Empango rituals begin as Toro celebrates King Oyo's 30th anniversary

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Several subjects of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV have begun arriving at the royal palace in Fort Portal city to celebrate with the king.

The 30th coronation anniversary, known as Empango, commemorates the day King Oyo ascended to the throne at just three years old. It is held annually on September 12.

While the Babiito clan is the ruling royal family of the Toro kingdom, the Basiita clan holds the exclusive responsibility of leading the traditional rituals during the Empango ceremony at the Karuzika palace.

At the start of the celebrations on September 11, 2025, Eng. David Baguma, head of the Basiita clan, together with fellow clansmen, presented the royal drums, part of the kingdom’s regalia, to King Oyo.

The king struck each drum nine times. Notably, one of the drums was presented by six-year-old Desmond Baguma.

Baguma then led his clansmen to the Toro Kingdom’s anthill, known as Akaswa ka Toro, where they officially announced the beginning of Empango. Songs of praise were sung in honour of the king and the kingdom, reaffirming their loyalty to him.

Chants commemorating past kings, queen mothers, and other heroes of the kingdom were also performed as the Basiita clan danced in traditional Kanzu attire to the Amakondere, the royal dance of Toro.

Amakondere features traditional trumpets and drums, and during the celebration, subjects danced and jumped joyfully in tune.

The complete royal regalia, including drums, spears, and shields, was presented to the king, who touched each item.

According to Mwesige Zebidayo, the kingdom’s minister of culture and clan mobilisation, this presentation allows the king to confirm that all instruments of power are intact, symbolising peace in the kingdom.

Zebidayo said that before each Empango celebration, the regalia undergoes traditional cleansing before being blessed by the reigning king.

No formal speeches are made on the eve of the celebration. The king simply waves to his subjects as he returns to the palace after performing the rituals.