FORT PORTAL —
Delivering a key address at the Karuziika Royal Palace during the coronation of
His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, the
Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde
Kakurugu, called on the new monarch to prioritize forward-looking leadership.
Gen.
Tumukunde was among five main speakers addressing the gathering before Tourism
Minister Tom Butiime officially invited President Yoweri Museveni to give his
address.
Key Highlights from the Address
- Focusing
on the Future Addressing the newly crowned
monarch directly, Gen. Tumukunde urged the King to look ahead rather than
dwell on past events:
“I wish you a great future. Forget
history and move forward. Leaders must always look ahead.”
- Commending
the King’s Patience, He expressed gratitude to
Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I for navigating the transition peacefully
alongside clan elders:
“I want to welcome the new king, His
Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. We thank him for being so patient with the
clan and allowing the processes to usher him into office, as has been the case
today. We are confident you will make a good leader.”
- Assurance
of Government Support Representing the ministry that
oversees cultural institutions in Uganda, Gen. Tumukunde reaffirmed the
government's commitment to supporting the kingdom's leadership:
“As someone responsible for kings, I
warmly welcome the new King. We are confident that you will provide strong and
responsible leadership.”
- Tribute
to the Late Monarch Gen. Tumukunde reflected on the
legacy of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, praising his
steadfastness:
“We need to use this time to remember
the loss of our great leader... The late King Oyo was balanced, principled, and
rather selfless as a Ugandan. The circumstances he was operating in could have
biased him left or right, but he stuck to principle.”
