As His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I begins his reign as Omukama of Tooro, Bishop Reuben Kisembo has delivered a pointed message about marriage, urging the new king to remain committed to his wife, Rebecca Amonding Rukidi.
Speaking during the coronation celebrations, Bishop Kisembo reminded Omukama Rukidi that he entered marriage through vows made before God and encouraged him to uphold those commitments.
The Bishop specifically called on the Christian monarch to maintain a monogamous marriage, describing one-wife marriage as the biblical teaching.
“One wife, one woman. That’s monogamy. That’s the biblical teaching. Since Your Majesty, you already made vows before God that you will love and stay with her for the rest of your lives, I pray that you will continue that line of thinking and belief.”
Bishop Kisembo also cautioned the newly crowned king about what he described as challenges associated with polygamy, making his appeal directly in the context of Rukidi’s Christian faith.
“But polygamy has challenges. Since you’re a Christian King, we pray for you to stick to your marital vows that you made. That’s my strong and humble advice to you, Your Majesty.”
The Bishop made clear that his remarks were advice rather than an order, telling the Omukama that he could choose whether to follow them.
“You’re free to take it or leave it, but that’s my humble advice as Church. May God lead you in this leadership.”
The comments brought a personal and religious dimension to the celebrations surrounding Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s accession to the Tooro throne, placing his marriage vows alongside the responsibilities that come with his new role.
For Bishop Kisembo, the message was ultimately about leadership through example: remain committed to the vows made before God while beginning a new chapter as Tooro’s king.