The Tooro Kingdom is set to crown Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who will take the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, as its new monarch on Tuesday. The coronation ceremony will take place at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to be the chief guest. The event is expected to draw a crowd of over 50,000 people.
Preparations for the event are underway, with service providers putting the final touches on the palace and its surroundings. Decorations are also being set up around Fort Portal Town, where the king and other dignitaries will pass. The kingdom has received several donations towards the coronation, including USh100 million from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and nine cows and USh9 million from the Abaitira clan members.
On the eve of the coronation, all the Batooro and other people will gather around Rwengoma Palace, awaiting the kick-off of the procession heading towards Karuziika Palace. The procession will feature thousands of people carrying reed-lit torches as they walk through Fort Portal City towards the royal palace. A traditional mock battle, a ritual symbolising the transfer of authority, is also expected to take place at the main entrance to Karuziika.
The coronation ceremony will begin on Tuesday morning, with the general public expected to arrive at Karuziika from 7:30am, VIPs from 8am, and guests from 8:15am. Senior government officials, including the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and Cabinet ministers, are also expected to attend.
Before the coronation, Nyabongo I will participate in a church service at St John’s Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese in Fort Portal, where he will be blessed by Bishop Reuben Kisembo. The service is scheduled to run from 9am to 10:30am, and will be followed by the king's return to Karuziika Palace.
The kingdom's head of protocol for the coronation, Dr Richard Rwabuhinga, has released a programme for the event, which includes traditional rites and rituals. The royal drums and other regalia, including spears, were turned upside down after King Oyo's death on August 27, and will now be turned upright, marking the transition from mourning to a new reign.
The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I marks a significant milestone for the Tooro Kingdom, with the event expected to bring together people from across the region. The kingdom's officials and traditional leaders are working together to ensure the event is a success.
Key points
- President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the coronation ceremony.
- The coronation ceremony will feature traditional rites and rituals, including the turning of the royal drums and regalia.
- Over 50,000 people are expected to attend the coronation ceremony.
