By Spy Uganda
Fort Portal City has erupted into celebrations as Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma Amooti was formally welcomed and embraced as the new Queen Mother of Tooro ahead of the coronation of her son, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma.
The celebrations come just days before Prince Edward is scheduled to be enthroned as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the 13th Omukama of Tooro, at Karuziika Palace on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Yusta’s arrival in the royal spotlight has been marked by prayers, traditional celebrations and a colourful procession through Fort Portal, the seat of the Tooro Kingdom.
A special prayer was held for the Queen Mother during Sunday Mass at Virika Cathedral, where Father Titus Winyi Abwooli led prayers for Yusta as she prepares to take on her new role as the mother of the incoming Omukama.
Following the prayers, preparations were made for a procession to escort her to Karuziika Palace, with the procession scheduled for the afternoon.
Across Fort Portal, residents and visitors joined the celebrations, with groups cruising through the city in convoys to welcome the new Queen Mother. Traditional dances, music and cheering crowds added to the festive atmosphere as the city continued to prepare for the historic royal ceremony.
Security has also been heightened around the Queen Mother and along the routes associated with the royal procession, reflecting the significance of the events leading up to the coronation.
Meanwhile, Fort Portal has taken on a distinctly royal appearance, with Tooro flags, banners and floral displays adorning various parts of the city. Hundreds of residents, tourists and royal enthusiasts have gathered to witness the activities surrounding the transition.
Prince Edward was also seen greeting enthusiastic crowds as his convoy, escorted by soldiers, moved through the city on Sunday afternoon.
The street celebrations and traditional royal dances have added to the growing excitement ahead of Tuesday’s coronation at Karuziika Palace, when Prince Edward is expected to formally assume the throne as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The coronation will mark a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom, with the royal family and subjects now turning their attention to the historic enthronement of the new Omukama.
