Written By | BK Mugizi
Tom Butime
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The Tooro Elders Forum has backed the work, process and recommendations of the 21-member committee handling the succession of the late Omukama Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The elders have also called for unity among the people of Tooro, urging them to allow the succession process to proceed peacefully in accordance with the kingdom's customs, traditions and established practices.
In a statement issued yesterday, the forum, known as Isaazi Ly'Abantu Bakuru Ba Tooro, said differences in opinion over the succession should not be allowed to divide the people or undermine the values and traditions that have held the kingdom together for generations.
"We agree with and support the work of the 21-member succession committee, the process through which it carried out its responsibility, and the results and recommendations arising from its deliberations," the elders said.
Warning over misinformation
The elders expressed concern over the circulation of what they described as false, misleading and unverified information, particularly on social media, concerning the kingdom and the succession process.
They urged the public to exercise responsibility when creating, publishing and sharing information.
The forum also cautioned against the use of social media, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies to manufacture, alter or circulate information that could mislead the public or create unnecessary tension.
Journalists, media houses and other public communicators were urged to obtain information concerning the kingdom and succession from authentic and competent sources.
Call for peaceful transition
The elders appealed to individuals and groups, both within and outside Tooro, to respect the dignity of the kingdom and the sensitivity of the current period.
They called on people of goodwill to join the people of Tooro in mourning the late Omukama, stand with the Royal Family, and pray for a peaceful transition and successful installation of the new king.
The forum also urged young people to take a deeper interest in the history, heritage and governance of Tooro Kingdom.
It encouraged them to study the documented history of the kingdom, its norms, customs, traditions and monarchical practices, as well as the relevant provisions of the Constitution and laws of Uganda concerning traditional and cultural institutions.
Kingdom interests first
The elders discouraged what they described as "diversionary activities" that could tarnish the image of Tooro and sow seeds of disunity.
They urged the people of Tooro to put the interests of the kingdom above individual interests, disagreements and competing positions.
"At moments such as this, the interests of the Kingdom must rise above individual interests, disagreements and competing positions," the statement reads.
The elders said Tooro Kingdom was a heritage received from previous generations and urged the people to preserve it for generations to come.
The statement was signed by Rtd. Col. Tom Butime, chairman of Isaazi Ly'Abantu Bakuru Ba Tooro (Tooro Elders Forum), and dated September 11, 2026
