Tourism and Antiquities Minister Col. Tom Butime has assumed leadership of the Tooro Elders Forum, also known as Isaazi Ly’Abantu Bakuru ba Tooro, succeeding Prof. Edward Rugumayo, who led the forum for nearly two decades. Butime was sworn in as the new chairperson during a handover ceremony held at the forum’s offices at Bishop Magambo Training Institute in Fort Portal City on Tuesday.
The Tooro Elders Forum brings together elders, religious leaders, politicians and other opinion leaders in the Tooro region. It promotes regional unity, civic education, cultural heritage and socio-economic development. In his acceptance remarks, Butime thanked members for entrusting him with the leadership and commended Prof. Rugumayo for his stewardship and commitment to the forum since 2007.
He pledged to prioritise the interests of the people of Tooro, saying his leadership would focus on addressing challenges affecting the region while promoting its social, cultural and economic development. Butime also pledged to strengthen efforts to preserve Tooro’s cultural heritage while supporting development initiatives across the region.
He said he would ensure continuity of the Tooro Peoples’ Conference (TPC), an annual gathering that brings together people from different backgrounds to deliberate on social, cultural, political and economic issues affecting the region.
While handing over leadership, Prof. Rugumayo urged the new leadership to work collectively to strengthen the forum and ensure continuity of its programmes. Rugumayo called for greater attention to the conduct and wellbeing of the younger generation, expressing concern over what he described as moral decline among young people.
He urged the new leadership not to tire in serving the people of Tooro, but to work closely with other members to sustain the forum’s contribution to regional development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
