The organising committee for the coronation of Tooro’s new king, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has launched a Shs 925 million fundraising drive to meet expenses for the September 29 ceremony.
Appealing to the people of Tooro, friends of the kingdom and well-wishers to contribute generously, Msgr Isaiah Mayombo, chairperson of the organising committee, said preparations for the coronation were progressing smoothly.
Alex Ruhunda, head of the finance committee, said an account had been opened at Centenary Bank to receive contributions towards the ceremony. He said members of the public could also make contributions through mobile money.
Richard Rwabuhinga, a member of the organising committee, said President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the coronation as the chief guest and that invitations had also been extended to traditional leaders from Uganda and other countries, political leaders, members of the business community, academia and the general public.
The coronation rituals will begin on the night of September 28, when Nyabongo will leave Rwengoma Palace accompanied by a procession and proceed to Karuziika Palace through Mugabante, the main gate of the palace.
According to Mayombo, the king will engage in a traditional mock battle at the entrance of the palace, where he is expected to emerge victorious before entering the palace and taking his seat on the throne.
Other traditional rituals will be performed inside the palace, including turning upright the royal drums that were turned upside down following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The main programme on September 29 will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, followed by the coronation ceremony at Karuziika Palace.
Nyabongo was selected by the Babiito ruling clan as the successor to the late Oyo Nyimba Kabamba who died in August aged 34.