Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I has been crowned the new Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom, with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attending the ceremony at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. Nyabongo I, formerly known as Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan earlier this month and subsequently endorsed by the Rukurato , the supreme council of the Tooro Kingdom. His coronation follows the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV , who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. Oyo became king in 1995 at just three years old and remained an important cultural figure i

Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I has been crowned the new Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom, with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attending the ceremony at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. Nyabongo I, formerly known as Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan earlier this month and subsequently endorsed by the

Rukurato

, the supreme council of the Tooro Kingdom. His coronation follows the death of

Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV

, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. Oyo became king in 1995 at just three years old and remained an important cultural figure in Uganda. Museveni used the occasion to call on cultural leaders to strengthen traditional institutions, promote responsible family life and protect Uganda’s cultural heritage. “I call upon our cultural leaders to thoroughly address the institution of marriage and promote responsible family life,” Museveni said in remarks shared on X. He called for greater attention to traditional approaches to marriage, saying they had historically provided clarity and helped maintain social order. He also raised concerns about HIV prevalence in western Uganda and pointed to differences in cultural practices around marriage. Museveni further urged Ugandans to protect their languages, traditions and indigenous knowledge. “We must also guard our language, culture and indigenous science jealously,” he said, warning that local knowledge is disappearing. The President cited Ankole longhorn cattle as an example of indigenous heritage that should be preserved. He said he had personally supported their conservation despite discouragement from some modern veterinary scientists. Museveni also recalled selling some of the cattle to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, joking that South Africans now claim the cattle as their own. He called for the preservation of indigenous science, crafts, cultural practices and heritage, describing them as important to Uganda’s identity and survival. The coronation was preceded by a series of traditional rituals, including a symbolic procession from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace through Fort Portal, accompanied by crowds and traditional performances. Museveni has a longstanding connection with the Tooro Kingdom. He attended Oyo’s coronation in 1995 and later returned for the late king’s coming-of-age ceremony. Nyabongo I also brings a distinctive professional background to the throne. Before becoming Omukama, he worked as a television journalist and news anchor, including at Rwanda Television (RTV) before joining Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. Although the Tooro Kingdom has no constitutional political authority, it remains an important cultural institution in western Uganda. Nyabongo I’s coronation therefore marks a new chapter for the kingdom while placing renewed attention on the preservation of culture, family values, indigenous knowledge and Uganda’s historical heritage.

Museveni and Nyabongo I together at Karuziika Palace during the coronation of Tooro’s new king.

Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, members of the royal family, government officials, cultural leaders and other invited guests gathered at Karuziika Palace, Fort Portal, for the coronation of Tooro’s new king.

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