By Joseph Mary Buwule
FORT PORTAL — Tooro Kingdom has stepped up preparations for the coronation of its new Omukama, with Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong joining hundreds of people gathered at Karuzika Palace to participate in activities ahead of the historic cultural ceremony.
Armstrong’s presence at the palace comes at a significant moment for the kingdom as it prepares for a new chapter in its leadership following the death of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The gathering at Karuzika Palace reflects the kingdom’s preparations for the transition, with cultural leaders, kingdom officials and other participants expected to play a role in organising the coronation and ensuring the continuity of Tooro’s cultural institution.
Armstrong was appointed Prime Minister by the late King Oyo in 2025 and has since served as head of the kingdom’s executive administration.
His participation in the preparations has attracted attention amid discussions about the composition of the incoming administration and whether he will continue serving as Prime Minister under the new Omukama.
Although Armstrong has been mentioned as a possible candidate for retention, no formal announcement has been made confirming whether he will remain in office.
The appointment of a Prime Minister is an important administrative matter for the kingdom, particularly as it prepares to usher in a new reign.
The transition is expected to involve the coordination of cultural and administrative responsibilities as Tooro seeks to maintain continuity while welcoming its new monarch.
Karuzika Palace, the traditional seat of the Omukama, has become the focal point of preparations, bringing together people from different parts of the kingdom in anticipation of the coronation.
For many in Tooro, the ceremony represents more than a change in leadership. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm the kingdom’s cultural identity, traditions and institutions.
The preparations follow the death of King Oyo, whose reign began in 1995 and continued until his death in August 2026.
His passing marked the end of a historic period in Tooro’s monarchy, prompting preparations for the installation of a successor and the continuation of the kingdom’s traditional leadership.
As preparations continue, attention is also expected to focus on the new administration, including the appointments and leadership decisions that will shape the kingdom’s next phase.
For now, Armstrong’s future in the premiership remains unconfirmed, with the kingdom yet to issue an official communication on whether he will continue in the position.
The coronation preparations at Karuzika Palace therefore mark both a cultural milestone and the beginning of a new administrative chapter for Tooro Kingdom.