By Eumu Emmanuel
Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, has once again urged the King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, to marry. He made this appeal during an Anglican service at St. John’s Cathedral on Thursday, September 12, as the kingdom celebrated the 29th anniversary of the King’s coronation in Fort Portal City.
During the service, Bishop Kisembo praised Queen Mother Best Kemigisa for her dedication in nurturing King Oyo since his childhood, but reminded the King of the importance of finding a queen (Omugo). “We thank the Queen Mother for her tireless care over the years, but now I want to remind you, King, to consider getting a wife. Time is moving fast, and we would like to see you with a wife by your side, someone to take care of you,” the Bishop remarked. His words were well-received by the gathered royals and people of Tooro.
This is not the first time Bishop Kisembo has made such a plea. In 2022, during the 27th coronation anniversary, he similarly urged the King to embrace marriage and fulfill the expectations of the kingdom.
Omukama Oyo, born on April 16, 1992, to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and the late Patrick David Mathew Kaboyo Olimi III, ascended the throne in 1995 at just three years old following his father’s death. Now 31, he remains the 12th ruler of the Tooro Kingdom.
In addition to his call for marriage, Bishop Kisembo appealed to the government to expedite the return of properties confiscated from the kingdom after the abolition of monarchies in 1967. He expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s support but stressed the importance of restoring the kingdom’s assets to ensure its sustainability.
In his sermon, the Bishop also condemned corruption, highlighting that Uganda loses approximately Shs. 10 trillion annually due to corrupt practices. He urged leaders and citizens to stop unethical behaviors that undermine the country’s progress. Furthermore, he called attention to Fort Portal’s rising HIV/AIDS prevalence, which stands at 14.1%, asking men to refrain from engaging in commercial sex and make responsible choices to reverse the trend.