Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has contributed Shs100 million towards the coronation of Tooro’s new king, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The coronation of Kijanangoma is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.
Muhoozi announced the contribution in a social media post, saying it had been delivered to the kingdom’s Omusuuga on his behalf.
“My Military Assistant, Colonel Muwumba, delivered 100 million shillings on my behalf to the Omusuuga of Tooro. This is our humble contribution to the coronation of the new king. God bless Tooro,” he posted.
The contribution was delivered by Col Christopher Muwumba, Muhoozi’s Military Assistant, alongside Kasambya MP Daudi Kabanda.
The donation comes days after the coronation organising committee, chaired by Msgr Isaiah Mayombo, launched a fundraising drive targeting Shs925 million to finance the coronation ceremonies.
The coronation rituals are expected to begin on the night of September 28, when Kijanangoma will leave Rwengoma Palace accompanied by a procession and proceed to Karuziika Palace through Mugabante, the main entrance to the palace.
At the palace entrance, the King is expected to take part in a traditional mock battle, where he will emerge victorious before entering the palace and taking his seat on the throne.
Several other traditional rituals will then be performed inside Karuziika Palace, including the turning upright of the royal drums, which were turned upside down following the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The main coronation programme on September 29 will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the celebrations move to Karuziika Palace for the official coronation ceremonies.
The coronation will formally mark the beginning of the reign of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who was selected by the Babiito royal clan and subsequently endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
