King Oyo to mark 13 years
Sep 18, 2008
PREPARATIONS have begun for Toro King Oyo Nyimba’s annual coronation festival (empango), set for September 27, when he will mark 13 years on the throne.
By Raymond Baguma
PREPARATIONS have begun for Toro King Oyo Nyimba’s annual coronation festival (empango), set for September 27, when he will mark 13 years on the throne.
The empango has become one of Toro Kingdom’s biggest tourist attractions ever since King Oyo became the world’s youngest monarch at the age of three.
He ascended the throne in 1995, following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo to become the 12th ruler of the 180-year-old kingdom.
The kingdom’s deputy Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister), Silver Byaruhanga, on Wednesday said this year’s celebrations will run under the theme ‘ensinganto nizo mango’ (The youth are the pillar).
The 16-year-old king currently has regents who administer the kingdom on his behalf.
The regents include President Yoweri Museveni, the Rev. Richard Baguma, George Nyakairu and Justine Bakahumura.
Byaruhanga, who is also minister of culture and clan mobilisation, said Museveni will be the chief guest.
He will be joined by traditional leaders from Bunyoro, Acholi, Busoga, Buganda, Alur, Ankole, Teso, Padhola and Lango.
Byaruhanga said the celebrations will be preceded by several activities, including the annual coronation golf tournament, a soccer gala, a trade fair, the launch of an information centre in Kamwenge district and a tour of the kingdom’s counties in Kyenjojo district.
The king will also preside over the inaugural graduation ceremony at the Mountains of the Moon University and launch the King Oyo Education Fund during a dinner at Mountains of the Moon hotel in Fort Portal.
Currently, King Oyo is leading a delegation of the kingdom officials on a visit to Libya at the invitation of the Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi.
The delegation comprises Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale and a number of kingdom ministers.
Gaddafi financed the renovation of the Tooro kingdom palace.
PREPARATIONS have begun for Toro King Oyo Nyimba’s annual coronation festival (empango), set for September 27, when he will mark 13 years on the throne.
The empango has become one of Toro Kingdom’s biggest tourist attractions ever since King Oyo became the world’s youngest monarch at the age of three.
He ascended the throne in 1995, following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo to become the 12th ruler of the 180-year-old kingdom.
The kingdom’s deputy Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister), Silver Byaruhanga, on Wednesday said this year’s celebrations will run under the theme ‘ensinganto nizo mango’ (The youth are the pillar).
The 16-year-old king currently has regents who administer the kingdom on his behalf.
The regents include President Yoweri Museveni, the Rev. Richard Baguma, George Nyakairu and Justine Bakahumura.
Byaruhanga, who is also minister of culture and clan mobilisation, said Museveni will be the chief guest.
He will be joined by traditional leaders from Bunyoro, Acholi, Busoga, Buganda, Alur, Ankole, Teso, Padhola and Lango.
Byaruhanga said the celebrations will be preceded by several activities, including the annual coronation golf tournament, a soccer gala, a trade fair, the launch of an information centre in Kamwenge district and a tour of the kingdom’s counties in Kyenjojo district.
The king will also preside over the inaugural graduation ceremony at the Mountains of the Moon University and launch the King Oyo Education Fund during a dinner at Mountains of the Moon hotel in Fort Portal.
Currently, King Oyo is leading a delegation of the kingdom officials on a visit to Libya at the invitation of the Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi.
The delegation comprises Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale and a number of kingdom ministers.
Gaddafi financed the renovation of the Tooro kingdom palace.