King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I enters Fort Portal city in a motorcade
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The streets of Fort Portal city have been filled with colour, music and cheering crowds as Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I prepares to ascend the Tooro throne
Fort Portal has burst into celebration as residents prepare to welcome Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, bringing a renewed sense of excitement to a city that has spent the past month mourning the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The mood across the city has shifted dramatically in recent days. Traditional arches, known as akakomo, flags, banners and other cultural symbols have transformed streets and trading centres, signalling the arrival of one of Tooro’s most significant cultural occasions.
For many residents, the coronation is both a celebration and a moment of renewal after a period of grief.
King Oyo, who became Omukama at the age of three in 1995, was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12. His death plunged the kingdom into mourning, but preparations for the succession have since brought a new focus to Fort Portal.
On Monday, thousands of people lined the streets to welcome Nyabongo as he travelled from Buhesi towards Rwengoma Palace, where he was scheduled to undertake rites ahead of Tuesday’s coronation.
The crowds gathered along the route, cheering and celebrating as the king-designate passed through the city.
Difas Kamara, a 23-year-old trader in Fort Portal, said he was looking forward to the historic occasion.
“I am eagerly awaiting the coronation ceremony,” he said.
For others, the ceremony represents an opportunity for the kingdom to move forward after a period of uncertainty.
Mercy Aturinde, a shopkeeper, said she hoped the coronation would bring clarity about the kingdom’s future.
“I hope this ceremony will end uncertainty about the future of Tooro after an internal palace struggle,” she said.
The excitement has also been reflected in the cultural performances accompanying the celebrations. Traditional dancers have entertained crowds gathered across the city, while residents have used the occasion to display the customs and traditions that form an important part of Tooro’s identity.
Nyabongo was also served milk as part of the traditional rites as he prepared for the transition to the throne.
According to the kingdom’s programme, Nyabongo was scheduled to leave Rwengoma on Monday night in a traditional procession heading to Karuziika Palace, where he will be crowned on Tuesday, September 29.
His journey to the throne follows a contested succession process after Oyo’s death in August.
The Babiito royal clan selected Nyabongo, a cousin of the late king, as his successor, and the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed the choice.
However, members of Oyo’s immediate family challenged the selection, arguing that the late king had left behind a son.
Despite the dispute, preparations for Tuesday’s coronation have continued, with Fort Portal taking on the appearance of a city preparing for a major festival.
For residents, the occasion is also a rare opportunity to celebrate Tooro culture publicly and collectively.
The colourful decorations, traditional ceremonies, music, dancing and large crowds have created a festive atmosphere across the city, with many people eager to witness the beginning of a new chapter.
Nyabongo also participated in the burial rites for Oyo, marking the transition from mourning towards succession.
On Tuesday, that transition will become formal when Nyabongo is crowned the 13th Omukama of Tooro.
After weeks of sorrow following Oyo’s death, Fort Portal is once again filled with the sounds and colours of a royal celebration — a moment many residents see as an opportunity for renewal, cultural pride and a new beginning for the kingdom.
