In a display of visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV continues to position the Tooro Kingdom as a beacon of development and cultural renaissance in Uganda. At a recent high-level meeting held at State Lodge – Fort Portal, King Oyo, accompanied by the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki and his newly appointed Kingdom Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, engaged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in strategic discussions focused on uplifting the Tooro sub-region.
Development as a Royal Mandate
With the theme of fostering development at the core of his reign, King Oyo presented bold proposals to transform the region’s economic landscape. Key among these was the construction of a modern stadium in Fort Portal and the expansion of the existing aerodrome into an international-standard airport. These two flagship infrastructure projects are expected to significantly enhance tourism, increase regional connectivity, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage as Growth Drivers
Recognising the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Tooro, King Oyo emphasized tourism as a pillar of economic development. Accompanied by Hon. Kantu Joan Else, Minister of Tourism, the delegation underscored the Kingdom’s readiness to partner with the central government and the private sector to promote Fort Portal and the Rwenzori region as a global tourism destination.
Resolving Land Issues for Lasting Peace
President Museveni commended the King’s commitment to peace and development, particularly his approach to resolving longstanding land issues within the kingdom. A breakthrough agreement on the return of property titles to the Tooro Kingdom is now in sight, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to establish a peaceful framework for coexistence between the kingdom and local government authorities.
A Visionary Leadership Team
The presence of a newly restructured leadership team within the Kingdom highlights King Oyo’s intent to build robust administrative systems that are aligned with modern development goals. Rt. Hon. Henry Basaliza Araali, Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Administration, and Rt. Hon. Harriet Nyakake Abwooli, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender, Culture & Clan Mobilisation, offered strategic insights into how traditional governance structures can effectively complement government efforts in community development and social transformation.
A Unified Vision for the Future
As King Oyo continues to inspire a new generation of Tooro citizens, his inclusive leadership and developmental agenda are setting a precedent for how cultural institutions can play an integral role in national transformation. By aligning the Kingdom’s ambitions with Uganda’s broader development strategy, King Oyo is not just safeguarding the legacy of his forefathers—he is forging a dynamic future for Tooro that harmoniously blends tradition with progress.
