President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Tuesday, reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting Tooro Kingdom's development initiatives. The meeting, held at State House, was a follow-up to the Omukama's 30th coronation anniversary celebrations. President Museveni, who had delegated Speaker Anita Annet Among to represent him at the coronation, congratulated Omukama Oyo on reaching this significant milestone.
During their discussion, both leaders explored the Kingdom's development framework and agreed to collaborate in key sectors, including agriculture, education, sports, and tourism. Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki emphasized that these areas are vital to both Tooro Kingdom's 25-year Development Agenda and Uganda's National Development Plan.
This meeting marks the second public engagement between President Museveni and Omukama Oyo this year. In May, during the Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in Tooro, the two leaders held a closed-door meeting in Fort Portal City. Discussions then focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of a stadium in Fort Portal, upgrading the Kampala/Fort Portal Road, and expanding the aerodrome into an airport to boost tourism.
Omukama Oyo has also raised concerns about the poor state of the Kyegegwa–Kampala Road, which connects Tooro to the capital. He highlighted that the road's condition negatively affects tourism and business in the Tooro sub-region and urged for its urgent rehabilitation. Additionally, the Omukama has called for the return of Tooro Kingdom properties, with the Speaker of Parliament tasked to lead efforts in ensuring these assets are handed back.
The government had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tooro Kingdom in 2019 regarding the return of 103 land titles. As of now, only 17 titles have been returned, with some contested lands occupied by Uganda Prisons, the Railways Corporation, and Kasese District Council.
The ongoing dialogue between President Museveni and Omukama Oyo underscores a commitment to fostering collaboration between the central government and cultural institutions, aiming to promote sustainable development and address longstanding issues affecting the Tooro Kingdom.