant, Paul Nyakaana, following a decision by Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I to retain Rwomiire in office for a six-month transition period on an interim basis. Rwomiire emphasized that his reappointment is a call to serve the King and the people of Tooro, not a personal right.
Rwomiire's agenda includes promoting peace and unity in the Kingdom. He has asked leaders, clans, institutions, and subjects to put aside their differences and work towards peace. He also apologized for protocol mistakes made after the death of former King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, which may have caused misunderstandings. Rwomiire promised to rebuild trust through his work and make amends for past mistakes.
The Prime Minister's priorities also include empowering the youth and promoting agriculture. He plans to complete the youth empowerment incubation hubs, which will teach skills and support business, farming, and other opportunities for young people and their communities. The King has agreed to visit and open the hubs during his upcoming Masaza tours. Additionally, the Kingdom will explore letting organized youth groups lease Kingdom land for farming, with proper legal advice and safeguards to protect the land.
Rwomiire's administration will also focus on improving agricultural production, access to markets, and value addition. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze has agreed to support the Kingdom with seedlings, fertilizer, and other farm inputs. The Prime Minister believes that this initiative can create jobs, raise farm output, and increase household incomes.
The Prime Minister's administration will also address staff and financial issues in the Kingdom. He plans to clear outstanding staff arrears at Muchwa and strengthen the Kingdom's systems, policies, and structures. Rwomiire promised stronger financial discipline, with clear responsibilities, oversight, and measurable results for every program. He emphasized that accountability is key to restoring confidence and attracting support for Kingdom development programs.
Rwomiire's agenda also includes strengthening the Masaza system, supporting sports, and engaging with partners. He plans to support the King in visiting communities, listening to people's concerns, and understanding their development needs. The Kingdom will also discuss supporting the Masaza with the Ministry of Gender, including transport and welfare. Additionally, Rwomiire listed the completion of the remaining Masaza Cup games as a priority, citing the importance of sports in bringing young people together and strengthening unity.
The Prime Minister's administration will also engage with the Government of Uganda to find areas of cooperation in youth empowerment, agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, tourism, cultural heritage, and enterprise development. He will also support the Girls for Girls mentorship project started by the Queen as part of wider efforts to support young people. Rwomiire stated that the King agreed with these priorities and directed him to begin implementation.
Key points
- Rwomiire's priorities include reconciliation, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
- The Prime Minister plans to clear outstanding staff arrears and strengthen the Kingdom's systems.
- Rwomiire's administration will engage with the Government of Uganda and support the Girls for Girls mentorship project.
