How 29th Empango celebrations unfolded in Toro Kingdom

Toro rituals to commemorate the 29th coronation anniversary of King Oyo Kabamba Iguru have begun at Karuzika Hill in Fort Portal city.

The coronation anniversary, known as Empango, celebrates the day King Oyo ascended to the throne at just 3 years old and is held annually on September 12.

While the Babiito clan is the ruling royal family of the Toro Kingdom, it is the Basiita clan that holds the exclusive responsibility for leading the traditional rituals during the Empango ceremony at Karuzika palace.

At the start of the Empango celebrations on September 11, 2024, Eng. David Baguma, head of the Basiita clan in the Toro Kingdom, along with fellow clansmen, presented the royal drums, which are part of the kingdom’s regalia, to King Oyo.

The king struck each drum nine times. Notably, one of the drums was presented by six-year-old Desmond Baguma.

Baguma then led his clansmen to the Toro Kingdom’s anthill, known as Akaswa ka Toro, where they officially announced the beginning of the Empango celebration. Songs of praise were sung in honor of the king and the kingdom, reaffirming their loyalty to him.

Additionally, chants commemorating past kings, queen mothers, and other heroes of the kingdom were performed as the Basiita clan members danced in traditional Kanzu attire to the Amakondere, the royal dance of Toro. Amakondere features traditional trumpets and drums, and during the celebration, subjects joyfully danced and jumped in tune.

The complete royal regalia, including drums, spears, and shields, were presented to the king, who touched each item. According to Mwesige Zebidayo, the Kingdom’s Minister of Culture and Clan Mobilization, this presentation allows the king to confirm that all instruments of power are intact, symbolizing peace in the kingdom.

He also mentioned that before each Empango celebration, the regalia undergoes traditional cleansing before being blessed by the reigning king.

No formal speeches are made on the eve of the celebration, and the king simply waves to his subjects as he returns to the palace after performing the rituals.