Tooro coronation: Several roads diverted as police issue final guidelines

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Ahead of the coronation of the new Tooro king, scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, police have issued guidelines for members of the public to follow to ensure the function proceeds smoothly.

Speaking to New Vision on Monday (September 28) at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal city, SP Vincent Twesige, the Rwenzori West police spokesperson, said several roads would be diverted, particularly those passing through Fort Portal city.

SP Vincent Twesige, the Rwenzori West police spokesperson, said several roads would be diverted, particularly those passing through Fort Portal city. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

"Starting tonight at around 10:00 pm, we shall cut off the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo Road because the king, together with his subjects, especially men, will be trekking about 4 km from Rwengoma to the Karuziika Palace on foot as one of the rituals performed in Tooro kingdom during coronation," Twesige explained.

He added that on the day of the coronation, there would be several diversions, particularly along the Fort Portal-Kasese Road and Fort Portal-Kampala route, in both directions.

He said police personnel would be stationed at various diversion points to guide road users.

Twesige also warned people against carrying sharp or sensitive materials and advised those intending to attend with children and elderly people to take extra care of them to prevent them from getting lost.

King-in-waiting Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I waves to his subjects as he heads to the Rwengoma-based palace. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

"Everyone will be checked by police at the entrance of the palace and at church premises," he said.

About preparations

Former MP Adolf Mwesige, one of the key organisers of the coronation, said preparations were complete and that more than 15,000 people were expected to attend. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.

"I can tell you that people are very excited, seeming to mean that after a long time, they are going to have a king that will work overwhelmingly for them," Mwesige said.

Mwesige added that enough food had been secured to feed all those attending, including cow meat, rice, matooke and Karo, among others. He said all service providers were doing everything possible to ensure the event was successfully conducted.

"The palace has been fully rehabilitated, all tents have been erected, I can tell you that all is set," he said.

The King's march from Rwengoma Palace

The king-in-waiting Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I was triumphantly welcomed in Fort Portal city on Monday, as his convoy moved from Buhesi to the Rwengoma Palace.

From there, he was expected to trek on foot with some of his subjects, particularly men, during the night before entering Karuziika Palace.

The King's foot trek is one of the recognised rituals and norms performed in Tooro Kingdom, particularly before the coronation of a new king.

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the coronation.