By Rukia Nakadama

The government of Uganda with pleasure joined the kingdom of Tooro to celebrate the birthday of the Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Omukama Oyo Igiru has taken over officially as King

The birthday stood out because the Omukama of Tooro had come to the age of 18.

From the age of 18 on king Oyo will be able to make decisions on behalf of the people of Tooro Kingdom.

The Constitution of Uganda emphasizes the promotion of Culture. The most prominent of these include; Article 37 which states that every person has a right as applicable to belong to, enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture, cultural institution, language, tradition among others in community with others. 

In addition Article 246 of the Constitution provides for the revitalization, strengthening and support of traditional/cultural institutions.

Against this background, the Government recognizes and supports traditional/cultural institutions and Tooro Kingdom is one of these institutions.

The Government has been supportive of the Tooro Kingdom and will continue to do so. On top of the emoluments that the Omukama of Tooro receives each month, the Government provided the funds that were used to purchase the palace in which he stays when he is in Kampala. Government also provides privileges like security and transport to the Omukama.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Queen, the Regents and the Royal Family for having taken up the challenge of bringing up the King from the tender age of three. It must have been a daunting task but on behalf of the government and on my on behalf, I wish to thank you because you have done it well.

On behalf of Government, I wish to pledge our continued support to the Omukama and to the people of Tooro. We wish him the best in his reign and we believe that Oyo is ready to take over the mantle of the Kingdom of Tooro. Long Live the Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and Long Live the People of Tooro.

Thank you!

The writer is the minister of state for gender and cultural affairs