Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 0857 EAT on Tuesday 29 September 2026
On Monday night, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I ascended the Tooro throne after completing traditional rituals to end the mourning period for the late King Oyo and usher in a new monarch.
Following a symbolic mock fight and a night procession through Mugabante, the incoming king, Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, speared a bull before entering Karuziika Palace, where he is staying ahead of his coronation as the 14th Omukama of Tooro Kingdom.
The royal drums have been unveiled, while lion statues at the roundabout and the entrance to Karuziika Palace have also been uncovered.
His official coronation as the 14th Omukama is scheduled for today at Karuziika Palace, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to attend
Thousands Line Fort Portal Streets to Welcome Tooro King-Designate
Business came to a standstill in Fort Portal City on Monday afternoon as thousands of residents lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Tooro’s king-designate, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Nyabongo was travelling through the city from a private residence in Buheesi Town Council, Bunyangabu District, where he had been receiving cultural orientation and training from Tooro cultural leaders ahead of his new role.
He was heading to Rwengoma Palace, where he spent Monday evening before embarking on a traditional procession to Karuziika Palace later in the night.
At Karuziika, Nyabongo entered through the Mugabante Gate, where he took part in a traditional mock battle and emerged victorious before proceeding into the palace.
He then took his seat on the royal throne and performed other traditional rituals, including turning the royal drums upright and beating each of them nine times. Other royal regalia, including spears, were also turned upright.
The lion sculptures inside and outside Karuziika Palace, which had been covered during the mourning period following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, were also unveiled.
The coronation ceremony is expected to begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the main ceremony at Karuziika Palace.
Residents who gathered along the streets on Monday expressed excitement at seeing their king for the first time.
Clovis Tibigambirwe said he was happy to see Nyabongo and planned to join the night procession.
Tibigambirwe said he wanted the new king to revive the relationship between the kingdom and its subjects and ensure that everyone is included in kingdom activities.
Stephen Katurebe said he was honoured to see the king-designate for the first time and was looking forward to his coronation on Tuesday.
-independent
Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here
Email: editorial@hicginewsagency.com TalkBusiness@hicginewsagency.com WhatsApp +256713137566
Follow us on all social media, type “HICGI News Agency” .
