17/02/2026
Tooro Kingdom Progress Review, Achievements, and Strategic Positioning.
1. Introduction
The year 2025 marked a transformative and defining period in the modern administration of the Tooro Kingdom. It was a year characterized by renewed leadership, institutional reform, strategic realignment, and people-centered programming firmly anchored in Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s 25-Year Development Agenda.
Under the stewardship of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Kingdom strengthened governance systems, deepened grassroots engagement, empowered the youth, revitalized culture, expanded strategic partnerships, and accelerated socio-economic development across all counties.
This End-of-Year Update highlights the major activities undertaken in 2025, their measurable outcomes, and their contribution toward realizing “The Tooro We Desire”, a prosperous, united, culturally grounded, and economically empowered Kingdom.
2. Prime Minister’s Office Tour of Counties
In January 2025, the Office of the Prime Minister conducted advance preparatory tours of all counties of Tooro Kingdom in readiness for the Royal Tour of Counties (Kujejeeza Omukama).
Objectives of the Tours
* Prepare county leadership and communities for Royal engagements
* Identify grassroots priorities and development challenges
* Strengthen coordination between Kingdom administration and local leadership
* Promote inclusivity, dialogue, and community ownership
Engagements and Reach
Engagements were held with:
* County and sub-county chiefs
* Clan leaders and elders
* Youth and women representatives
* Religious and cultural leaders
* Political and opinion leaders
Over 2,000 community stakeholders were directly consulted across all counties.
Impact
* Consolidated priority issues that informed Royal messaging and interventions
* Strengthened trust between the Kingdom administration and the people
* Directly contributed to the successful and impactful Royal Tour conducted in October 2025
3. Commencement of the New Kingdom Administration
Following his appointment by Rukirabasaija Omukama, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki initiated wide-ranging institutional reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and results-based service delivery.
Key Reforms Implemented
* Cabinet restructuring and rationalization, including:
• Merger of Education, Youth, and Sports into one ministry
• Integration of Culture and Clan Mobilisation with Local Government
• Dissolution of duplicative ministries to improve coordination
* Retirement of County Chiefs and appointment and installation of new Sub-county Chiefs across the Kingdom (appointment of new County Chiefs is ongoing)
Outcomes
* Reduced administrative duplication
* Improved inter-ministerial coordination
* Strengthened decentralized governance and service delivery
* Renewed confidence in Kingdom institutions at the grassroots
The installation of the new sub-county chiefs were officiated by Rukirabasaija Omukama during the Royal Tour, reinforcing legitimacy, continuity, and cultural authority.
4. Health, Social Protection, and Human Development
4.1 HM’s Birthday Health Week – Orthopedic Outreach
In April 2025, the Kingdom marked Rukirabasaija’s Birthday through a special Health Week, underscoring His Majesty’s commitment to a healthy and productive population.
Focus Area:
Specialized orthopedic outreach for children with correctable deformities.
Special recognition is accorded to Hon. Beyeza Abwooli for leadership on this initiative.
Implementation Partners:
* Tooro Kingdom Ministry of Health
* Ministry of Health – Government of Uganda
* Hands of Mercy Project
* Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital
Key Statistics:
* 59 children successfully underwent life-changing orthopedic surgeries
* Estimated cost savings to families: UGX 350–500 million
* Beneficiaries drawn from Tooro, Kasese, Kagadi, Kisoro, and Kabale
Impact:
* Restored mobility and dignity
* Reduced long-term disability burden
* Reinforced compassionate, inclusive healthcare delivery
4.2 Malaria Immunisation Initiative
In alignment with national health priorities, the Kingdom supported the Malaria Immunisation Initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Mugahi.
Strategic Importance:
* Positions Tooro as a regional leader in preventive healthcare
* Protects children under five from severe malaria
* Reduces household health expenditure and disease burden
The Kingdom’s mobilization structures and cultural leadership played a critical role in community sensitization, acceptance, and uptake of the vaccine.
5. Youth, Sports, and Talent Development
5.1 MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Tournament 2025
The leadership of the Ministry of Sports is duly recognized.
Key highlights included:
* Introduction of netball, expanding participation for women and girls
* Increased prize money and competitiveness
* Participation from all counties
Reach and Impact:
* Thousands of youth participated directly
* Tens of thousands engaged as spectators
* Promoted unity, discipline, and talent identification
5.2 Modern Football Stadium Development
In a landmark strategic gesture, Rukirabasaija Omukama offered 50 acres of Kingdom land for the development of a modern football stadium.
Strategic Value:
* Anchor facility for youth sports development
* Host national and regional competitions
* Catalyze sports tourism, employment, and private investment
6. Tooro Kingdom Youth Economic Empowerment Program (TOKYEP)
TOKYEP emerged as one of the Kingdom’s flagship socio-economic transformation initiatives.
Key Interventions
* Distribution of free coffee and cocoa seedlings
* Establishment of youth incubation and skilling centre’s
* Establishment of coffee and cocoa mother gardens and nurseries for sustainable distribution of seedlings in the Kingdom
* Entrepreneurship training and agribusiness support
* Linkages to markets, finance, and value addition
Benefits
* Youth employment creation
* Increased household incomes
* Strengthened participation in the national Parish Development Model (PDM)
* Reduced rural-urban migration
TOKYEP firmly positions the youth as drivers, not beneficiaries of Tooro’s development.
7. Strategic Economic Partnerships and Investment Positioning
7.1 Uganda Development Bank (UDB) Engagement
Engagements with Uganda Development Bank (UDB) yielded a pipeline of Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) projects valued at USD 10 million.
Focus Areas:
* Development of a Royal tourism circuit: Tourism and hospitality infrastructure
* Agro-processing
* Youth-led enterprises
This positions Tooro as a bankable destination for structured development finance.
7.2 Offer in Principle from H.E. the President
His Excellency the President extended an offer in principle exceeding UGX 200 billion for transformative infrastructure development, including:
* Rehabilitation of Muchwa and the Royal Tombs
* Construction of a coffee and cocoa factory to ensure value addition to our agricultural production
* Construction of:
• A 5-star hotel
• Shopping malls and apartments
• A museum
• A 1,000-seater conference centre
• A youth skilling centre
• A cultural centre
This visionary commitment anchors Muchwa as a national heritage, tourism, and economic hub.
8. Civic, Cultural, and Institutional Milestones
8.1 Tooro Kingdom Annual Youth Conference
In July 2025, the Kingdom hosted the inaugural Tooro Kingdom Annual Youth Conference, marking a historic milestone in structured youth engagement and participation in Kingdom affairs.
The leadership of Hon. Nicholas Mugume is duly recognized for steering this initiative.
Participation and Reach
* Over 1,000 young people drawn from all counties of the Kingdom
* Conference graced by Rukirabasaija Omukama, reinforcing the centrality of youth in the Kingdom’s future
Key Themes Addressed
* Education reform and skills development aligned to market needs
* Entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to finance
* Technology, digital transformation, and emerging opportunities
* Leadership, values, and cultural preservation
Outcomes and Strategic Value
* Strengthened dialogue between youth and Kingdom leadership
* Expanded mentorship and peer-learning networks
* Institutionalization of the conference as an annual platform for youth policy input, leadership grooming, and innovation exchange
8.2 Tooro Kingdom Royal Dinners and stakeholders engagements
Between June and August 2025, the Kingdom convened engagements with prominent Batooro and held two high-level Royal Dinners in:
- Fort Portal – Mountains of the Moon Hotel
- Kampala – Four Points by Sheraton
Purpose and Strategic Intent
* Reflect on the vision of “The Tooro We Desire”
* Provide progress updates on Kingdom priorities and reforms
* Engage the diaspora, private sector leaders, development partners, and opinion leaders
Impact
* Renewed confidence among stakeholders in the Kingdom’s strategic direction
* Increased diaspora engagement and investment interest
* Strengthened networks with national and international partners
These engagements elevated the Kingdom’s visibility, credibility, and investment profile.
8.3 Baragira Kiki Campaign
The Baragira Kiki Campaign emerged as the Kingdom’s flagship civic transformation and citizen responsibility initiative in February 2025
Key Activities
* Sanitation and cleanliness drives in urban and rural communities
* Tree planting and environmental conservation campaigns
* Civic education and youth-led mobilization
Impact and Significance
* Strengthened community ownership of public spaces
* Promoted responsible citizenship and collective action
* Advanced environmental sustainability in line with national and global climate priorities
The campaign reaffirmed the Kingdom’s role as a moral and civic compass for society.
8.4 Presidential CEOs Forum (PCF) Engagement
In partnership with the Presidential CEOs Forum, the Kingdom hosted over 500 CEOs in Fort Portal, culminating in a Royal Dinner at Karuziika Palace.
Key Outcomes
* Showcased Tooro’s potential in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology
* Positioned the Kingdom as a high-potential investment destination
* Strengthened public–private collaboration aligned with national development priorities
This engagement marked a significant step in aligning Kingdom aspirations with private sector capital and expertise.
8.5 Empango at 30 Celebrations
The Pearl Empango Anniversary, commemorating 30 years of the reign of Rukirabasaija Omukama, was marked through a week-long program of spiritual, cultural, and social activities.
Key Highlights
* Health camps serving surrounding communities
* Ekyooto Ha Mpango cultural and development dialogue
* Royal baptism
* Main celebration of the 30th Empango on 12th September 2025
Attendance and National Significance
* Thousands of participants
* Attendance by the Speaker of Parliament
* Presence of cultural, religious, and traditional leaders from across Uganda
The celebrations reaffirmed Tooro’s enduring cultural relevance and unity.
8.6 Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival
The third edition of Ekyooto Ha Mpango led by the leadership of Hon Joan Adyeri blended culture, sports, agriculture, and dialogue into a unique development festival.
Key Components
* Sports tournaments fostering youth participation
* Agricultural tours to King Oyo Model Farm and Kiko Tea Estate
* Structured dialogue on agricultural tourism, value addition, and tea pricing
Grand Finale
* Cultural music event at Karuziika Palace
* Attendance of over 10,000 people
* Midnight appearance by Rukirabasaija Omukama and Her Royal Highness the Batebe, symbolizing unity, accessibility, and cultural pride
8.7 Community ICT Development and Social Support
Toro Babies Home
- UGX 20 million mobilized from MTN Uganda (Yellow Care Volunteers)
- Supported medical care and essential logistics for vulnerable children
Community ICT Hub
- Fully equipped, solar-powered ICT Hub handed over to Best Nursery & Primary School
Partners Included
MTN Uganda, Bayobab Uganda, Maendeleo Foundation, Clinic Pesa, MUBS Entrepreneurship Centre, TowerCo, among others.
Beneficiaries
* 484 learners, including orphans and vulnerable children
* Wider surrounding community through shared access
Additional Infrastructure Support
- Solar installation
- Dormitory partitioning
- Provision of books, mattresses, and play equipment
- Playground leveling and tree planting
These interventions advanced digital inclusion, education access, and social protection.
8.8 Strategic Memorandums of Understanding
In 2025, the Kingdom signed several strategic MOUs, including with:
* Mountains of the Moon University – research, ICT, agriculture, scholarships, and community development
* Maarifasasa Ltd – Tooro Digital Hub targeting 5,000 youth, with 60% female participation
* MTN Uganda – sports development and community engagement
* Housing Finance Bank Uganda Ltd – affordable housing finance and financial literacy
* Habitat for Humanity – construction of over 50 houses, tenure security, and environmental management
Strategic Impact
* Strengthened institutional capacity
* Expanded access to skills, housing, and technology
* Anchored long-term partnerships aligned with the Kingdom’s development agenda
9. Development of the Tooro Kingdom Five-Year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2031)
In 2025, the Tooro Kingdom undertook the formulation of a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2031), a landmark institutional exercise designed to translate Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s long-term vision into a coherent, results-driven, and measurable development framework.
The process was led by the leadership of Hon. Dr. Rwemigisa Araali and Hon. Kasangaki Apuuli, whose stewardship ensured technical rigor, inclusivity, and alignment with both national and global development priorities.
Purpose and Strategic Rationale
The Five-Year Strategic Development Plan was designed to:
* Provide a clear roadmap for the Kingdom’s socio-economic transformation
* Align Kingdom priorities with national frameworks including Vision 2040, NDPIII, and the Parish Development Model (PDM)
* Strengthen institutional coordination, accountability, and resource mobilization
* Serve as a reference tool for government, development partners, and investors
Planning Process and Methodology
The development of the Plan followed a participatory and evidence-based approach, including:
* Extensive consultations across all counties of the Kingdom
* Engagements with Kingdom ministries, cultural institutions, youth, women, and private sector actors
* Review of baseline socio-economic data and sector performance
* Validation workshops involving technical experts and key stakeholders
This inclusive process ensured that the Plan reflects grassroots realities while remaining strategically ambitious.
Priority Pillars of the Plan
The Strategic Development Plan is anchored on key pillars, including:
* Economic Transformation and Wealth Creation, with emphasis on agriculture value addition, tourism, and enterprise development
* Human Capital Development, focusing on health, education, skills, and youth empowerment
* Infrastructure and Urban Development, including heritage sites, housing, and commercial facilities
* Culture, Heritage, and Identity, strengthening cultural institutions and tourism
* Governance, Institutional Strengthening, and Service Delivery
* Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Expected Outcomes and Strategic Value
* Clear prioritization of flagship projects and programs
* Defined implementation, monitoring, and evaluation framework
* Improved ability to mobilize public, private, and development finance
* Enhanced accountability and performance tracking across Kingdom institutions
The Five-Year Strategic Development Plan provides a unifying blueprint that anchors all Kingdom interventions in coherence, discipline, and long-term impact.
10. Ministry of Land and Housing
Toro Ministry of Land and Housing – Key Activities and Milestones (2025)
Under the leadership of Hon Vincent Agaba Araali, the Ministry of Land and Housing has achieved the following strategic objectives:
* Started the Toro Decent Living Campaign to support housing development initiatives in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, aimed at promoting decent and affordable housing across the Kingdom.
* Through the Tooro Kingdom Land Board, continued the process of verification of Tooro Kingdom land titles in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, alongside the ex*****on of other statutory and administrative land management duties.
* Continued the formulation of the Tooro Kingdom Land Policy, which remains an ongoing process intended to guide land governance, tenure security, and sustainable land use within the Kingdom.
* Represented the Kingdom at the National Land Policy Validation and Research Workshop organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, contributing to national-level land policy discourse.
* Represented the Kingdom at the Mailo Land Platform hosted by Makerere University, engaging on matters related to mailo land tenure, reform, and best practices.
* Represented the Kingdom at the Water and Sanitation Annual Conference organized by the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network, strengthening linkages between land use planning, housing, water access, and sanitation.
* Continuously intervened in land conflict situations across the Kingdom, mediating disputes and promoting peaceful and negotiated solutions to safeguard social harmony and livelihoods.
* Wrote formally to the Fort Portal Tourism City Authority regarding the development of Kacwamba Market, ensuring alignment with Kingdom land interests and urban development priorities.
* Established a Ministry of Land and Housing Committee comprising experts in the built environment, to provide technical guidance on land use planning, housing, and infrastructure development.
* Established an inter-ministerial implementation committee to oversee and coordinate the ex*****on of the Toro Decent Living Campaign across relevant Kingdom ministries.
11. Conclusion
The year 2025 stood as a defining chapter in the modern history of the Tooro Kingdom.
Through bold leadership, institutional reform, strategic partnerships, and deep grassroots engagement, the Kingdom made measurable progress toward realizing “The Tooro We Desire.”
These achievements lay a strong foundation for accelerated impact in 2026 and beyond, under the wise, unifying, and visionary leadership of Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Omukama ahangirize.
