All roads will lead to Fort Portal. The hills, valleys, and streets of this emerald-green city will pulse with drums, dance, and jubilation as the Kingdom of Toro celebrates the 30th anniversary of the coronation of its youthful monarch, Omukama Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Organisers of the 30th Empango anniversary are seen during a Press Conference held at the Palace.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Talent Africa’s Aly Allibhai with .Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Organisers of the 30th Empango anniversary are seen during a Press Conference held at the Palace.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Organisers of the 30th Empango anniversary are seen during a Press Conference held at the Palace.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
What began three decades ago with the world marveling at the enthronement of the youngest king in modern history has blossomed into a legacy of resilience, cultural pride, and modern relevance. This year’s Empango – the annual coronation anniversary – carries extra significance. This time round, it is not just a ritual of tradition but a statement of identity, tourism, and community renewal.
A Family Affair, A National Celebration
Princess Komuntale Returns as UTB Brand Ambassador, Celebrates 30 Years of King Oyo’s Reign
Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale has returned from the United States alongside her husband, Prince Philip, to join Tooro Kingdom in marking three decades of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s reign.
The celebration, held at the Tooro Kingdom residence in Buziga, Kampala, was not only a family reunion but also the moment Princess Komuntale was introduced as the newest Brand Ambassador for the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Speaking at the press launch, the Princess delivered a heartfelt tribute to her brother, King Oyo, who ascended the throne at the age of three. “I am proud of my brother—not only as a king but as the man he has become. To watch him lead with humility and wisdom for 30 years has been an inspiration. Today, I celebrate him as both my king and my brother.”
Her words highlighted King Oyo’s journey from child monarch to one of Africa’s most recognized traditional leaders.
Beyond her tribute, Princess Komuntale also spoke directly to the younger generation, encouraging them to embrace their culture while pursuing their aspirations. “Be proud of your identity, hold on to your heritage, and never stop dreaming. The future is yours to shape.”
Her remarks positioned her not only as royalty but as a role model and mentor for youth in Tooro and Uganda at large.
The occasion also marked the signing of a landmark partnership between Princess Komuntale and Juliana Kaggwa, Chief Executive Officer of UTB. Through her new role as Brand Ambassador, the Princess will promote Uganda’s culture and tourism both locally and on the international stage.
“We are delighted to welcome Princess Komuntale to the UTB family,” Kaggwa noted. “Her royal background, international reach, and passion for Uganda make her an ideal voice to showcase our country to the world.”
Princess Komuntale’s unveiling comes just days before the Ekyooto Ha Mpango festival, slated for 10th–13th September 2025 at the Kingdom Headquarters in Fort Portal. The four-day event will highlight 30 years of King Oyo’s reign, with royal ceremonies, cultural performances, music, fashion showcases, and tourism exhibitions spotlighting Fort Portal and Tooro as Uganda’s cultural heartland
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
o Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip arrive walking hand in hand.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale with her husband, Prince Philip.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale exchanges Agreement Documents with Juliana Kaggwa, the UTB Ceo.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale exchanges Agreement Documents with Juliana Kaggwa, the UTB Ceo.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale exchanges Agreement Documents with Juliana Kaggwa, the UTB Ceo.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale and Juliana Kaggwa, the UTB Ceo sign agreements Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Prince Philip saying something.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki,Toro Kingdom Prime Minister delivering his keynote address.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale delivering her Speech asa her husband Prince Phillip and Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki,Toro Kingdom Prime Minister look on.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale delivering her Speech asa her husband Prince Phillip and Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki,Toro Kingdom Prime Minister look on.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale and her husbandPrince Phillip.Right is Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki,Toro Kingdom Prime Minister look on.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Toro Princess Komuntale and her husbandPrince Phillip.Right is Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki,Toro Kingdom Prime Minister look on.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The return of Princess Ruth Komuntale, her husband Philip, and their young child adds a deeply personal dimension to the festivities. Speaking from Omukama Oyo’s residence in Buziga, Kampala, Komuntale’s nostalgia was palpable.
“Oh, how the years go by! It was only yesterday when the youngest king in the world was crowned. Today, he is such a supportive brother in whom I confide, a true leader of our kingdom, and a big man in every sense. I thank our mother Best is strong enough to hold the family together against all odds.”
With her star shining, she was unveiled as Uganda’s official tourism ambassador to the United States by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The move, UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa explained, is part of a strategy to reposition the destination not only as a wildlife paradise but also as a cultural powerhouse.
“Uganda is more than just a safari destination,” Kagwa emphasized. “We are unveiling our cultural wealth our music, dance, cuisine, and fashion- to complement our wildlife, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Princess Komuntale is perfectly positioned to tell the Ugandan story in America. We are honoured to have her carry our message to Texas and beyond.”
From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to tales of the fabled Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves, Komuntale’s new role will spotlight Uganda’s blend of myth, memory, and adventure.
A Festival of Culture and Progress
The Empango program is more than a royal parade. It stretches across a week, stitching together cultural rituals, modern entertainment, and civic activities. On the agenda are a CEOs’ dinner, a marathon, tree-planting campaigns, city clean-ups, and fireside storytelling sessions.
Toro’s Minister of Tourism, Joan Kantu, said the intention is to marry heritage with relevance.
“Empango is about continuity,” she noted. “The stories of our ancestors, like Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru, remind us that Toro existed long before the explorers and missionaries arrived. This year we are expanding the celebration with financial literacy workshops, environmental protection campaigns, a sports gala, and a presidential CEOs’ dinner. It is culture meeting development.”
Evenings will transform into a carnival of sound and colour. Nyege Nyege maestro Ali Alibhai, in partnership with Talent Africa, has promised to light up Fort Portal with an eclectic line-up.
“Bring your dancing limbs and strokes because you will need them when musicians from Kampala and Toro merge to keep you on you shuffling the feet. This is Christmas arriving in September!” said Alibhai.
Fireside Tales and Flavours of Toro
At the heart of Empango lies Empango Okutoma, the ancient tradition of gathering by the fireside with gourds of ajon (local brew), listening to oral histories passed down for centuries. These narratives, once the lifeblood of Toro’s cultural identity, continue to enthrall both locals and visitors.
As the fires crackle, elders will recount sagas of bravery, betrayal, love, and endurance. Each story is a thread in Toro’s cultural fabric, binding generations together.
Meanwhile, the aroma of roasted meats will drift through Fort Portal’s nightlife hubs. Pavilion Lounge, Le Rev, and Club Africana are already stocking cellars with wines, spirits, and crates of beer to match the sizzling Nyama Choma that will feed revelers deep into the night.
Tourism and Economic Boost
The anniversary is more than pomp – it’s also an economic engine. With thousands of guests expected, Fort Portal’s hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are already near capacity. From boutique stays overlooking the Rwenzori ranges to budget inns along the bustling streets, the hospitality sector is gearing up for record numbers.
Tour operators are curating packages that blend Empango attendance with excursions to Kibale National Park, crater lakes, and the Semuliki hot springs. Domestic tourists from Kampala and Mbarara are expected to join international visitors arriving through Entebbe.
“This is the ripple effect of culture on tourism,” said a hotelier in Fort Portal. “When people come for the coronation, they don’t just attend the rituals. They eat, they sleep, they tour. They leave with stories, photos, and memories – and they spend money in the community.”
Economists project a significant injection into the local economy, from boda-boda riders ferrying visitors across town to farmers supplying fresh produce to hotels. Craft markets are polishing up wood carvings, beads, and fabrics in anticipation of eager buyers.
Thirty Years of a King’s Journey
For Omukama Oyo, this anniversary is also a personal milestone. Crowned at just three years old, his ascension made global headlines. Thirty years later, he embodies not only the continuity of the Toro monarchy but also its adaptability in a modern Uganda.
The King has been at the forefront of initiatives promoting education, youth empowerment, and environmental stewardship. His story mirrors Toro’s: youthful, resilient, and evolving.
As the drums roll in September, Fort Portal will not just celebrate a king. It will celebrate a people, a culture, and a future that continues to draw strength from its roots.
Toro on Fire
From the sacred rituals in Karuzika Palace to the neon-lit revelry in Fort Portal’s lounges, Empango 2025 promises to be a sensory feast. It is history alive, culture renewed, and tourism ignited.
For visitors, it is an invitation to witness one of Uganda’s most vibrant traditions. For the Batoro, it is a reaffirmation of pride and continuity.
As the countdown to September 10 ticks closer, one thing is clear: Toro is on fire – and the flames of its heritage are lighting up not just the kingdom, but all of Uganda.