Tooro Kingdom: Unlocking a one-in-a-million opportunity for wealth creation

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OPINION

By Deo Kalikumutima

I heartily congratulate His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV upon his 30th coronation anniversary.

I salute him for all the accomplishments so far. It has been a journey full of daunting tasks, but he has gracefully risen up to the occasion.

Much has been said about Tooro, yet its vast potential remains underexplored. Strategically located in western Uganda, Tooro stands out as a food basket, a cultural heartland, a tourism jewel, and a mineral-rich region. When Uganda is hailed as the Pearl of Africa, a significant part of that glitter belongs to Tooro, endowed with fertile soils, diverse landscapes, and a treasure chest of 62 minerals—including gold, mica, quartz, and gypsum.

Agriculture: Feeding Uganda and beyond

Tooro’s soils are so fertile that even stray seeds often germinate into thriving crops. This natural abundance makes the region central to food security in both
the Rwenzori subregion and Uganda as a whole.

Commercial agriculture is not new to Tooro. Cash crops such as coffee, cocoa, vanilla, Hass avocado, macadamia, and cassava for starch production are already cultivated.

However, to maximise this potential, farmers need stronger cooperative structures to ensure efficient value and supply chains. Improved infrastructure—particularly road networks connecting Tooro to other parts of Uganda and to the vast Congolese market—would further accelerate growth.

Tourism: A landscape of wonders

Tooro’s landscape is one of breathtaking beauty. Its crater lakes, such as Lake Nyabikere, Lake Kyaninga, and Lake Saaka, dot the plains like jewels, many still unknown to most Ugandans.

The region is home to renowned forests such as Kibale and Itwara, with Kibale National Park hosting one of the world’s richest primate populations, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, alongside elephants and diverse bird species.

The Rwenzori mountain ranges, hot springs, and sweeping Rift Valley views add to the region’s allure, complemented by easy access to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

While several tour companies are tapping into this potential, there remains a need for improved transport infrastructure, including the revitalisation of local airports, to make Tooro more accessible to domestic and international tourists.

Cultural heritage: a living history

Tooro’s strength is not only in its land but also in its rich cultural heritage. The Kingdom’s history can be traced back to the Tembuzi, Cwezi, and Luo dynasties, reflected in landmarks such as the legendary Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and waterfalls at Nyakasura, and Kaborogota, a site of historic royal battles.

Historically, Tooro was among the best-organised kingdoms in Uganda, with structured governance that attracted British colonialists to sign the 1900 Agreement. The monarchy was more than a symbol of authority—it was a central institution for development, with organised ministries for agriculture, education, culture, and health. The King, revered as both leader and father, safeguarded his people, maintaining royal granaries and kraals as reserves against famine and crisis.

This legacy continues today, with the Kingdom serving as both a custodian of culture and a driver of progress.

Minerals: an untapped treasure

Beneath Tooro’s fertile soils lies a wealth of mineral resources. With over 62 known minerals, including gold, quartz, gypsum, and mica, the Kingdom has the potential to fuel Uganda’s industrialisation and export base.

However, this potential remains largely untapped, awaiting structured investment, value addition, and environmentally conscious exploitation.

Strategic partnerships and human capital

Tooro Kingdom is actively collaborating with government institutions and development partners to unlock its potential. Partnerships with the Uganda Industrial Research Institute have created opportunities for youth skilling, while the National Agricultural Research Organisation’s Rwebitaba Institute continues to provide critical support to farmers.

Yet, more can be done. By leveraging its human resource base, natural wealth, and cultural capital, Tooro can amplify development through strategic alliances with the private sector, NGOs, and international investors.

Conclusion: A call to action

Tooro Kingdom is more than a region—it is a one-in-a-million opportunity. With fertile soils, spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and mineral wealth, the Kingdom holds the keys to food security, tourism excellence, and sustainable industrial growth.

What remains is the will to harness these opportunities through improved infrastructure, stronger cooperatives, value-addition, and meaningful partnerships.

If these steps are taken, Tooro will not only ignite wealth for its people but also strengthen Uganda’s place as the true Pearl of Africa.

Deo Kalikumutima works with Kalikumutima & Co Advocates