FORT PORTAL, UGANDA – The Tooro Kingdom has successfully concluded a vibrant week of events to mark the 30th Empango Anniversary of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, a celebration that blended royal tradition with faith, cultural exhibition, and a strong focus on economic empowerment.
The festivities commenced on a high note with the arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Komuntale and her family from the United States, adding a joyous family reunion to the royal occasion.
A significant highlight of the week was a royal baptism ceremony held at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal. The King, alongside guests and well-wishers, witnessed the baptism of Prince Matthew Farquharson Adyeeri, which was integrated into a special thanksgiving service, blessing the beginning of the monarch’s 31st year on the throne.
Demonstrating a commitment to the kingdom’s prosperity, King Oyo led guests on an insightful Royal Agri-Tourism tour. The tour began at the King Oyo Model Farm, a pioneering initiative designed to showcase sustainable and affordable farming methods for local farmers. The delegation also visited active tea farms to gain a deeper understanding of the tea value chain and to underscore the crop’s critical role in the regional economy.
The main Empango celebration was a resounding success, drawing a diverse crowd of local subjects and international guests. The event served as a magnificent display of the Tooro Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional performances, attire, and customs taking center stage.
The week’s activities were crowned by the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Music Festival, a vibrant platform that celebrated the kingdom’s heritage through music and provided a stage for talented local artists to showcase their craft to a wider audience.
In a statement, King Oyo expressed his profound gratitude, saying, “I thank God for a very successful 30th Empango Anniversary Celebrations Week.” He also extended his appreciation to all the partners who collaborated with the kingdom to ensure the historic celebration was a monumental success. The events not only celebrated a milestone but also reinforced the kingdom’s path toward cultural preservation and sustainable development.
