St John’s Cathedral-Kabarole in Fort Portal City is fully prepared to host the coronation service of Tooro’s new King, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, on Tuesday. The service, which is scheduled to run from 9 am to 10:30 am, will be the first event in a programme leading to the coronation of the Omukama at Karuziika Palace later in the day.
Rev. Canon Robert Abigaba, the Dean of St John’s Cathedral, told URN that all preparations for the service are complete. The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo, will be the main celebrant. Abigaba said the coronation ceremonies in Tooro traditionally begin with a church service at the cathedral, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the Church of Uganda and the Tooro Kingdom.
He said Christianity was introduced in Tooro during the reign of Omukama Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe IV, who invited members of the Church Missionary Society to the kingdom in 1896. Abigaba added that Omukama Kyebambe later donated the land on which St John’s Cathedral currently stands. He said the service will feature only one speech, to be delivered by Prince Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan.
Abigaba also revealed that the Omukama and his wife, the Queen, have a special seat inside the cathedral reserved exclusively for the royal couple. He said the seat cannot be occupied by any other member of the congregation.
The cathedral service will set the stage for the main coronation ceremony at Karuziika Palace later on Tuesday, where Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I will formally be installed as the new King of Tooro-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
