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Photos by Abbey Ramadhan

The King of Toro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has premiered his movie on his Margherita peak expedition.

During the launch of the movie at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) at Kasanga in Kampala on Friday, the youthful monarch expressed gratitude that the production is already a hit.

 “I am happy to have been informed that even before our premiere here in Uganda, the documentary on my Rwenzori Mountain expedition had already received an international award in New York.

"This achievement serves as a testament to the incredible beauty and richness for our beloved Toro kingdom, captivating hearts and minds worldwide."

During the Ekyooto ha’mpango (a royal fireplace) hosted in the runup to the Empango (coronation anniversary) celebrations in June 2O21, the king revealed his plan to climb the Rwenzori to boost tourism and conservation of nature.

(L-R) Hassan Alwi , the board of trustees International University of East Africa (IUEA ) ,Xavier Sticker, the France Ambassador to Uganda ,and Fatih Ak , the Turkish Ambassador to Uganda chats with the King of Toro Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, ( King Oyo).This was after the launch of Royal Rwenzori Mountain Expedition at IUEA on November 25, 2023.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

“The time for decisive action is now. As we embark on the premiere of King Oyo Rwenzori Mountain documentary, let us always be mindful of our responsibility to protect and preserve our environment,” said the 31-year-old king.

“While we appreciate the wonders of our land, we must also recognize the need for government support in improving infrastructure, enhancing safety measures and availing medical facilities. These developments will not only benefit the people, but will also enhance visitors’ experience, ensuring that all who come to explore our Fort Portal Tourism City will feel welcome and secure.” 

'Rivers drying up' 

By premiering his movie, Oyo effectively steps in the footprints of his 87-year-old aunt, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya, who decades ago premiered a world-class movie titled 'Sheena Queen of the Jungle', which sold millions of copies and to date remains one of the most outstanding movies in the film industry.

Oyo emphasized that it is high time for Uganda and the entire world to acknowledge the prevailing issue of climate change and the urgent need for action.

“Climate change is not just a distant threat, it is affecting our environment right here, right now. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme adverse weather events such as storms, droughts and floods, are clear indicators of the impact we are facing.

"Our rivers are drying up, biodiversity is declining and eco-systems are under immense pressure. We must take responsibility as custodians of this earth to protect and preserve what remains."

King Oyo, the King of Toro with other delegates the watching the Royal Rwenzori Mountain Expedition at IUEA on November 25, 2023.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

The Toro king, who is a conservationist, used the premiere to advocate for the promotion of responsible tourism both domestically and internationally with Toro and Uganda as a benchmark.

“Tourism not only brings economic prosperity, but it also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage. I believe that through responsible tourism, we can inspire visitors to become active participants in conservation efforts and sustainable practices,” he said.

He added that preserving Uganda's natural resources is paramount in ensuring a thriving environment for generations to come.

The minister of state for tourism, Martin Mugarura Bahinduka, celebrated the king’s courageous move to climb the mountain despite a number of discouraging stories about those who had in the past attempted the challenge.

Ililta Nezerab, second year student arrives for the Royal Rwenzori Mountain Expedition. This was at IUEA on November 25, 2023.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

“I want to thank people who saw this happen, from the king himself, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supported and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB),” he said.

 Bahinduka said the king’s move to climb the mountain will give it a milestone that it had never been given before.

“My prayer is that the message his majesty was pushing is heard such that by 2050, we still have the glacier up there. Otherwise without it, trust me I don’t think there will be any life surviving on the lowlands of the mountain."

King Oyo prepares to address delegates at the Royal Rwenzori Mountain Expedition. This was at IUEA on November 25, 2023.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

'More love for king'

According to Toro kingdom prime minister, Steven Kiyingi, the milestone, among others, has elevated the love and respect the people of Toro have for their king.

“What King Oyo has demonstrated through this world-class highly educational movie challenges the young people in the audience to not only see the move for entertainment but get encouraged to improve the climate,” he said.

“I must confess that my love and our love for our King Oyo must begin to grow with the greatness the king has demonstrated through this move.”  

Joan Else Kantu, the Toro Kingdom tourism minister, said: “Our environment is very key; people are talking, dreaming, and dancing about it, but our king decided to take action, and the action was to climb Rwenzori and see it himself if those glaciers are still there.”

Dr Emeka Akaezuwa, the vice-chancellor of the IUEA, used the occasion to reiterate the university’s commitment to partner with Toro Kingdom.

Musician Nina Rose and others also turned up for the Royal Rwenzori Mountain Expedition. This was at IUEA on November 25, 2023.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

“I am delighted to announce that IUEA has officially partnered with Toro Kingdom to launch a groundbreaking initiative called transformative agricultural technology that aims to revolutionalize farming practices in the region,” he said.

Akaezuwa said the technology is very important for the people since it enables small-holder farmers, buyers, technologists to come on one platform and do business for the prosperity of the kingdom.