I’m ready for the challenge ahead
Of course, I rebelled, but not because I am a king. Sometimes I would rebel because I didn’t want to do certain things. For instance, I would refuse to lay my bed because I was tired. Or I would not want to go to school because I didn’t see how school was going to help me in future
Of course, I rebelled, but not because I am a king. Sometimes I would rebel because I didn’t want to do certain things. For instance, I would refuse to lay my bed because I was tired. Or I would not want to go to school because I didn’t see how school was going to help me in future
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV finally takes the full mantle of his kingdom. ELIZABETH NAMAZZI asks him about his plans for his kingdom
Are you scared of what lies ahead?
No.
What makes you confident that you will manage on your own?
I have always been ready for this day since I was crowned king. I have experienced many things that have helped me mature and prepare for my role as the king of my people.
What was your toughest experience as a young king?
It was when I was seven and it finally dawned on me that I am a king. I wondered how I could be a good leader.
So, how did you cope?
I have helpers, who have helped me with speeches and other things.
Did it excite you seeing high-profile people at your functions, especially since you were a child?
I wasn’t excited because as a king, I was also a high-profile person. Now that I am older and in charge, I want to know them better.
Did you ever wish that you were someone else?
Even if I did, it cannot happen.
What was your best time?
When my team, Arsenal won.
Did you scream and jump, hugging people around you?
No. (Toro kings are not permitted to express their emotions in public. They are not even allowed to laugh because it’s a sign of weakness – Ed)
Are there times when you did not obey your mother because you are a king?
Of course, I rebelled, but not because I am a king. Sometimes I would rebel because I didn’t want to do certain things. For instance, I would refuse to lay my bed because I was tired. Or I would not want to go to school because I didn’t understand how school was going to help me in future.
What puts you under pressure as a king?
Things like attending meetings and making speeches.
Who is your role model?
I am not trying to be like anyone. I am trying to be a role model and leader for my people.
Does that mean you don’t seek advice?
I do. I once asked the President (Yoweri Museveni) how to be a good leader. And he has been giving me advice. He also helped me with my education.
How do you see your role in the politics of Toro and the country as a whole?
I am not a politician.
Baganda are agitating for federo (federal system of government.) Will you support their cause?
That’s a sensitive question.
What are your plans for your people?
I want to ensure that I develop my kingdom. I want to construct more hospitals to provide health care.
I also want to build more schools to improve education services.
What is the most frustrating thing someone can do to you?
It annoys me when I am not informed about what is going on in the kingdom.Â
What amuses you?
Not many things.
What disappoints you?
When my team, Arsenal, loses.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I read, watch movies and football.
Which is your favourite local football team?
I don’t support any local team.
Which schools have you attended?
I first studied in the UK before joining Kampala Parents and Aga Khan. I am now in my last year (Form Six) at Kampala International School.
What is your dream career?
I have always wanted to be an engineer but as a king, I have to put that aside and do what is expected of me.
Does that mean that you are going to give up your studies to take charge of your kingdom?
Studying has always been important to me so I will continue to university and finish my studies. I will only give up my dream to become an engineer.
Which university do you want to attend?
I haven’t made up my mind yet.
How will you balance your responsibilities as a king and a student?
I will be done with my exams soon. I will be finishing school this year so it won’t be that much of a challenge for me.
How do you handle a situation where you have to attend a meeting on a school day?
I plan and set days for meetings. I also contact the people I am going to have meetings with before hand so there are no major conflicts.
Your subjects expect a queen for their king. At what age do you intend to marry?
I haven’t even thought about marriage because I am still at school.
Have you had issues with people who befriend you just because you are a king?
My friends like me for who I am and not what I am.
How do you know that?
I know that because I know them.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would want everyone to remember me for my good leadership.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV finally takes the full mantle of his kingdom. ELIZABETH NAMAZZI asks him about his plans for his kingdom
Are you scared of what lies ahead?
No.
What makes you confident that you will manage on your own?
I have always been ready for this day since I was crowned king. I have experienced many things that have helped me mature and prepare for my role as the king of my people.
What was your toughest experience as a young king?
It was when I was seven and it finally dawned on me that I am a king. I wondered how I could be a good leader.
So, how did you cope?
I have helpers, who have helped me with speeches and other things.
Did it excite you seeing high-profile people at your functions, especially since you were a child?
I wasn’t excited because as a king, I was also a high-profile person. Now that I am older and in charge, I want to know them better.
Did you ever wish that you were someone else?
Even if I did, it cannot happen.
What was your best time?
When my team, Arsenal won.
Did you scream and jump, hugging people around you?
No. (Toro kings are not permitted to express their emotions in public. They are not even allowed to laugh because it’s a sign of weakness – Ed)
Are there times when you did not obey your mother because you are a king?
Of course, I rebelled, but not because I am a king. Sometimes I would rebel because I didn’t want to do certain things. For instance, I would refuse to lay my bed because I was tired. Or I would not want to go to school because I didn’t understand how school was going to help me in future.
What puts you under pressure as a king?
Things like attending meetings and making speeches.
Who is your role model?
I am not trying to be like anyone. I am trying to be a role model and leader for my people.
Does that mean you don’t seek advice?
I do. I once asked the President (Yoweri Museveni) how to be a good leader. And he has been giving me advice. He also helped me with my education.
How do you see your role in the politics of Toro and the country as a whole?
I am not a politician.
Baganda are agitating for federo (federal system of government.) Will you support their cause?
That’s a sensitive question.
What are your plans for your people?
I want to ensure that I develop my kingdom. I want to construct more hospitals to provide health care.
I also want to build more schools to improve education services.
What is the most frustrating thing someone can do to you?
It annoys me when I am not informed about what is going on in the kingdom.Â
What amuses you?
Not many things.
What disappoints you?
When my team, Arsenal, loses.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I read, watch movies and football.
Which is your favourite local football team?
I don’t support any local team.
Which schools have you attended?
I first studied in the UK before joining Kampala Parents and Aga Khan. I am now in my last year (Form Six) at Kampala International School.
What is your dream career?
I have always wanted to be an engineer but as a king, I have to put that aside and do what is expected of me.
Does that mean that you are going to give up your studies to take charge of your kingdom?
Studying has always been important to me so I will continue to university and finish my studies. I will only give up my dream to become an engineer.
Which university do you want to attend?
I haven’t made up my mind yet.
How will you balance your responsibilities as a king and a student?
I will be done with my exams soon. I will be finishing school this year so it won’t be that much of a challenge for me.
How do you handle a situation where you have to attend a meeting on a school day?
I plan and set days for meetings. I also contact the people I am going to have meetings with before hand so there are no major conflicts.
Your subjects expect a queen for their king. At what age do you intend to marry?
I haven’t even thought about marriage because I am still at school.
Have you had issues with people who befriend you just because you are a king?
My friends like me for who I am and not what I am.
How do you know that?
I know that because I know them.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would want everyone to remember me for my good leadership.