culture 29 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
David Baguma: The Ceremonial Usher of Tooro's Monarchs
David Baguma holds a unique and sacred role within the Tooro Kingdom, responsible for ushering in and out its reigning monarchs through ancient royal rituals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/david-baguma-the-man-who-ushers-tooro-s-kings-in-and-out-5613730
In the Kingdom of Tooro, the transition of power from one Omukama (king) to another is a deeply symbolic process, and at its heart is David Baguma.
Baguma’s significant duty involves the ceremonial preparation for a new king’s reign. A pivotal part of this involves the royal drums, which must be ritually turned upright and sounded to officially herald the ascension of the new monarch. This ancient practice underscores the spiritual and traditional foundations of the Tooro monarchy.
His role extends beyond just the installation; he is also involved in the ceremonial aspects that mark the end of one reign and the beginning of another. This positions him as a keeper of tradition and a crucial link between the kingdom’s past and its future.
Baguma’s position is not merely ceremonial but carries immense cultural weight, reflecting a deep respect for the customs that have shaped the Tooro Kingdom for generations. He is a testament to the enduring power of tradition in contemporary Ugandan society.