Return Of Kingdom Assets Dominate Tooro Coronation Event

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Tooro spoke with one voice on Saturday, asking President Yoweri Museveni to return the Kingdom assets in the hands of the central government.

During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu. Using the analogy of twins, Dr Kaliba referred to Tooro as Nyakato and Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. He argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also celebrate.

This was after youth who were at the centre of this year’s Empango or coronation, read a statement asking the President to return the kingdom’s property to enable it plan for and manage them.

Last month, as Buganda celebrated 20 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s coronation, President Museveni signed a memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom detailing a programme for the return of their assets.

In his brief speech that lasted less than five minutes, Omukama Oyo who turned 21 in April also used a Rutooro proverb to send his message home. He said “Nyineeka obwaba nateera abaana, ateera boona,” literally meaning the head of the house should treat his children equally. In a mixture of Rutooro and English, the Omukama emphasised that since Buganda got back their assets, Tooro should also get hers. He said he has already set up a committee to negotiate with government on the issue.

The assets including land, county and sub county headquarters among others, were forcefully taken from kingdoms by the central government in 1966, when the then President Milton Obote abolished traditional institutions and made Uganda a republic.

President Museveni in his response told the gathering that like in Buganda, the Tooro assets will be returned, but noted that the Kingdom should go slow since there are many issues to be ironed out first. He said Rwenzori region has many tribes and that it would not be wise to rush to return Ebyaitu and destabilise the region.

Museveni also said the assets cannot be returned overnight.
He also used the occasion to caution the youth against drinking alcohol and engaging in risky sexual behaviours.