The Tooro Kingdom has released the official programme for the coronation of King-designate Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, with the historic celebrations beginning Monday, September 28, 2026.
The programme features a symbolic night procession through Fort Portal, a mock battle at Karuziika Palace, the restoration of the royal drums, a religious blessing and the formal crowning of the new Omukama on Tuesday.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at Rwengoma Palace on Bwamba Road from 10:00pm Monday before beginning a night trek toward Karuziika Palace.
Richard Rwabuhinga, head of protocol for the coronation organising committee, said the procession will symbolically represent an attack on the main royal palace.
“We shall gather at Rwengoma Palace at 10:00pm. After 10:00pm, we shall begin our trek towards the main palace at Karuziika in an assumed attack that we are coming now to take over the royal palace at Karuziika,” Rwabuhinga said during a press conference at Karuziika Palace.
The King will be accompanied by thousands of people carrying traditional lamps made from dried reeds as they move through Fort Portal city toward Karuziika.
At the Mugabante entrance, a mock battle will take place between the forces of Prince Charles Kamurasi, the Musuuga, and those of the incoming King. The ritual symbolises the transfer of authority from the Musuuga to Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
“The forces of the Musuuga will be subdued, including the army he has found in the palace, and the King will take over.”
Members of the public will end their participation at Mugabante, while the King and royal family will continue into the palace for additional traditional rituals.
One of the night’s key moments will be the restoration of the royal drums, which were turned upside down following the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The new King will turn the drums back to their normal position.
The rituals are expected to continue until morning, with Rwabuhinga saying the King will not be expected to sleep because of the responsibility attached to the ceremony.
Coronation day
On Tuesday, September 29, members of the public are expected to begin arriving at the coronation venue at 7:30am, while VIP guests will arrive from 8:00am.
At 8:45am, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I will leave Karuziika Palace for St John’s Cathedral Kabarole for a religious service.
According to Rwabuhinga, the cathedral visit is a cultural requirement before the coronation.
“It is our culture that we cannot coronate the King in Tooro without reporting at St John’s Cathedral for a blessing.”
The service will be led by the Bishop or Archbishop, with no speeches planned apart from a vote of thanks by the Musuuga.
After approximately one-and-a-half hours, the King will return to Karuziika Palace for the official coronation ceremony.
For the first time since the death of King Oyo, the Tooro Kingdom anthem will be sung and the Kingdom flag raised to full mast. The anthem had been suspended following Oyo’s death as part of the Kingdom’s mourning arrangements.
The official ceremony will feature five speeches, including remarks from the organising committee chairperson, Prince Charles Kamurasi, the gender minister, the new King and Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime.
Prince Charles Kamurasi is expected to formally abdicate and hand over authority to Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Butime will then invite President Yoweri Museveni, who is expected to attend as chief guest.
The crowning ceremony will follow, formally installing Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro.
Afterward, the King will proceed to Mucwa to meet the princesses and participate in another traditional ritual, bringing the formal coronation programme into its next royal chapter.