According to Tungwako, King Oyo told the President that the delay by the government to return the properties has affected the kingdom financially. He said that if they are returned, the kingdom can rent them out and get income to sustain its activities and improve its financial base.
Bishop Reuben Kisembo notes that being a loyal subject of the kingdom and a religious leader, he has the mandate and authority to warn leaders when he sees affairs conducted in a wrong way.
Chris Businge, the Secretary Tooro Elders Forum told URN that Museveni was surprised about the attacks on Irumbas farm, saying he will personally follow up the matter. According to Businge, Museveni was also shocked when he was told that no suspects had been arrested over the attacks.
Tom Butime issued the directive on Tuesday while meeting Tooro Kingdom officials led by Bernard Tungwako, the Kingdom Premier. Butimes directive came after the Kingdom officials accused the districts of parceling out the Kingdom land to private developers.
Dr Ronald Dhirumuka, an ophthalmologist at Fort Portal Referral Hospital says the exercise was aimed at operating and treating eye patients to prevent blindness and loss of vision. He explains that 65 patients who were treated from Ntoroko, Kyegegwa and Kamwenge had used traditional herbs prior to treatment due to lack of eye services in the districts.
Bernard Tungakwo, the Prime Minister Tooro, says that one of the traditions that will be revived during the celebrations is the Omukama giving cows to clan heads. According to Tungakwo, the revival of the tradition follows calls by Tooro elders who say the practice was once revered. He explains that the Omukama will give out more than 10 cows to clans of his choice on the eve of the coronation anniversary.
The Uganda Police Force has said it will not allow the unlawful enthronement of Prince David Kijanangoma as King of Tooro. Kijanangoma, a member of the Tooro royal family, declared himself king and has vowed to take over the throne in April this year.
In 2015, President Yoweri Museveni set up a mediation committee led by the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo following a leadership row between Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his cousin, Prince David Kijanangoma.
Patrick Rubongoya, the spokesperson of the Tooro Conference accused some individuals of misleading the King. He said that if the King doesnt change, his subjects may be forced to organize parallel activities from those of the kingdom.
Meeting with members of the organizing committee on Friday at his palace in Fort Portal, King Oyo asked the subjects to take part in the conference because it is a forum through which they will give their views on how to develop the institution.
Isaya Kalya, the former regent told Uganda Radio Network that although it is not defined in the cultural norms of Tooro to halt the celebrations, Oyo can direct the celebrations to be postponed until the four days of mourning are finished.
The 21st Empango for the Omukama of Tooro, Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, kicked off on Friday afternoon at the Kings Palace in Fort Portal. The start of the Empango, or coronation anniversary events, was rich with several rituals performed by Omukama Oyo.
The Tooro mediation committee concludes collecting views from different stakeholders, without the input of Omukama Oyo Nyimba and Queen Mother, Best Kemigisha.
Government has promised to ensure peace, unity and stability in Tooro Kingdom under the leadership of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The Minister for Local Government Adolf Mwesige said King Oyo was the undisputed King of Tooro recognized the NRM Government and the Constitution of Uganda, warning that those trying to claim the throne should slow down on their demands.
