FORT PORTAL – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have committed his support to cultural institutions, affirming their important role in preserving aspects of society that are inadequately addressed by the modern political system.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The President was presiding over the coronation of His Royal Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the 15th Omukama of Tooro on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s coronation ends a period of mourning following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who reigned for 31 years and passed away on August 27, 2026.
President Museveni praised the new king, recalling his earlier career as a news anchor and editor, and commending his skills as an English news reader, thus expressing confidence in his new role.
President Museveni traced Uganda’s past divisions to royalist-nationalist debates shaped by culture and religion, noting that his Pan-Africanist stance respects culture but rejects hereditary leaders who cling to political power.
He named indigenous languages, culture, and indigenous knowledge as areas where cultural institutions can support the modern system, helping unite citizens beyond the old royalist-nationalist and religious tensions without returning political power to hereditary rule.
The President further warned that Runyankore and similar languages carry meanings that English cannot fully capture, expressing concern that children now speak English while indigenous languages fall out of use.
“Cultural leaders should help government by keeping our local languages, our culture and our local knowledge. They should bring people together and leave behind the old fights between royalists and nationalists and religious quarrels. But they should not return to political power. A language like Runyankore has words and meanings that English cannot fully give. Our children now speak English, and our own languages are slowly dying,” President Museveni said.
The President also defended indigenous science, arguing that traditional knowledge deserves respect even without modern scientific origins, citing his preservation of Ankole long-horned cattle as proof of that value.
President Museveni warned against health risks such as polythene use in food preparation and displayed wooden household products from Matongo Limited as examples of indigenous goods that deserve renewed attention.
He said modern products have gradually overshadowed parts of Uganda’s traditional culture, weakening pride in local craftsmanship and heritage, and he called for that trend to be firmly reversed.
“Some modern habits, like using polythene in cooking, are dangerous to our health. We must return to our own good products. Modern goods have pushed aside our traditional culture and weakened pride in our local work and heritage. This must change,” the President added.
The Tooro Kingdom King, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, in his speech, pledged an inclusive reign in which he would serve all people without discrimination while preserving the culture, traditions, and ways of life of the Batooro.
He said the kingdom would encourage its subjects to work closely with the central government in advancing national development, and promised to promote peace and wealth creation in partnership with religious leaders and elders.
“I will be a king for all the people of Tooro, without discrimination. We shall protect our culture, our traditions, and the way of life of the Batooro. We shall work together in unity, trusting that the Lord shall protect and bless the people of Tooro,” Omukama Nyabongo pledged.
The coronation drew thousands of Batooro and guests from across Uganda and beyond, all gathered to witness the historic moment. The day began with a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo, before celebrations shifted to the palace.
At Karuziika, royal drums that had been silenced during the mourning period thundered once again, while the unveiling of the lion statues symbolised the restoration of the monarchy.
The palace grounds were transformed into a spectacle of colour and culture, with Batooro dressed in vibrant traditional mushana and busuuti filling the grounds.
Traditional dancers performed to the sounds of amakondere, and ululations filled the air as delegations of elders, clergy, cultural leaders from across Uganda, diplomats, politicians, and thousands of subjects braved the afternoon sun to witness the ceremony.
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