Women barred from Tooro king’s coronation procession

Prince Edward Kijanangoma

Women are barred from participating in the traditional procession that will usher Tooro king-designate Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I to Karuziika Palace on Monday night.

The procession, which forms part of the traditional rituals preceding Nyabongo’s coronation on Tuesday, will start at 10 pm from Rwengoma Palace and pass through Fort Portal City before ending at Karuziika Palace.

Richard Rwabuhinga, head of protocol for the coronation organising committee, said the exclusion of women is guided by Tooro cultural practices governing the ritual. He, however, said women will be free to attend the church service and participate in the coronation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.

According to the programme, Nyabongo I and his procession are expected to arrive at Karuziika Palace at about 3 am on Tuesday.

Upon arrival, the king-designate will face a mock battle at the royal entrance, known as Mugabante, where he is expected to emerge victorious before entering the palace and taking his place on the royal throne.

Other traditional rituals will then be performed inside the palace, including the turning upright of royal regalia such as drums and spears that have remained upside down since the death of his predecessor, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The rituals are expected to continue throughout the night as the kingdom prepares for the formal coronation ceremony.

Final preparations

Preparations at Karuziika Palace were continuing on Sunday ahead of the historic ceremony. Subjects were still delivering their contributions, known as okuhikya, to the organising committee, while tents were being erected in the palace grounds.

The palace was also undergoing repainting and reorganisation as service providers prepared for the large number of guests expected to attend the coronation.

Nyabongo I is scheduled to be formally crowned on Tuesday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.

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