By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 30, 2026
Tooro leaders have formally handed authority to the kingdom’s new Omukama, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, during a coronation ceremony held Tuesday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.
The ceremony, attended by thousands of Batooro and other guests, marked the formal transfer of authority from Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, who had exercised the kingdom’s authority following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Royal drums sounded again at the palace after the mourning period for Oyo, as the kingdom welcomed its new monarch.
Leaders Praise Unity During Transition
Speaking on behalf of Tooro leaders, Tourism Minister Tom Butime described the coronation as a historic occasion for both Tooro and Uganda.
Butime thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his support and commended the Batooro for maintaining unity during the transition following Oyo’s death.
Kamurasi also thanked Museveni for his support and care for the late king, including during his illness.
“Thank you for loving Tooro and the people of Tooro,” Kamurasi said.
He also credited the UPDF Engineering Brigade with rehabilitation work at Karuziika Palace and thanked Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for deploying teams to support preparations for the coronation.
Kamurasi acknowledged Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Butime, Gen. Henry Tumukunde and members of the coronation organising committee for their contributions.
He said Oyo would also be remembered for his advocacy against HIV and AIDS.
Kamurasi Hands Over Authority
As part of the ceremony, Kamurasi formally addressed Nyabongo I and handed over the authority he had held since Oyo’s death.
“I have given you all the power since I am the one who has been holding power during the time since Oyo’s death,” Kamurasi said.
Nyabongo I then proceeded through the traditional rituals associated with his coronation before taking his place on the throne.
Government Calls for Unity
Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Gen. Henry Tumukunde thanked the Babiito royal clan for its cooperation and praised Nyabongo I and Queen Rebecca Omoding for allowing the traditional succession processes to proceed.
“We thank you for allowing processes to usher you into office,” Tumukunde said.
Tumukunde also highlighted Queen Omoding’s Teso roots, saying they presented an opportunity to strengthen ties between communities.
He said the government had worked to protect Tooro’s interests during the transition and cautioned cultural institutions against the emergence of competing centres of authority.
Coronation organising committee chairman Isaiah Mayombo thanked the government for its financial support and praised Kamurasi’s leadership during the preparations.
“We are proud of you as the people of Tooro. You made good decisions and stood on your word,” Mayombo said.
Disputed Succession
The calls for unity came against the backdrop of a disputed succession following Oyo’s death.
Oyo’s mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, and his sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, have maintained that the late king left a son who should inherit the throne.
The Babiito royal clan, however, selected Nyabongo I, who was subsequently endorsed by Tooro’s supreme council.
The coronation brought together elders, clergy, cultural leaders, diplomats and politicians, with traditional dancers and the sound of amakondere forming part of the celebrations at Karuziika Palace.