By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 30, 2026
President Yoweri Museveni has recalled discovering a letter from the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV a day after his burial, as the kingdom crowned Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as its new Omukama.
Speaking at the coronation ceremony at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal on Tuesday, Museveni said he found the letter while going through his documents after Oyo had been laid to rest.
According to Museveni, the letter was dated June 15, 2026, and included a message of appreciation for several decisions, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro.
“I was very sad because the day after King Oyo was buried here, I was going through my documents and I found a letter which he had written to me on the 15th of June 2026,” Museveni said.
“He was thanking me for a number of things, including appointing ministers from Tooro. This means that by June he was still writing letters.”
Museveni did not disclose the full contents of the letter.
Museveni Pays Tribute to Oyo
The President also paid tribute to the late king before congratulating Nyabongo I, who previously worked as a news anchor and editor.
“I was watching him on the news as a good news reader in English, so I am sure he will do a good job here,” Museveni said.
Oyo died on August 27, 2026. His death brought an end to his reign, which began when he was crowned as a child.
Thousands of Batooro and other guests attended Nyabongo I’s coronation, which followed a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo.
At Karuziika Palace, royal drums were sounded again following the mourning period, while lion statues were unveiled as part of the coronation proceedings.
Museveni Explains Support for Cultural Institutions
Museveni used the occasion to explain his support for cultural institutions, saying they can play a role in preserving indigenous languages, customs and traditional knowledge.
He contrasted the role of hereditary cultural leaders with political leadership, which he said should remain accountable to citizens.
“When the hereditary leader makes a mistake, what do you do with him? That is why it was wise to say that politics is for the Wanainchi,” he said.
The President also expressed concern about the declining use of indigenous languages among children, saying he had written a Runyankore dictionary because he saw a risk to the preservation of local languages.
“I could see danger. The indigenous languages are not being used, children speak English,” Museveni said.
He further highlighted traditional knowledge and livestock conservation, citing his efforts to preserve Ankole long-horned cattle.
“I insisted on keeping Ankole traditional cows. Now Ramaphosa, the South African President, came and when he saw my cows he bought 43 cows from me. Now in South Africa it is a big story,” Museveni said.
During the ceremony, Museveni also displayed wooden household products made by Matongo Limited and warned against practices he said could pose health risks, including the use of polythene materials in food preparation.
He presented Nyabongo I with 100 cows.
Nyabongo I Becomes Tooro’s New Omukama
Nyabongo I was selected by the Babiito royal clan and endorsed by Tooro’s supreme council following the death of King Oyo.
The coronation formally marked the beginning of his reign as the new Omukama of Tooro.