The Tooro Kingdom has released the official programme for the coronation of King-designate Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, with a series of traditional rituals beginning on Monday night, September 28, ahead of his formal crowning on Tuesday.
The celebrations will open with a symbolic night procession through Fort Portal, as thousands of people are expected to gather at Rwengoma Palace on Bwamba Road before making their way to Karuziika Palace.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, head of protocol for the coronation organising committee, the procession will start at 10:00pm.
“We shall gather at Rwengoma Palace at 10:00pm. After 10:00pm, we shall begin our trek towards the main palace at Karuziika in an assumed attack that we are coming now to take over the royal palace at Karuziika,” Rwabuhinga said during a press conference at Karuziika Palace on Saturday.
Participants will carry traditional lamps made from dried reeds as they accompany the King-designate through Fort Portal.
Mock Battle to Mark Transfer of Power
The procession will culminate at the Mugabante entrance to Karuziika Palace, where a traditional mock battle will be staged between the forces of Prince Charles Kamurasi, the Musuuga, and those of the incoming King.
The organising committee says the symbolic confrontation represents the transfer of authority from the Musuuga to the new Omukama.
“The forces of the Musuuga will be subdued, including the army he has found in the palace, and the King will take over,” Rwabuhinga explained.
Members of the public will remain at Mugabante, while Edward and members of the royal family will enter the palace for further traditional rituals.
The night will also feature the restoration of the royal drums, which were turned upside down following the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
As part of the ritual, the incoming King will turn the drums back to their normal position. According to Rwabuhinga, the ceremonies will continue until morning, with the King expected to remain awake because of the responsibilities attached to the traditional rites.
Coronation Day Programme
On Tuesday, September 29, members of the public will begin arriving at the coronation venue from 7:30am, while VIP guests are expected from 8:00am.
At 8:45am, Edward will leave Karuziika Palace for St John’s Cathedral Kabarole for a religious service.
Rwabuhinga said visiting the cathedral is a cultural requirement before a Tooro King can be crowned.
“It is our culture that we cannot coronate the King in Tooro without reporting at St John’s Cathedral for a blessing,” he said.
The service will be led by the Bishop or Archbishop and is expected to last about one-and-a-half hours. No speeches are planned apart from a vote of thanks by the Musuuga.
Edward will then return to Karuziika Palace for the main coronation ceremony.
Tooro Anthem to Return
The official ceremony will also mark the first singing of the Tooro Kingdom anthem and the raising of the Kingdom flag to full mast since the death of King Oyo.
The anthem had been suspended as part of the mourning arrangements following Oyo’s death.
Five speeches are scheduled for the coronation, including remarks from the chairperson of the organising committee, Prince Charles Kamurasi, the Minister of Gender, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I and Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime.
Prince Charles Kamurasi is expected to formally abdicate and hand over authority to the new King in his address.
Butime will then invite President Yoweri Museveni, who is expected to attend as chief guest.
The crowning will follow, formally installing Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro.
After the ceremony, the King will proceed to Mucwa to meet the princesses and take part in another traditional ritual.
