Princess Komuntale’s son baptized at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal

FORT PORTAL - Tooro royal family, government officials, several prominent business people, and several clergy were among hundreds who jammed St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal to witness the baptism of Prince Jamari Matthew Farquharson Adyeeri, son of Tooro Kingdom’s Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale and her American husband, Phillip Farquharson.

Toro King Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, brother to Komuntale and their mother, Best Olimi Kemigisa, led the worshippers.

During the service, Ruwenzori diocese bishop, Rev Reuben Kisembo Amooti, hailed the young family for upholding the Christian and cultural traditions of Tooro. 

In his sermon, the bishop emphasised the importance of faith, family, and heritage.
He also said that as the church, “Today we welcome Prince Jamari into the Christian family, and we pray he grows with wisdom, humility, and a heart for service.”

Bishop Kisembo’s sermon also touched on the spiritual meaning of baptism, calling it the foundation of Christian identity and a symbol of new life rooted in faith. 

He reminded the people that baptism is not merely a tradition, but a covenant with God. 
“Through baptism, we are welcomed into the family of Christ. It is not only a celebration, but also a commitment by the child’s parents, godparents, and community to raise the child in the love and teachings of Jesus,” Bishop Kisembo said.

Princess Komuntale and her husband during the baptism of their son. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)

Praising Princess Komuntale and Farquharson for choosing to have their son baptised in Fort Portal, he described the decision as a powerful gesture that connects the child to his spiritual roots and to the heart of Tooro.”

“This is a special moment not just for the royal family but for all believers in Tooro,” Bishop Kisembo added. “It shows that no matter how high one rises in position or title, we all begin the same way in the arms of God.”

The ceremony drew crowds from across the region, with many people arriving early in the morning to witness what some called a rare and historic blessing.

“I came here to be part of history,” said Daphine Kebirungi, a local church member. “To see the royal family participate in such a humble and meaningful way gives us all hope.”

Others looked at the event as a foundation of pride for their kingdom, “This is not just a family celebration, it is a moment of unity and pride for the entire kingdom,” said one attendee, Lydia Atwooki, a resident of Fort Portal who lined up outside the cathedral as early as 9am.

Members of the Royal family led by King Oyo (in glasses) together with the young prince and the bishop after baptism. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)

Linda Irene, the Fort Portal woman member of parliament, said the event brings the kingdom closer to the people and is a chance to welcome the princess’s husband to the kingdom.

“We welcome our son-in-law and the child who got baptised. I call upon all the people to continue supporting our kingdom,” she said

Today is a special day as the Toro’s Batebe child is being baptised, we feel proud and everyone is happy about it,” said Zebidayo Mwesige, the former kingdom’s deputy minister of culture.

Komuntale and her family, who are based in the   United States of America, arrived in Uganda on Tuesday, September 02.

She is sent to carry out a number of kingdom activities, including a key role at the 30th Coronation Anniversary  of  Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, 
Ronald Mutegeki, the kingdom’s deputy minister of information, described her return as a major milestone in the lead-up to the 30th Coronation Anniversary.

“Her coming is significant for this year’s Empango celebration and a big milestone, as she is Batebbe, a big royal position head of Ababiitokati.

Her presence unites: her family, plus clan and the entire people of Tooro. This is not just a celebration for Toro region, but for the entire nation,” he said in a recent interview.