Preparations for the enthronement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as the new King of Tooro have entered a critical stage, with organisers putting the cost of the one-day ceremony at Shs925 million.
The enthronement is scheduled for September 29 at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, formally marking the beginning of Nyabongo I’s reign after the death of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The organising committee says it is working against time to raise the required funds and complete preparations before the ceremony. According to the committee, major preparations are expected to be completed by September 27.
How the Shs925 million will be used
The budget covers several areas needed for the historic ceremony.
About Shs220 million has been allocated to works, decoration and tents, while Shs300 million will cater for welfare.
Entertainment has been allocated Shs30 million, with Shs25 million each for health and transport. Publicity will take Shs70 million, while Shs10 million has been set aside for protocol.
The budget also includes Shs100 million for palace affairs, Shs30 million for traditional rituals, Shs50 million for civil works, Shs10 million for security and Shs50 million for event coordination.
The committee has appealed to potential supporters and partners to contribute towards the preparations.
Thousands expected for the royal ceremony
Organisers have also been preparing the guest list, with 5,000 invitation cards produced for the event.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend as the chief guest, while invitations have also been extended to representatives of other Ugandan kingdoms, government officials, Members of Parliament and diplomatic missions.
The ceremony will not simply be a formal gathering. It will include religious proceedings, royal activities and traditional Tooro rituals.
Traditional rituals begin before September 29
According to the programme, Nyabongo I will spend September 26 to 28 at Rwengoma Palace as he undergoes preparations and traditional rites.
On the night of September 28, he is expected to leave Rwengoma with members of the traditional ritual team and royal guards before making his way towards Karuziika Palace.
A mock battle at Mugabante, the main entrance to Karuziika Palace, is expected to form part of the traditional rituals.
The mock battle is symbolic and has featured in previous Tooro royal succession ceremonies. It represents the king overcoming a battle before entering the palace to begin his reign.
Final preparations underway
Security has also been strengthened at important royal sites, including Rwengoma Palace, Karuziika Palace and the Karambi Royal Tombs.
The September 29 programme is expected to begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese in Fort Portal before the king proceeds to Karuziika Palace for the main ceremonial activities.
The enthronement follows the Babiito royal clan’s selection of Kijanangoma as successor to the late King Oyo, a decision later endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council. The Attorney General has also said the kingdom is free to continue preparations because no formal court appeal has been registered.
With only days remaining, attention is now turning to Fort Portal as Tooro prepares to welcome its new king.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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