Tooro King wants officials to account before he names new cabinet

Fort Portal, Uganda | URN | The Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has directed the kingdom’s interim Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, and all kingdom departments to account for their performance during the reign of his predecessor, the late Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, before a new administration is established.

Nyabongo issued the directive on Tuesday during the first sitting of the Supreme Council under his reign at Muchwa Kingdom headquarters in Fort Portal City, ordering the Prime Minister, his cabinet and all kingdom departments to submit accountability reports by November 12.

The reports are expected to detail activities undertaken, achievements registered and outstanding tasks during Oyo’s reign, providing a basis for assessing the kingdom’s affairs and determining the way forward.  The sitting was chaired by Supreme Council Speaker Eng. Julius Mwirumubi and marked the king’s first appearance before the council since his coronation on September 29.

In his address, Nyabongo said the accountability exercise would enable the kingdom to establish the status of its affairs, assess ongoing programmes and projects, and make informed decisions on their implementation under the new leadership.

He directed the Supreme Council to review the submitted reports within seven days and present its advice and recommendations to his office by November 19. The King’s office will then take another seven days to consider the recommendations before the council reconvenes on November 27 to determine the next course of action.

The directive comes as the kingdom transitions from Oyo’s reign to Nyabongo’s leadership, with the new monarch signalling that a review of the previous administration’s performance will precede decisions on the composition of his government.

Nyabongo also suspended the implementation of a new cabinet announced by Rwomiire on October 14, pending the review of the previous administration’s performance.  He explained that Rwomiire had been reappointed as interim Prime Minister to oversee the transition and ensure continuity in the kingdom’s administration, rather than to establish a new permanent government.

The King said development initiatives launched under his predecessor would continue, but stressed that the kingdom needed to establish the progress made, identify outstanding responsibilities and assess existing programmes before deciding on subsequent steps.

He called on the Supreme Council, the Office of the Omukama and the kingdom administration to work together, observe established procedures and prioritise service delivery. Nyabongo said cooperation among the three institutions was essential to strengthening accountability, improving the administration of the kingdom’s affairs and ensuring that services respond to the needs of the people of Tooro.

He pledged to maintain close working relations with the Supreme Council, describing it as a key pillar of the kingdom’s governance, and thanked its members for their guidance and commitment. The king urged council members to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, dignity and mutual respect, emphasising that unity was essential to the kingdom’s development.

Nyabongo also outlined four priorities for his reign: promoting unity and reconciliation, pursuing development and prosperity collectively, and building a lasting legacy for future generations.

His call for accountability was welcomed by some members of the Supreme Council, who said the review could help clarify the kingdom’s financial and administrative position and safeguard its property.

Patrick Bagendaho, the Burahya County chief, welcomed the directive, saying the exercise would give the kingdom clearer direction and help protect its assets. Bagendaho said some matters from the previous administration had not been adequately accounted for, expressing hope that the review would establish the facts and address outstanding concerns.

Bob Mugume, the representative of the Abaana clan on the Supreme Council, said the king’s message had renewed hope among the people of Tooro that the kingdom’s property and assets would be properly accounted for.

To facilitate the process, the Supreme Council selected a seven-member committee to examine the accountability reports and present its findings to the king. The review is expected to inform decisions on the kingdom’s administration, the proposed cabinet and the continuation of programmes initiated during Oyo’s reign.