King Oyo’s 22nd coronation anniversary underway

King Oyo hits the royal drum on Thursday evening to mark the beginning of his 22nd coronation anniversary at his palace in Karuzika. Photos by Felix Basiime

What you need to know:

  • King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992 to King Olimi Kaboyo and the Queen mother, Best Kemigisa.
  • Oyo assumed the role of king when he was just a toddler after the death of his father in 1995.

KABAROLE: King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro is celebrating his 22 coronation anniversary in Kabarole District.
King Oyo will host his subjects and other guests at his Karuzika palace in Fort Portal town, Kabarole District.
Preparations for the ceremony which is expected to be graced by President Museveni as the chief guest were complete by Thursday, according to Kingdom Prime Minister Mr Bernard Tungwako.

Mr Tungwako said this year’s anniversary was organized by the youth in the kingdom with support of other partners.
The youth minister, Mr Edward Kasija said activities such as health camp, Agriculture Expo, tourism and sport activities were organized to mark the anniversary.

President Museveni and the queen mother Best Kemigisa at one of king Oyo's coronation anniversary . File photo

King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992 to King Olimi Kaboyo and the Queen mother, Best Kemigisa.
Oyo assumed the role of king when he was just a toddler after the death of his father in 1995.
On September 12, 1995, a week after his father’s burial, the rituals to hand over the reins of power to Oyo began and he was latter enthroned.

King Oyo performing the first rituals of Empango at his palace.

Dr Richard Mugahi, the deputy health minister of Tooro kingdom said, “A health camp to mark the 22nd coronation anniversary has helped people to get health services on HIV/AIDs, Hepatatis B, cervical cancer screening, Safe Male Circumcision and other family planning services for free at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital by a team of doctors from India.

Dr Mugahi said HIV prevalence rate for Kabarole District stands at 11.3 percent higher than the national rate of 7.3 percent.
Ms Miriam Busingye, the Communications Officer at Baylor Uganda for Rwenzori sub region