MTN Uganda has announced a Shs 20 million contribution towards the 23rd coronation anniversary of Tooro’s Omukama, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The donation comes ahead of the ‘Empango’ (coronation anniversary) celebrations scheduled to take place on September 8, 2018 at the seat of Tooro Kingdom, the Karuziika Palace.
The Omukama ascended to the throne in 1995, at three and a half years, shortly after his father passed on. He is the 12th King of Tooro Kingdom.
MTN Uganda’s contribution is a sign of a commitment made in April 2018 when the CEO Wim Vanhelleputte visited the Omukama of Tooro at the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal town.
While there, the Omukama and the CEO held cordial talks towards supporting development activities in the kingdom.
The Shs 20 million financial contribution was received by the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa), Bernard Tungakwo Ateenyi received the contribution on behalf of the Omukama of Tooro, at a brief ceremony held at MTN offices in Kampala on Tuesday.
“The King of Tooro, His Royal Highness Dr. Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV expresses his deep appreciation to MTN Uganda for its generosity,” Omuhikirwa said at the event.
“We are particularly pleased that MTN Uganda has indeed followed up on its discussion with the Omukama. This is a step in the right direction for us; and so we pledge our full participation,” he added.
As part of the Empango celebrations, Tooro Kingdom has organized a series of activities aimed at uniting the Batooro and well-wishers in celebration of the coronation anniversary of the King of Tooro.
MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said MTN is proud to associate with a vibrant celebration of culture and the heritage of our friends, the Batooro.
“Together with His Royal Highness the Omukama, we recently agreed to forge a strong partnership that will see MTN support the Kingdom’s development initiatives especially among the youth,” Vanhelleputte said.
He added: “We are cognizant that the youthful population is brimming with ideas and initiatives which need to be supported for the development of our country.”
Tooro Kingdom planned week-long activities will run in all the districts which make the current Kingdom structure including Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Ntoroko, Kamwenge and Kyegegwa.
The activities include a Amasaza football tournament, a tourism expo at Karuzika Palace Grounds, HIV/AIDS Conference at Mucwa and a subsequent marathon, a kasiki on the eve of the event and the Tooro AgriBusiness Exhibition at Boma Grounds, Fort Portal.
The Chief Guest will be the Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who will be representing the President Yoweri Museveni.
