King Oyo names new Tooro Prime Minister ahead of 30th coronation

Tooro King (Omukama) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV has appointed Calvin Rwomire Armstrong as the new Prime Minister, succeeding Steven Kiyinji, whose tenure since 2022 was met with opposition from sections of the Batooro tribal group.

Announcing the changes during the opening session of the Kingdom Supreme Council (Orukurato) at the kingdom headquarters in Muchwa, Fort Portal City, on Friday, King Oyo also named three deputy Prime Ministers Harriet Nyakake, William Kwemara Ngabu and Henry Basaliza.

Before his elevation, Rwomire served as the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of investment and planning, a role he took on in September 2024.

His newly appointed deputies have also held key leadership positions within the kingdom:

Mutegeki previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Kingdom Relations while Ngabu was Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Administration.

Nyakake was Deputy Prime Minister for Gender, Culture, and Clan Mobilization.

In his address, the king directed Rwomire to begin preparations for the 30^th coronation anniversary later this year

“This year’s coronation anniversary will be managed by the kingdom administration,” the monarch said.

King Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, at the age of three.

Still on Friday, the monarch also tasked Armstrong and his deputies to organize visits to all nine counties within the kingdom before he urged subjects to intensify efforts in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly amid dwindling foreign aid to Uganda.

Unlike his predecessor, Rwomire’s appointment was unanimously welcomed by the kingdom’s Supreme Council. Some members encouraged him to use the forthcoming presidential campaigns to ensure government pledges to Tooro Kingdom are fulfilled.

Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito Royal Clan and King Oyo’s uncle, urged the new premier to focus on restoring the kingdom’s properties in line with the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between President Museveni and Tooro.

“Our properties have yet to be returned. We expect him to follow up on these and other commitments,” Kamurasi stated.

Following their appointments, Rwomire and his deputies proceeded to the Karuziika Palace for a swearing-in ceremony.

Who is Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki?

Born in Gweri, Harugongo, Rwomire is the son of the late Owekitinisa Omunyoro Rwomiire Aratoli Akiiki and Omubiitokati Rebecca Kimome Rwomiire Amooti.

He holds an LLB and a Master’s in Refugees and International Studies from the University of East London, UK. He studied at Bugema and Kabarole Primary Schools, Ruteete Secondary School (O-Level), Kololo High School (A-Level), and later pursued IT at the United States International University-Africa, Nairobi.

Rwomire is one of only three recipients of Tooro Kingdom’s highest honor, Ekondo (Coronet), alongside President Museveni and the late Muammar Gaddafi.

His career spans IT, finance, and international development. He worked as an IT Specialist at Makerere University Biological Field Station, later joining Stanbic Bank (formerly Grindlays Bank). After relocating to the UK, he became a seasoned entrepreneur.

He is the founder and CEO of Resilient Logistics, a London-based firm he has led for over 15 years. His previous roles include Communications Manager at Save the Children, Consultant for the World Bank in Uganda, and Partnership Development Manager at the Refugee Council in London.