Tooro’s traditional rituals to end the mourning period for the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and prepare the kingdom for a new Omukama were completed on Monday night, paving the way for the coronation of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The rituals began after Nyabongo left Rwengoma Palace at about 10pm, accompanied by a large procession carrying traditional lamps made from reeds. The procession moved through Fort Portal City before arriving at Karuziika Palace at about 3am.
On reaching the palace, Nyabongo entered through the Mugabante gate, where he took part in a symbolic traditional battle. He emerged victorious before proceeding into Karuziika Palace.
As part of the rituals, Nyabongo speared a bull before entering the palace. He then took his place on the Tooro throne, marking an important stage in his transition into the role of Omukama.
Inside the palace, he performed other traditional rituals associated with the restoration of the kingdom after the mourning period. The royal drums, which had been left unturned during mourning, were placed upright and each was beaten nine times. Other royal regalia, including spears, were also turned upright.
The rituals also marked the lifting of some of the restrictions that had been observed following Oyo’s death. The lion sculptures at the entrance to Karuziika Palace and at the city roundabout, which had been covered during the mourning period, were uncovered.
Before the rituals, Nyabongo had been staying at a private residence in Buheesi Town Council, Bunyangabu District, where Tooro cultural leaders had been providing him with cultural orientation and training for his new role.
He later travelled to Rwengoma Palace, where he spent Monday evening before beginning the night procession to Karuziika.
With the traditional rituals completed, Nyabongo is now set to be formally crowned the 14th Omukama of Tooro Kingdom.
The coronation is scheduled for today at Karuziika Palace. It will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the main coronation ceremony at the palace, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to attend as chief guest.
