Written By | BK Mugizi
Calvin Amstrong Rwomiire
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TOORO
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire has urged Kingdom leaders and the people of Tooro to remain united, exercise restraint and avoid speculation as preparations continue for the burial of the late Omukama, His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Rwomiire made the appeal in a statement issued ahead of the King’s burial, calling on Batooro to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum and focus on honouring the late King’s legacy.
“We have lost our King. We have lost a son of Tooro whose life, leadership and service carried the name of our Kingdom far beyond our borders,” Rwomiire said.
He urged Kingdom and cultural leaders, public officials, the media, commentators and social media users to avoid actions and statements that could deepen divisions during the mourning period.
“Moments like these require leadership, not posturing. They require less talking and more organising,” he said.
Rwomiire also addressed questions surrounding the King’s time abroad and information that was communicated to the public about his condition.
He explained that information that the King was abroad studying and subsequently that he was well had been communicated in accordance with His Majesty’s wishes.
“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully,” Rwomiire said.
He added that the King was confident about his recovery and had been looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his people for the 31st Empango celebrations.
“He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people,” he said.
Rwomiire acknowledged that questions had been raised over other matters but urged the public not to turn the mourning period into a debate.
He said there would be an appropriate time and forum, after the King’s burial, to address issues requiring clarification.
He also appealed to the media and social media users to exercise restraint, warning that words spoken during a period of grief could create divisions that may take years to repair.
“Let us choose words and actions that unite the Batooro and reflect the dignity of the Kingdom,” he said.
Rwomiire further appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the Royal Family and those who were closest to the late King, saying they should be given space to mourn without unnecessary intrusion or pressure to speak.
He called on the people of Tooro to receive their King with honour, lay him to rest with dignity and remain united.
“Future generations will remember not only that Tooro lost its King, but also how we conducted ourselves in this moment of grief,” Rwomiire said.
“In all that we say and do, Tooro must come first.”
