By Hope Mafaranga

The King of Toro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, has appointed former Fort Portal municipality MP Steven Kaliba as the new prime minister of the kingdom.

One of the kingdom regents, Rev. Richard Baguma, announced Kaliba’s appointment during the kingdom’s parliament meeting at its headquarters in Mucwa, Fort Portal in Kabarole district on Saturday.

Kaliba replaces Amos Mugisa, who resigned two weeks ago, citing interference in kingdom affairs by palace officials.

In a letter read by Baguma, King Oyo requested the members of the kingdomparliament and the royal family to accept his choice of Kaliba as premier.

“Kaliba is a hardworking and experienced man who will bring social and economic development to the kingdom. I appeal to you to work with him,” Oyo’s letter said.

Oyo asked Kaliba to use his new position to end conflicts, which have plagued the kingdom for many years.

He said the kingdom administration should expedite the swearing-in of Kaliba so that he can quickly appoint his cabinet and a land board committee to oversee the land issues in the kingdom.

During the meeting presided over by the kingdom speaker, Saul Mugasa, the members unanimously approved Kaliba’s appointment.

Kaliba, in his acceptance speech, said: “I am willing, with all my heart, to serve my king and the kingdom’s subjects.”

Princess Elizabeth Bagaya requested the kingdom officials to respect the new premier and let him do his work without interference.

“It is unfortunate that the kingdom has become a laughing stock because several premiers have been sacked and others resigned, which has discredited the king and his subjects,” Bagaya said.

Kaliba was elected MP in 2006. He lost his seat in 2011 to Alex Ruhunda, the current Fort Portal municipality MP.