The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, the Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo, has challenged the newly installed Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to centre his reign on accountability, unity, youth empowerment, education and environmental conservation.
Bishop Kisembo made the remarks on Tuesday morning during a church service attended by the King, marking the beginning of a historic day that will culminate in his formal coronation at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The service marked the first public church appearance by Omukama Nyabongo I since he was selected to succeed his cousin, the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27 after 31 years on the throne.
King Oyo was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12.
Omukama Nyabongo I attended the service alongside his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, and members of the Babiito royal family led by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal clan.
Bishop Kisembo noted that the new King’s selection had received significant goodwill from the people of Tooro and urged him to use the support to strengthen the kingdom.
“People have already shown you love. We pray that you use that love to move this kingdom forward,” Bishop Kisembo said.
Bishop urges King to honour marriage vows
The bishop also urged King Nyabongo to remain committed to his marriage to Queen Rebecca, reminding him that the couple exchanged Christian marriage vows.
“Our King is a Christian King, and I am advising you that you already have a wife and you made vows in church. I want you to keep that vow. We pray that you maintain that monogamy. As a church, we discourage polygamy,” Bishop Kisembo said.
He also called on the people of Tooro to embrace Queen Rebecca, who comes from the Teso community, and give her an opportunity to learn and participate in the kingdom’s cultural traditions.
“As church leaders, we welcome her to Tooro and we shall support her in all her projects,” he added.
Queen Rebecca is expected to take on a prominent public role alongside the new King.
Call for financial accountability
On governance, Bishop Kisembo urged the new administration to strengthen financial transparency within the kingdom.
He called for proper financial records and regular independent audits to ensure that the kingdom’s resources are properly accounted for.
“We want to have accountability of resources. We need to have books of accounts and audited annually. This has been the problem previously,” he said.
The bishop also advised the King to maintain a clear administrative separation between assets belonging to Tooro Kingdom and those personally owned by the monarch.
He said maintaining clear boundaries between kingdom property and the King’s personal assets would help prevent future disputes over ownership.
Bishop Kisembo further urged the new reign to focus on empowering young people, promoting education, protecting the environment and strengthening unity among the people of Tooro.