FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — Tooro Kingdom is preparing for a historic royal ceremony as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is set to be formally crowned Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the new Omukama of Tooro, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
.jfif) |
| Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I Set for Tooro Coronation |
The coronation will take place at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, bringing together members of the royal family, traditional leaders, government officials, cultural institutions and thousands of people from Tooro and beyond. Uganda's government has confirmed that the succession process followed the recognised traditional and legal procedures.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed that he will attend the ceremony as the chief guest. His attendance adds a national dimension to the historic transition following the death of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026.
Final preparations underway
Preparations have intensified across Fort Portal ahead of the coronation. Streets and public spaces have been decorated with Tooro cultural symbols, while work has continued at Karuziika Palace and Rwengoma Palace. The kingdom expects tens of thousands of people to attend the ceremony.
On Monday night, September 28, the king-designate is scheduled to make a traditional procession from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace. Thousands of people are expected to accompany him while carrying reed torches. A traditional mock battle at the Mugabante entrance will symbolise the transfer of authority before the king and royal family proceed into the palace for traditional rites.
The following morning, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is expected to attend a church service at St John's Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese before returning to Karuziika Palace for the main coronation proceedings. President Museveni is expected at the palace at about 11 a.m.
The coronation follows the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma by the Babiito Royal Clan on September 9, followed by endorsement by the Tooro Kingdom's Supreme Council on September 15. The government subsequently said it was processing formal recognition of the new king in the Uganda Gazette.
A new chapter for Tooro
The coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom following weeks of mourning after the death and burial of King Oyo. Traditional symbols that were placed in mourning following Oyo's death are expected to be restored as the kingdom welcomes a new reign.
However, the transition has also faced a late legal challenge. On September 28, a petition was filed at the Fort Portal High Court seeking to halt the planned coronation and challenging the legitimacy of Prince Nyabongo's selection. The development has introduced a legal dimension to the final hours before the ceremony.
As Tooro prepares for the historic event, attention remains focused on Karuziika Palace, where Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is expected to formally assume the throne as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Elite Daily News Live (EDNL) will keep updating this story as developments emerge from Fort Portal and the Tooro Kingdom.
Posts
.jfif)
.jfif)
.jfif)
0 Comments