By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni is set to preside over the coronation and enthronement of the new Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal on September 29, 2026.
The confirmation was made on Tuesday by Hon. Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, Minister of State for Gender and Culture and Mwenge South Member of Parliament, who conveyed the development to the Tooro Coronation Organising Committee.
According to the minister, the President has accepted an invitation to attend the historic ceremony as Chief Guest, adding a significant government presence to an event that will formally mark the beginning of Nyabongo I’s reign.
The coronation date was earlier announced by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito Royal Clan, after the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The September 29 ceremony at Karuziika Palace is expected to combine religious proceedings, traditional royal rituals and the formal enthronement of Nyabongo I.
The organising committee has also said that the programme will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the royal proceedings at Karuziika Palace. Traditional activities are expected to commence on September 28, when the King-designate moves from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace as part of the enthronement rituals.
The confirmation of President Museveni as Chief Guest comes as preparations for the coronation intensify. The organising committee has set a budget of Shs925 million for the ceremony and has invited traditional leaders, government officials, political leaders, members of the business community, academia and other dignitaries.
The enthronement will formally usher in a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026.
With the President expected to preside over the ceremony, the September 29 event is set to bring together the kingdom’s traditional institutions and national leadership for the formal installation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as Omukama of Tooro.
