The rest of the world has joined the people of Tooro Kingdom in congratulating Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguuru Rukidi IV upon reaching his 28th coronation anniversary since he ascended on the throne in 1995.
Omukama Oyo was crowned King of Tooro on September 12, 1995, at the age of three years following the death of his father King Patrick Mathew Kaboyo Olimi III in August 1995.
After his coronation, three regents were charged with overseeing King Oyo’s growth into the role of King and with handling the cultural affairs of the kingdom during the King’s childhood and youth. The three regents included the Queen mother Best Kemigisa, his aunt and godmother, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya and President Yoweri Museveni.
In May 2023, the King entrusted the Abagaya clan with a responsibility of organizing this year’s coronation anniversary celebrations commonly known as ‘Empango’ with guidance from the Kingdom administration.
The empango celebrations started on Monday, September 11, 2023, with a number of traditional activities like the presentation of the loyal regalia, instruments of power as well as drums to the royal clan of the Basiita for blessings.
This year’s celebration is based on the theme, Protecting our Environment, Traditions and Cultural Heritage and it was held at Karuziika palace in Fort Portal Tourism City.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, Members of Parliament from the Tooro region, government officials and members of the diplomatic corporations have graced the celebration at Karuziika hill.
King Oyo has been an inspiration and face of the youth for many years now. In 2014, he was chosen by the youth under the African Young Positive Network (AYPN) to be their Ambassador in a global campaign to end HIV/AIDS in Africa by 2030.
In his coronation anniversary message, the King thanked God who has enabled him to rule for these years since ascending to the throne as a young boy. He thanked the friends of Tooro Kingdom and organizations that made the empango celebrations a success.
The king warned individuals against removing people on the Kingdom land and called on the Uganda AIDS Commission and Ministry of Health to put in more efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Tooro region has been known as a jewel of the Pearl of Africa because of its hospitable people, beautiful scenery, historical monuments like the king’s palace, Kingdom Headquarters at Muchwa, National Parks and the Empaako Intagible Heritage which all act as tourist attractions.
King Oyo has brought so much light and development in Tooro Kingdom through tourism, investments and particularly agriculture and has been a shining star to his people.
