By Patience Namuddu
FORT PORTAL — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for stronger collaboration between cultural institutions and the central government to preserve Uganda’s indigenous languages, culture and traditional knowledge.
The President was speaking on Monday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal during the coronation of His Royal Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the 15th Omukama of Tooro.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the kingdom following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026, after a 31-year reign.
Thousands of Batooro and guests from across Uganda and beyond gathered at the palace to witness the historic ceremony, which followed a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo.
President Museveni paid tribute to the late King Oyo, whom he described as a contributor to the development of Tooro and Uganda.
He said he was deeply saddened after discovering a letter King Oyo had written to him on June 15, 2026, thanking him for several interventions, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro.
The President congratulated Omukama Nyabongo and recalled watching him work as a news anchor and editor.
“I was watching him on the news as a good news reader in English, so I am sure he will do a good job here,” Mr Museveni said.
He used the occasion to explain his support for cultural institutions, saying they have a role to play in preserving aspects of society that may not be adequately addressed by modern political systems.
Mr Museveni said Uganda’s history had at times been marked by disagreements between supporters of traditional kingdoms and proponents of nationalism and Pan-Africanism.
He said the challenge arose when hereditary leaders sought to retain political authority, arguing that political leadership should remain with the people.
The President identified indigenous languages, culture and indigenous knowledge and science as key areas where cultural institutions could complement the modern state.
On language, he expressed concern about declining use of indigenous languages, particularly among young people.
He said some concepts and expressions in indigenous languages could not always be adequately captured in English and called for greater efforts to preserve them.
President Museveni also cited traditional knowledge in agriculture and animal husbandry, pointing to his support for the preservation of Ankole long-horned cattle.
He said traditional knowledge should not automatically be dismissed simply because it falls outside modern scientific institutions.
The President also showcased locally produced wooden household items as an example of indigenous products that could be promoted alongside modern products.
He concluded by congratulating Omukama Nyabongo and blessed his reign, gifting the new King 100 cows.
In his maiden address as Omukama, King Nyabongo paid tribute to his predecessor and thanked the people of Tooro for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the kingdom.
He also thanked President Museveni for supporting Tooro during the transition following the death of King Oyo.
The new Omukama recognised Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for her support during the late King’s illness and thanked members of the royal family, the Babiito clan, religious leaders, elders and the people of Tooro.
He also acknowledged the support of the security agencies and the UPDF during the preparations for the coronation.
Omukama Nyabongo, who previously worked for 12 years as a news anchor and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, also thanked members of the media fraternity.
He pledged to run an inclusive reign in which the Tooro Kingdom would serve all people without discrimination while preserving the culture, traditions and way of life of the Batooro.
The new King said the kingdom would work closely with the central government in advancing national development.
He also pledged to promote peace and wealth creation in partnership with religious leaders and elders.
“We shall work together in unity, trusting that the Lord shall protect and bless the people of Tooro,” he said.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime described the coronation as a historic occasion for Tooro and Uganda.
He commended the people of Tooro for maintaining unity during the transition and thanked President Museveni for his support to the kingdom.
The Omujwera Musuuga, Charles Kamurasi, also welcomed the President and thanked him for the support extended to the late King Oyo.
Mr Kamurasi commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for rehabilitation works at Karuziika Palace and thanked the various leaders and institutions that supported preparations for the coronation.
He formally handed over authority to the new King after overseeing the kingdom during the transition.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen Henry Tumukunde said the Government recognised the contribution of the late King Oyo and welcomed the new royal couple.
He said the Government had handled the transition with neutrality and cautioned against the creation of competing centres of political power within cultural institutions.
Gen Tumukunde also encouraged kingdoms to strengthen their institutional capacity.
The coronation transformed Karuziika Palace into a celebration of Tooro’s cultural heritage.
Royal drums, which had been silent during the mourning period, sounded again as the kingdom formally ended the mourning period for King Oyo.
Lion statues were unveiled at the palace, while traditional dancers performed to the sounds of amakondere.
Batooro dressed in colourful mushana and busuuti filled the palace grounds alongside elders, religious leaders, cultural leaders, diplomats, politicians and other guests.
The coronation formally ushered in the reign of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, with the new King pledging to preserve Tooro’s cultural heritage while working with the central government and other institutions to advance the welfare of the people.