Fort Portal – The Tooro Kingdom has officially begun celebrations to mark the 30th coronation anniversary of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, with traditional rituals, cultural festivities, and tourism showcases taking centre stage at the Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City.
Earlier today, King Oyo, accompanied by his mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, presided over a series of sacred rituals led by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi. As part of the ceremonies, the King sounded royal drums nine times, received spears from the Basiita clan, and participated in other traditional rites ahead of his official coronation anniversary on September 12.
“Today marks the beginning of a significant milestone for Tooro Kingdom—thirty years of heritage, leadership, and unity under His Majesty King Oyo,” said a Kingdom official.
The cultural celebrations, under the banner #EkyootoHaMpango2025, have transformed Fort Portal into a hub of music, dance, fashion, and tourism experiences. Princess Komuntale joined Day 2 of the festivities, which featured the vibrant Runyege Ntogoro dance and other cultural performances that have long defined Tooro’s rich heritage.
Addressing guests at the Royal Banquet, King Oyo emphasised the potential of cultural heritage in boosting Uganda’s tourism sector.
“If we can have more people talk about Uganda, then the sky is the limit for our tourism,” the King said. “Tourism is not just about showcasing; it is about creating diverse products rooted in our culture and history.”
The banquet, part of the pre-Empango activities, was attended by key tourism stakeholders, including Minister of Tourism Hon. Tom R. Butime, Permanent Secretary Doreen S. Katusiime, Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi, and UTB Board Chairperson Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, among others.
Officials from the Ministry of Tourism hailed the King’s call for collaboration, noting that the festival has positioned Fort Portal Tourism City as a cultural and tourism destination.
The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival, running from September 10–13, features music concerts, fashion galas, cultural exhibitions, sporting events, and tourism excursions—all culminating in the official coronation celebrations on September 12 and the grand finale on September 13.
This year’s anniversary not only honours King Oyo’s three decades of reign but also aims to strengthen the Tooro Kingdom’s cultural legacy and its role in promoting tourism and unity in Uganda.
