Claire
Following his reappointment as the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom,Owek. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, has promised to focus on reconciliation, youth empowerment, agriculture and proper management of Kingdom money.
Yesterday evening,in an announcement made by his personal Assistant Paul Nyakaana, Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I retained Owek. Calvin Armstrong in office for what the described as a transition period of six months on an interim basis.
Rwomiire, addressing Journalists yesterday said the reappointment is a call to serve the King and the people of Tooro, not a personal right.
Peace and unity
Rwomiire, who said reconciliation will be at the heart of the new chapter, asked leaders, clans, institutions and subjects to put aside their differences and work for peace.
He also apologised for the protocal mistakes he said he made after the death of former King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying some of his actions, decisions or omissions may have caused misunderstanding, but promised to rebuild trust through his work.
Youth and agriculture
The Prime Minister said finishing the youth empowerment incubation hubs is an immediate priority. The hubs will teach skills and support business, farming and other opportunities for young people and their communities. He said the King has agreed to visit and open them during his coming Masaza tours.
The Kingdom will also look at letting organised youth groups lease Kingdom land for farming. Rwomiire said the plan will be developed with legal advice and safeguards to protect the land from encroachment and misuse. He believes it could create jobs, raise farm output and increase household incomes.
On agriculture, the premier said the Kingdom will work to improve production, access to markets and value addition. He said Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze has agreed to support the Kingdom with seedlings, fertiliser and other farm inputs.
Staff, systems and money
He added that his administration will clear outstanding staff arrears at Muchwa and strengthen the Kingdom’s systems, policies and structures. He promised stronger financial discipline, with clear responsibilities, oversight and measurable results for every programme. He said accountability is key to restoring confidence and attracting support for Kingdom development programmes.
He said he has asked the King to formally affirm the Kingdom Strategic Plan, which would set targets, timelines and ways of measuring progress and called for proper induction of new office bearers so they understand their roles, authority and responsibilities.
Masaza, sports and partners
According to his agenda, the administration will strengthen the Masaza system by supporting the King to visit communities, listen to people’s concerns and understand their development needs. The Kingdom will talk to the Ministry of Gender about supporting the Masaza, including transport and welfare.
Rwomiire also listed the completion of the remaining Masaza Cup games as a priority, saying sport brings young people together and strengthens unity.
He promised closer engagement with the Government of Uganda to find areas of cooperation in youth empowerment, agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, tourism, cultural heritage and enterprise development.
The administration will also support the Girls for Girls mentorship project started by the Queen, as part of wider efforts to support young people.
Rwomiire said the King agreed with these priorities and directed him to begin implementation. He will soon present to the King the team he plans to work with