On the 17th September 2016, Tooro Kindom and its subjects will be celebrating the 22nd Coronation Anniversary ( also known as the new moon ceremony) of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, “Entale ya Tooro”, in Fort Portal town at the Karuzika Palace.
During the new moon ceremony in the ancient times, people would assemble at the king’s court to dance to the music provided by the royal bandsmen. This was to celebrate the Omukama’s long life to see the new moon.

King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992 to King Patrick David Mathew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Best Kemigisa. He ascended to the throne at three and a half years shortly after his father passed on, and is the 12th King of Tooro Kingdom. He is the youngest ruling monarch in the world, and a cultural leader of more than 2 million people in Tooro Kindom.

During this ceremony, there will be several activities and rituals that will be undertaken by both the King, his clan leaders and palace heads of the Batooro people. Tooro kindom has strong enthnic values, cultural beliefs and norms with a rich historical background. Besides their family names, the Batooro like the Banyoro have pet names called empaako. These pet names are said to be of Luo origin though the Luo do not use them. Empaako was a sign of social identity, these include: Abwooli, Akiiki, Ateenyi, Adyeri, Achali, Abaala, Amooti, Abooki, Apuuli, Atwooki and ‘Okali’ which is only given to a king. All the pet names have meanings attached to them, and all elders in a home are called by their pet names as a sign of respect.

A number of dignitaries and heads of state are expected to attend, including the cultural leaders from different cultural institutions, political leaders, religious leaders and other distinguished guests. Come witness and experience the rich culture of the Batooro people, get to learn more about their way of life, cultural beliefs, traditions and norms. Definitely one of the best cultural experiences you cannot afford to miss out on your tour to Uganda this September.