FORT PORTAL .There was excitement and jubilation as Tooro Kingdom marked the 30th Coronation Anniversary of His Highness , Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Saturday .
The week-long ceremony was punctuated with a series of cultural festivities and community engagements at the Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal City .
The Celebrations began on Wednesday with a royal tour led by the Omukama, joined by HRH Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki and Her Royal Majesty Queen Dr. Best Olimi Kemigisa Akiiki. Guests and partners like Pilsner Lager were taken through the King Oyo Model Farm and the historic Kiko Tea Plantation—projects that symbolize the kingdom’s focus on agriculture and sustainable development.
In his Friday address, Omukama Oyo expressed gratitude to all well-wishers and partners who have stood with the kingdom over the last three decades . He underscored the importance of continued collaboration in achieving the Tooro Kingdom’s 25-year development plan, which was launched in 2021.
The plan is anchored on six key pillars: preserving and promoting culture, empowering youth with skills, boosting agricultural productivity, promoting tourism, conserving the environment and water resources, and improving health services.
The anniversary celebrations climaxed on Saturday 13th September with the Ekyoto Ha Mpango Music Festival at Karuzika Palace. During the function Queen mother Best Kemigisha asked the King to marry and she gets grandchildren –an appeal that excited the batooro and special guests at the event .
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who represented President Museveni as chief guest pledged to pay bride price in form of cows once King Oyo unveils the wife who will become the next Queen for Tooro Kingdom
“Your Majesty, you know I am a cattle keeper. Just get a partner, I will pay all the cows. I am going to pay all the cows, and today, I am going to deposit the cows.
” She said However , Among’s remarks have triggered backlash on social media platforms with a section of people saying paying bride price is a cultural issue which a commoner like Among cannot pay it for the king . Some have since demanded that Speaker Among apologizes to the king and the people of Tooro Kingdom .
