The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo, has challenged the newly crowned King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to restore accountability and transparency in the management of kingdom resources.
Bishop Kisembo urged the King to establish a strong administration, maintain proper books of account and ensure that kingdom resources are used for their intended purposes. He made the remarks on Tuesday while preaching during the coronation Church service for Omukama Nyabongo I at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City.
Nyabongo I attended the service accompanied by his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, his mother, Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangoma, Musuuga Charles Kamurasi and other members of the royal family. The service was also attended by religious leaders from institutions under the Tooro Interreligious Council, including Bishop Robert Muhiirwa of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and Pastor Dickson Lubega of Christian Fellowship Cathedral.
Bishop Kisembo called for annual audits of the kingdom’s finances and urged the administration to ensure that all financial activities are properly documented and accounted for. He also asked the king to clearly distinguish between property belonging to the kingdom as an institution and his personal property, stressing that each should be used for its rightful purpose.
The bishop said some of the challenges the kingdom had experienced in the past were linked to accountability and the management of kingdom resources.
Bishop Kisembo also challenged Nyabongo to strengthen the Tooro Supreme Council and restore its authority and responsibilities in the administration of the kingdom. He urged the king to respect the role of the Supreme Council and ensure that it is sufficiently empowered to effectively perform its functions.
On the welfare of young people, Bishop Kisembo asked Nyabongo to encourage them to work hard and pursue available employment opportunities. He also called on the king to mobilise parents to prioritise education and ensure that their children remain in school.
The bishop further urged Nyabongo to continue the late King Oyo’s environmental conservation efforts by promoting tree planting and other initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. He asked the king to mobilise his subjects against alcoholism, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.
Turning to the King’s family life, Bishop Kisembo urged Nyabongo to honour the matrimonial vows he made to his wife by remaining faithful to the marriage. He cautioned against polygamy, saying it can come with challenges, and encouraged the King to uphold his marital commitment.
Bishop Kisembo also reminded the people of Tooro that despite having a new monarch, they should continue to recognise God as the ultimate King. He urged Nyabongo to put his trust in God and seek wisdom and guidance through prayer as he leads his subjects. At about 11:50 a.m., Nyabongo left St John’s Cathedral and returned to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where the official coronation ceremony was held-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
