By Spy Uganda
Tooro Kingdom has unveiled a detailed programme for the coronation of Omukama Edward Kaijanangoma Rukidi Nyabongo I, outlining a two-day series of traditional, religious and royal ceremonies culminating in his crowning at Karuziika Palace on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The programme begins on Monday, September 28, with a major night procession that will see the incoming King and thousands of his subjects move from Rwengoma Palace on Bwamba Road to Karuziika Palace.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, head of protocol for the coronation organising committee, participants will gather at Rwengoma Palace from 10:00pm before beginning the symbolic procession through Fort Portal City.
The procession will depict an assumed night attack on Karuziika Palace, with participants carrying traditional lamps made from dried reeds.
At the Mugabante entrance of Karuziika Palace, a mock battle will be staged between forces representing Prince Charles Kamurasi, the Musuuga, and those of the incoming King.
The organisers say the symbolic battle represents the transfer of authority from the Musuuga to the new Omukama.
The public procession will end at Mugabante, while the King and members of the royal family will proceed into the palace for further traditional rituals.
One of the key rituals during the night will be the restoration of the royal drums, which were placed upside down following the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The incoming King will turn the drums back to their normal position, with the ritual expected to continue until morning.
Tuesday’s Coronation Programme
On Tuesday, September 29, the coronation venue will begin receiving members of the public from 7:30am, while VIP arrivals are scheduled to start at 8:00am.
At 8:45am, the King will leave Karuziika Palace for St John’s Cathedral Kabarole, where he will attend a special religious service.
According to the organising committee, visiting the cathedral for a blessing is a cultural requirement before the coronation of a Tooro King.
The service will be led by the Bishop or Archbishop and is expected to last approximately one-and-a-half hours. No speeches are planned apart from a vote of thanks by the Musuuga.
The King will then return to Karuziika Palace for the main coronation ceremony.
The official programme will begin with the Tooro Kingdom anthem being sung and the Kingdom flag raised to full mast for the first time since the death of King Oyo.
Five main speeches are scheduled during the ceremony.
They will include remarks from the chairperson of the coronation organising committee, followed by an address from Prince Charles Kamurasi, the Musuuga, who will formally abdicate and hand over authority to the incoming King.
The Gender Minister will also address the gathering, followed by a speech from the new King.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime will then deliver remarks before inviting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is expected to attend as the chief guest.
The crowning ceremony will follow, formally installing Edward as Omukama Edward Kaijanangoma Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The day’s programme will continue after the crowning, with the King proceeding to Mucwa to meet the princesses and participate in another traditional royal ritual.
The detailed programme is expected to guide the thousands of subjects, invited guests, cultural leaders and other visitors expected to converge on Fort Portal for the historic coronation.
