society 27 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tooro Queen Mother Arrives at Karuziika Palace Amidst Joyful Welcome
The mother of the Tooro King-designate, Yusta Asiimwe Kiijanangoma Amooti, has officially entered Karuziika Palace, her new residence, met with enthusiastic celebrations from the Batooro people. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ululations-as-tooro-king-designate-s-mother-enters-karuziika-palace-5611556
Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal was alive with music, ululations, and cheers on Sunday evening as the Batooro community welcomed Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe Kiijanangoma Amooti. Her arrival marks a significant moment in the final preparations for the enthronement of her son, Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who is set to become the 15th Omukama of Tooro.
The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the somber mood that had recently enveloped the kingdom following the passing of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Nyina Omukama arrived from her ancestral home in Kidukuru Cell, Fort Portal City, carrying traditional offerings such as ekigega, cows, and matooke, as part of a procession.
Earlier, she had received prayers at Virika Cathedral before proceeding to the palace. Accompanied by members of her Abagombe clan, her entry into the royal residence was formally acknowledged by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan. He officially welcomed her, presenting her with the keys to her new residence within the palace.
“According to the tradition of Tooro and on behalf of the Babiito royal clan, I welcome you as my wife in the palace,” Musuuga stated, extending a welcome to the Abagombe clan as well. He urged the Batooro to unite and move past previous disagreements as the kingdom ushers in a new era.
Musuuga also expressed gratitude for the government’s support during the period of mourning and the subsequent succession process. The King-designate, Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, is expected to arrive at Karuziika Palace on Monday night, following traditional rituals at Rwengoma Palace, where he will find his mother already settled.
The head of the Abagombe clan, Rukindo Peter Amooti, who will serve as Nyina Omukama Wampeka, pledged his clan’s full support to the Babiito leadership, expressing enthusiasm for the kingdom’s future progress. He acknowledged that the clan is still navigating its new roles and sought guidance.