Traditional rituals to mark the 29th coronation anniversary for King Oyo Kabamba Iguru of Toro have kicked off at Karuzika Hill in Fort Portal City.
The coronation anniversary is traditionally known as Empango and is celebrated every September 12.
At the start of the celebration on September 11, 2024, Eng. David Baguma, the Basiita clan head in Toro Kingdom presented before the King all the royal drums that form part of the regalia.
The King sounded on each of the drums that were presented to him nine times.
In a unique way, one of the royal drums was presented before the king by six-year-old Desmond Baguma.
Baguma later led his fellow clan’s men to the Toro Kingdom anthill that is traditionally known as Akaswa ka Toro, where they announced to the world the celebration of this year’s Empango.
These chanted songs of praise to the king and the kingdom while proclaiming their everlasting allegiance to him.
Chants and proclamations to fallen Toro Kingdom Kings, Queen Mothers, and other kingdom heroes are also sung as the Basiita clan members dance to the tune of Amakondere royal dance around the anthill in traditional Kanzu attire.
The entire royal regalia, including drums, spears, and shields, were all presented to the king for a blessing as he touched on each of them.
“The King blesses the royal drums by sounding them nine times on each while for the spears and the shields, he only touches on them with his right hand.” Mwesige Zebidayo, the Kingdom Minister in charge of culture and clan mobilisation, said.
According to Mwesige, the presentation of the royal regalia also helps the king to confirm that all instruments of power are still intact and that the kingdom is at peace.
“Every year, towards the Empango celebration, the royal regalia is traditionally cleansed fast and later brought before the reigning king for a blessing,” he said.
Amakondere is the traditional royal dance for Toro. It is sounded using traditional trumpets and drums.
The amakondere is an elegant and graceful dance with a slower rhythm.
It is to the tune of amakondere that the king’s subjects dance as they slowly jump and shout in celebration.
No formal speeches are made on the eve of the celebration. The King only waves at his subjects as he walks back to the palace after performing the rituals.
