Museveni, Oyo discuss developmental projects in Toro

FORT PORTAL - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held "fruitful discussions" with the King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Toro in Fort Portal on Friday (May 16).

The youthful monarch's mother, Best Kemigisa Akiiki, was also present at the meeting with Museveni at the State Lodge.

The meeting centred around significant developmental projects aimed at enhancing tourism and promoting harmonious relations between the local government and the kingdom, according to a statement from the President's press team (PPU).

Key topics of discussion included the construction of a new stadium in Fort Portal and the expansion of the existing aerodrome into a fully-fledged airport. 

These initiatives are expected to boost tourism in the region and provide a platform for economic growth.

Museveni addressed ongoing land issues within Toro Kingdom, emphasizing the government's commitment to establishing common ground that will enable the local government and the monarchy to coexist peacefully. 

A pivotal agreement regarding the return of titles to the kingdom's properties will be initiated upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and the kingdom.

Oyo, 33, was accompanied by members of his administration, including the newly appointed kingdom prime minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who briefed the President on strategies for developmental partnerships, unity, and the kingdom's future plans.

Present at the meeting were Henry Basaliza Araali (deputy prime minister for finance and administration) and Harriet Nyakake Abwooli, (deputy prime minister and minister of gender, culture & clan mobilization).

Also in attendance were the Toro tourism minister Joan Else Kantu, members of the kingdom's land board and other Toro royals.