The Kingdom of Tooro last week turned into a hub of colour, music and tradition as it marked three decades since the coronation of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The celebrations held at Karuziika palace, blended cultural showcases with community-centered activities that paid tribute to the king’s reign. The week-long festivities started on September 10 with a royal tour led by Omukama Oyo, joined by Princess Ruth Komuntale Akiiki and Queen Mother Best Olimi Kemigisa Akiiki.
Visitors were treated to a glimpse of the kingdom’s development projects including the King Oyo model farm and the Kiko tea plantation, symbols of Tooro’s push for agriculture and tourism.
In his address, Oyo thanked the people of Tooro and friends of the kingdom for their support. He also reaffirmed his commitment to Tooro’s 25-year development agenda, unveiled in 2021, which focuses on protecting culture, empowering young people, boosting farming, growing tourism, safeguarding the environment, and improving health care.
Representing the president, Speaker Anita Among praised Oyo’s three decades of leadership.
“Our culture institutions are pillars of identity and engines of progress. Omukama Oyo’s leadership has safeguarded Tooro’s heritage while nurturing a partnership with government that secures peace, stability and shared prosperity,” the president’s message read.
The festivities ended on Saturday, September 13, with the much-anticipated Ekyoto Ha Mpango music festival at Karuziika. The night promises fireworks of sound and dance, headlined by Ugandan dancehall queen Cindy Sanyu, alongside Tooro’s own talents incuding Irene Hinda, Atwooki Richie, Muzamiru, and Big Doug.
Sheila Sabune, corporate relations director at Uganda Breweries, who partnered with the kingdom, described the partnership as one built on preserving heritage, fostering unity and celebrating culture.
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