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Fort Portal, Uganda | URN | Excitement has gripped Fort Portal City as residents prepared for the coronation of the new king of Tooro Kingdom, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The tourism city is taking on a festive appearance ahead of Tuesday’s ceremony.
Traditional arches locally known as ‘akakomo’ have been erected at several entry points into the city, while the main roundabout has been decorated with Tooro Kingdom flags.
The arches made from traditional royal reeds and thatched with grass have been erected in Kisenyi along the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo road, Harubaho along the Fort Portal-Mbarara road, Mpanga along the Fort Portal-Kampala road and Kachwamba along the Fort Portal-Kasese road.
Zebidayo Mwesige, a former Tooro Kingdom Minister of Culture, said the erection of the arches is a traditional expression of happiness and joy.
He said the arches are traditionally constructed to welcome important visitors to an area, such as a bishop visiting a local church, and in this case they signify the kingdom’s welcome to its new traditional ruler.
The festive mood was heightened on Sunday when traditional dancers from the Home of Talents Cultural Troupe took over the main roundabout, entertaining residents and visitors.
The troupe were singing and dancing to cultural songs (orunyege). Rodgers Ayesiga, the troupe leader, said the group had organized the performances as an activation exercise to encourage people to embrace the coronation mood.
He said the dancers would continue performing until coronation day as a gesture of goodwill and love for the kingdom.
Residents said they are prepared and looking forward to the historic ceremony.
Charles Balinda, a resident of Fort Portal, said he was happy that the kingdom was getting a new king and hoped the new reign would revive the kingdom and contribute to its development.
Balinda said that although people had not been fully engaged in kingdom activities during the previous reign, he was encouraged by the renewed involvement of residents in the preparations.
Hindu Mugisa said the mood surrounding this coronation is different from previous coronation anniversaries.
She added that although residents are still hurt by the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, they are also happy that the kingdom is preparing to welcome another ruler.
Immaculate Kabarokole said she is excited because this will be her first opportunity to witness a coronation in her lifetime.
She said the event would provide an opportunity for people to showcase and appreciate Tooro culture.
Anita Neema said the decorations and activities in the city show that people are prepared and excited about the cultural event.
She described the coronation as a source of comfort for the kingdom after a month of mourning Oyo and called on people from Tooro and other parts of the country to attend the celebrations.
The excitement in the City increased when Omukama Nyabongo passed through Fort Portal and waved to residents who had gathered along the streets.
The coronation will take place on September 29, beginning with a coronation service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the main ceremony at Karuziika Palace.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
