Fort Portal – President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed he will attend the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom on 29 September 2026, serving as the chief guest at the historic ceremony at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
State Minister for Gender and Culture Mary Kamuli Kutesa announced the President’s acceptance during a preparatory meeting with the coronation organising committee. She said Museveni’s presence elevates the significance of the event and signals strong central government support for the royal transition. “His Excellency has accepted the invitation to be the chief guest. This is a very big step for us,” the minister told officials.
The confirmation follows weeks of preparations after the Babiito royal clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former journalist and news anchor with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, as successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The late king, once known as the “boy king” after ascending the throne as an infant, died in August 2026 at the age of 34. A 21-member selection committee of the Babiito clan endorsed Kijanangoma, who will reign as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the 14th Omukama of Tooro.
Fr Charles Oyo, head of communications for the organising committee, said preparations are progressing steadily, with various sub-committees meeting regularly to finalise logistics. The kingdom has launched a fundraising drive targeting Shs925 million to cover the costs of the traditional and public ceremonies. Contributions in cash and kind are being received from individuals, companies and well-wishers across Tooro and beyond.
The coronation programme is expected to begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on the morning of 29 September, followed by the formal enthronement rituals at Karuziika Palace. Traditional ceremonies will start the previous night, 28 September, when the king-elect will leave Rwengoma Palace in a ceremonial procession through Mugabante, the main entrance of the royal palace. Rituals will include a symbolic mock battle at the gate and the restoration of the royal drums, which were turned upside down following the death of the late Omukama.
Invitations have been extended to traditional leaders from Uganda and other countries, government officials, politicians, business leaders, diplomats, academics and members of the public. Organisers have urged the people of Tooro and the wider public to attend and witness what they describe as a historic moment for the kingdom.
The succession process has not been without controversy. Members of the late King Oyo’s family initially disputed the selection, citing a purported will that named a young son as heir. However, Attorney General Sam Mayanja later indicated that no formal court challenge had been filed, clearing the way for the kingdom to proceed with the coronation as planned.
President Museveni’s attendance is widely viewed as a demonstration of the central government’s recognition of cultural institutions and its commitment to stability during royal transitions. For the people of Tooro, the presence of the Head of State is expected to add national weight to a ceremony that marks the beginning of a new reign following the untimely death of their previous monarch.
As the countdown to 29 September continues, the organising committee is intensifying efforts to ensure all arrangements are in place for a dignified and successful coronation that will usher in the reign of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.