His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Tooro’s new King, His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has made his first administrative appointments since ascending the throne, retaining key officials and naming an 11-member advisory committee to guide the kingdom through the transition.
The appointments, announced on October 5, 2026, at Karuziika Palace by the King’s principal personal assistant and spokesperson, Paul Nyakaana Akiiki, are part of the monarch’s efforts to restore normal administration following the death of his predecessor, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
At the centre of the transitional administration is Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who has been retained as Omuhikirwa, or Prime Minister, on an interim six-month term running through March 2027.
His reappointment is expected to provide administrative continuity as the new King settles into his reign and begins reorganising the kingdom’s institutions.
Rwomiire served under the late King Oyo and will now oversee the kingdom’s administration during the initial phase of the new reign. His temporary mandate is also expected to give the King time to consult widely before constituting a substantive cabinet.
Royal Clan Leadership Retained
The King has also retained Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki as Omujwera Musuuga, the head of the Babiito royal clan, while Kato Rwakatale continues as his assistant.
The decision maintains continuity within the Babiito leadership at a time when the kingdom is seeking to consolidate itself after the succession process that followed King Oyo’s death.
The Babiito are the ruling royal clan of Tooro and play a central role in matters concerning the monarchy and succession.
11-Member Advisory Team
To support Rwomiire and advise the new monarch, an 11-member advisory committee has been appointed.
The committee brings together professionals, business figures and individuals with experience in government and public administration.
Its members are Erisa Kakyomya, businessman Chris Amooti Kaijuka, former kingdom Prime Minister Bernard Tungakwo, Monsignor Isaiah Mayombo, Peace Mutuuzo, a former Minister of Gender and Social Development, and former Kyegegwa Woman MP Flavia Kabahenda Rwabuhoro.
Others are Rosalia Binta Achaali Kasojo, William Byaruhanga, a former Attorney General, Abdullah Mwangalija, former Mwenge South MP and former Minister for Karamoja Affairs Aston Kajara, and Monica Rubombora.
The committee will advise the King on kingdom affairs and support the transitional administration as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I establishes his government.
The appointments are not expected to constitute the monarch’s permanent cabinet. The King is expected to announce a full cabinet after completing consultations and is also expected to embark on kingdom-wide tours to familiarise himself with his subjects and institutions.
Rwomiire Promises Tooro Football Revival
Shortly after his reappointment, Rwomiire pledged to revive the suspended MTN Tooro Masaza Cup, a major football tournament involving communities across the kingdom.
The competition was suspended with only the semi-finals and final remaining.
Rwomiire said the relevant ministries would complete preparations and announce new dates, while directing the minister responsible for education, youth and sports to ensure the outstanding matches are played soon.
“Football is one of the events that unite our people and unite the youth. We have to make sure that these games are played,” he said.
The transitional appointments therefore mark the first administrative step in King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s reign as the 15th Omukama of Tooro, with attention now turning to the formation of his substantive cabinet and restoration of suspended kingdom programmes.
