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Tooro Kingdom has officially pardoned Pastor Ogola Churchhill, leader of Zoe Ministry in Kiisenyi, after he issued a public apology for insulting Omujweri Omusuga Kamurasi.
The controversy
On January 6th, during a vigil service at their church for the late Kigambo Moses Araali, a Tooro music icon who belonged to the Zoe Celebrations Ministries in Fort Portal, Pastor Ogola denied Omusuuga the opportunity to deliver the King’s message and instructed that the microphones be switched off. He notably also used harsh words to publicly humiliate Omusuuga in front of hundreds of mourners.
Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi clarified that he had been present at the event to represent King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as it’s the culture in Tooro that the King does not personally attend burial ceremonies.
During a session today with the Tooro Kingdom Ethics and Culture Committee at the Kingdom headquarters in Muchwa Fort Portal, Pastor Ogola acknowledged his actions, admitted his mistake which he described as a ‘slip of a tongue’, and offered an apology to both the King and the people of Tooro.
“In the course of my speech that day, I acknowledge that I unintentionally showed disrespect towards the Kingdom official, Omusuga. I sincerely request to be forgiven,” said Ogola
Zebidayo Mwesige, the Deputy Minister for Culture in Tooro Kingdom, highlighted several recent incidents that have caused tension within the Kingdom, including derogatory remarks on social media, public protests, and efforts to undermine the monarchy’s role. Mwesige expressed concern about the growing negative sentiment towards the royal family and Tooro’s cultural practices, emphasizing the importance of unity, respect, and understanding as key values for the community.
In his statement, Omujwera Omusuga Charles Kamurasi emphasized that the King does not attend all public functions but sends ministers to represent him in such matters, saying it was extremely very wrong for his speech to be cut short while paying tribute to such an iconic deceased subject, Araali Moses Kigambo.
Kingdom toughens it for disrespectful Individuals
To prevent further incidents, kingdom officials outlined potential consequences for those who fail to respect the Kingdom’s traditions and leadership.
However, Nicholas Mugume, the Kingdom’s Youth Minister, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi, informed Pastor Ogola that the Kingdom and its people had forgiven him, signaling their commitment to healingand unity.
