King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I with his dear wife, Rebecca Amoding singing the hymns during the consecration service held on 29th September 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I If he ever heeds the counsel of Bishop Reuben Kisembo to remain monogamous and honor the marriage vows, the new Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, may never have a future king come out of his household.
Going by the counsel of the elders, a future king has to come from a Mutooro lady from a recognised clan, making the question of marriage one of the sensitive issues facing the new monarch.
Bishop Kisembo, who presided over the consecration and prayer service for the new King in Fort Portal, urged Omukama Edward to remain committed to his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, and respect the vows they exchanged in church.
“Our King is a Christian King, and I am advising you that you already have a wife and you made vows in church. I want you to keep that vow,” Bishop Kisembo said.
The bishop’s counsel comes as the new monarch begins his reign following the death and burial of former King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
“Keep the marriage vows”
Bishop Kisembo’s message placed the King’s marriage at the centre of his responsibilities, urging him to maintain a monogamous household in accordance with his Christian faith.
Queen Rebecca, who is from the Teso community, married Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma before his installation as King.
The bishop also appealed to the Batooro to embrace the Queen and give her an opportunity to learn and understand Tooro’s traditions.
The call is significant because Queen Rebecca comes from outside the traditional Tooro community, meaning her integration into the kingdom will require acceptance and goodwill from her husband’s subjects.
Kisembo urged the people of Tooro to welcome her rather than judge her background, as she takes on the responsibilities associated with being Queen.
Financial accountability
Beyond marriage, Bishop Kisembo challenged the new administration to establish strong financial accountability systems within the kingdom.
He called for systematic financial records, annual audits and a clear separation between the personal assets of members of the royal family and properties belonging to the kingdom.
Such measures, he said, would strengthen confidence in the administration and ensure that kingdom resources are properly managed.
The bishop’s emphasis on financial transparency also speaks to the broader need for strong institutions to support the new reign.
Strengthen kingdom institutions
Kisembo urged the King to strengthen and properly resource the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council, which is expected to play a key role in advising and supporting the monarch in governance.
The bishop’s message was that the King should not attempt to carry the responsibilities of the kingdom alone, but should empower established kingdom organs to perform their respective roles.
A stronger institutional framework, he said, would help improve governance and ensure that decisions are made through recognised structures.
Unity, youth and conservation
Kisembo also encouraged the King to use the goodwill demonstrated by his subjects during his installation to unite the kingdom and pursue development priorities.
He urged Edward to focus on unity, youth empowerment, education and environmental conservation as some of the areas that could shape his reign.
The emphasis on young people is particularly important for a kingdom whose future depends on preparing the next generation to participate meaningfully in social and economic development.
Environmental conservation, meanwhile, remains a significant concern in Tooro, whose landscape includes forests, wetlands, mountains and other natural resources.
