Editorial
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has arrived at Karuzika palace in fort portal city as the chief guest at the Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I official installation today.
The coronation service of Omukama Edward Rukidi started with prayers at St John’s Cathedral Kabarole as he completed the final rituals leading to his accession to the royal throne.
At exactly 9:45 am, Nyabongo took his royal seat inside the church.
This was followed by the singing of the Tooro kingdom anthem for the first time since the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on August 27 while receiving cancer treatment.
The Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rueben Kisembo, was the main celebrant of the historic service.
At 9:43 am, the King arrived with his Baduma (royal guards), accompanied by additional SFC security personnel. Before he stepped out of the vehicle, the church bells rang out.
The event which began early in the morning started with the traditional installation followed by an overnight procession that began at 11 p.m. on Monday at Rwengoma Palace, with Nyabongo and thousands of his subjects walking about three kilometres through Fort Portal City to Karuziika Palace.
The procession was illuminated by traditional lamps made from reeds as participants chanted, ululated and praised the incoming king.
According to Kingdom protocol officials, the procession was conducted in accordance with traditional rules that barred women from participating in the overnight trek.
The officials said the restriction applied only to the traditional ritual and that women were free to attend Tuesday’s church service at St John’s Cathedral and public coronation.