Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire has apologised to the kingdom’s subjects over mistakes he says he made following the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as he outlined 10 key priorities for the new administration under Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I.
Rwomiire, who has been retained as Omuhikirwa by the new King, said his administration will focus on rebuilding trust, promoting reconciliation, strengthening accountability and improving the welfare of the people of Tooro.
“On a personal note, I acknowledge that, especially following the passing of Kabumba Omukama Oyo, I got some things wrong,” Rwomiire said.
“Some of my actions, decisions or omissions may have caused misunderstanding. I take responsibility for my part in those matters and offer a clear and unreserved apology to those who were affected.”
Rwomiire said he would not shift blame for the past but would instead focus on rebuilding confidence in the Kingdom.
“I will not hide behind excuses or shift blame. I am committed to correcting what needs to be corrected, rebuilding trust through action and ensuring that the lessons of the past help us to serve the Kingdom better,” he said.
He said reconciliation would be one of the most important tasks of the new administration, calling on leaders, clans, institutions and subjects to put aside their differences.
“Tooro needs healing. Tooro needs peace. Tooro needs harmony,” he said.
“We cannot build a stronger Kingdom if we remain divided.”
Rwomiire said he had presented his priorities to Omukama Nyabongo, who agreed with them and directed the administration to begin implementation.
He said the Kingdom will work to address outstanding staff arrears at Muchwa, which he said have accumulated over the years.
“Our staff keep the Kingdom functioning, and we must find a sustainable way of dealing with these obligations while putting better systems in place to prevent such problems from recurring,” he said.
The administration will also develop clearer policies, procedures and systems to improve the way the Kingdom operates while ensuring that its cultural norms and traditions are respected.
Rwomiire said the Kingdom will prioritise the completion of youth empowerment incubation hubs to provide opportunities in skills development, enterprise, agriculture and other economic activities. He said Omukama Nyabongo intends to visit and inaugurate the hubs during his forthcoming visits to the Masaza.
The administration will organise the King’s visits to the Masaza to enable him to meet his subjects, listen to their concerns and better understand their needs.
Rwomiire also said the Kingdom will engage the Ministry of Gender on ways to better facilitate the work of the Masaza, including transport and welfare.
He proposed that organised youth associations be allowed to access Kingdom land through appropriate lease arrangements for productive agriculture, subject to legal advice and appropriate safeguards.
“This can create employment and income for our young people and communities, increase agricultural production and help protect Kingdom land from encroachment and misuse,” he said.
The Kingdom also plans to strengthen agricultural production, improve market access and promote value addition to make farming a stronger source of household income.
Rwomiire said Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze had agreed to support the Kingdom with seedlings, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
The administration will also seek to complete the remaining Masaza Cup matches, with Rwomiire describing sport as an important platform for bringing people together and engaging young people.
Rwomiire said he had proposed that the Omukama formally affirm the Kingdom Strategic Plan as a guide for the administration.
“The plan should not simply be a document, but a commitment that holds the administration accountable for delivery,” he said.
The Queen’s “Girls for Girls” mentorship project will also form part of the transition programme.
The Kingdom will pursue structured engagement with government ministries, departments and agencies to seek support for projects in youth empowerment, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, cultural heritage and enterprise development.
Rwomiire also said the Kingdom must ensure that its resources are properly managed, with clear responsibilities, oversight and measurable results for its programmes.
“We must build a culture where commitments are followed by action, resources are used for their intended purpose and those given responsibility are accountable for what they deliver,” he said.
Rwomiire said the priorities were intended to open a new chapter for the Kingdom under Omukama Nyabongo.
“To the people of Tooro, this is a new chapter for our Kingdom,” he said.
“It is time to put aside speculation, blame and division. It is time to restore confidence. It is time to rebuild trust. It is time to unite the Kingdom.”
Rwomiire said he will present to the Omukama the team he intends to work with in implementing the new agenda.
