By Spy Uganda
Preparations for the coronation of Prince Edward Kijanangoma, who will assume the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, as the 15th Omukama of Tooro Kingdom have entered their final stage ahead of Tuesday’s historic ceremony at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
By Monday evening, contracted service providers were putting finishing touches to the palace grounds and surrounding areas, with decorations being installed and facilities prepared to accommodate thousands of guests expected to attend the coronation.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the kingdom’s traditional crown bearer, Omujwara Kondo, is expected to be the chief guest at the ceremony.
Similar preparations were underway at Rwengoma Palace, the kingdom’s ascension palace, as Tooro finalises a programme combining traditional rituals, religious blessings and a formal coronation ceremony.
The kingdom estimates that between 25,000 and 50,000 people could attend the public luncheon, while overall attendance throughout the coronation activities is expected to exceed 50,000.
The celebrations will begin Monday night with a traditional procession. According to the programme released by the kingdom’s head of protocol, Dr Richard Rwabuhinga, Batooro and other members of the public will gather at Rwengoma Palace from 10pm before accompanying Nyabongo I towards Karuziika.
Thousands are expected to walk through Fort Portal City carrying reed-lit torches.
At Mugabante, the main entrance to Karuziika Palace, the procession will encounter a traditional mock battle symbolising the transfer of authority. Members of the public will then remain at Mugabante as the new king and members of the royal family proceed into the palace for private rituals expected to continue through the night.
The rituals will also mark the symbolic transition from mourning following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27 to the beginning of a new reign.
Dr Rwabuhinga said royal drums and other regalia, including spears, were turned upside down after Oyo’s death and will now be restored to their upright position as part of the transition.
The coronation programme on Tuesday will begin early, with members of the public expected at Karuziika from 7:30am, followed by VIPs and invited guests.
At 8:45am, Nyabongo I will leave Karuziika for St John’s Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese for a church service led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo. The service is scheduled to run from 9am to 10:30am, after which the new king will return to Karuziika ahead of President Museveni’s expected arrival at 11am.
The formal coronation will feature a limited number of speeches before Nyabongo I receives the crown and proceeds to Muchwa House for another traditional ritual.
The programme will also feature the national anthem, East African anthem and Tooro Kingdom anthem, which had been suspended following Oyo’s death.
Preparations have also received support from various individuals and groups, including Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who contributed Shs100 million. Members of the Abaitira clan also donated nine cows and Shs9 million towards the event.
Organisers say extensive arrangements have been made to cater for the large number of visitors, with 13 hotel service providers contracted to prepare and serve food.
Large screens will also be installed under tents to enable guests who are seated away from the main ceremonial area to follow the proceedings.
Visitors attending the public celebrations have been encouraged to embrace the cultural significance of the occasion by dressing in Tooro cultural attire or the traditional attire of their respective kingdoms.
