Tooro prepares for Oyo's coronation anniversary

By Maurice Okore

Preparations are underway across Tooro Kingdom for the 18th coronation anniversary of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi on September 7.

The celebration, referred to as Empango has become one of Tooro Kingdom's biggest tourist attractions ever since King Oyo became the world's youngest monarch at the age of three.

He ascended the throne in 1995, following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo to become the 12th ruler of the 180-year-old kingdom.

According to officials, the celebrations, scheduled to take place at the royal palace in Fort Portal, Kabarole District, will be graced by President Museveni and other dignitaries from abroad.

Several activities have also been lined up to mark the coronation under the theme “The youth and development in Tooro Kingdom-Synergies and Challenges”.

Tooro Kingdom dates as far as 1830 when Prince Olimi Kaboyo Kasunsu Nkwanzi, son of Bunyoro’s Omukama Kyebambe Nyamutukura annexed the southern province of his father’s kingdom known as Tooro and declared himself king. The new kingdom adopted all the traditions of its mother kingdom Bunyoro-Kitara, including the “Empango.” Empango means drum.