FORT PORTAL – Former presidential aspirant Kasami Rogers Mike Acaali has commended Tooro Kingdom’s transformative transition under new monarch His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, describing it as a significant milestone for the kingdom.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The former aspirant said this in an exclusive interview with this reporter over the weekend, expressing optimism that the kingdom is poised for continued development and prosperity under the new reign.
The Tooro Kingdom transition followed the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. The late monarch succumbed to angiosarcoma, an aggressive blood vessel cancer, while undergoing treatment at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
The late King Oyo was laid to rest on September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, bringing to a close a remarkable reign that spanned 31 years. He had ascended the throne in 1995 at the tender age of 3, becoming one of the youngest monarchs in the world.
He was succeeded by his cousin, Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who was crowned as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I on September 29, 2026. The new king was selected by the Babiito royal clan through the traditional succession rites, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Tooro Kingdom.
Kasami Rogers Mike noted that the transition signals a new chapter of unity, progress and service to Tooro, extending warm wishes to the new monarch and all who made the Empaango coronation ceremony a success.
“I congratulate His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I upon enthronement as the new king of Tooro Kingdom. I also wish to congratulate the Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, the 21 committee, the Babiito, and the people of Tooro upon the successfully concluded coronation (Empaango),” Kasami Rogers noted.
The former presidential aspirant also singled out the newly appointed team that will work alongside the king, expressing confidence in their ability to steer the kingdom toward greater heights.
“On a special note, I congratulate the newly appointed team by His Majesty the King to work with him. This includes the Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) Owek Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, Omujweera Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi and his vice, plus the eleven committee group of advisors,” Kasami added.
Kasami Rogers Mike Acaali appealed to all stakeholders in the kingdom to embrace unity, patriotism and commitment to service as the new leadership takes shape to drive the development agenda forward.
He noted that the smooth transition demonstrated the resilience and maturity of Tooro’s traditional institutions, and expressed hope that the new monarch’s reign would bring continued development for the people of the kingdom.
The new king’s leadership team, including the Prime Minister and the committee of advisors, will be expected to build on the legacy of the late King Oyo while addressing the evolving needs of the kingdom’s subjects.
The successful coronation of the new monarch has been widely viewed as a testament to the enduring strength of Tooro’s cultural heritage and traditions.
About the Author
