Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Anita Among, stole the spotlight at the 30th coronation anniversary of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, offering to fully cover the bride price once the 33-year-old monarch chooses a bride, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Speaking to thousands gathered at the colorful Empango celebrations held at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal, Among made the light-hearted yet pointed pledge.
“Your Majesty, you know I’m a cattle keeper, I pledge to pay all the cattle once you find a woman to marry. And this time, I’m even ready to make a deposit.”she quipped.
Anita Among remarks sparked loud applause and laughter, even prompting a rare public smile from the usually reserved King Oyo.
Omukama Oyo ascended to the throne at the age of three, making him one of the world’s youngest monarchs. Now, three decades into his reign, the celebrations doubled as a moment for leaders and dignitaries to gently nudge the king toward marriage.
Among, who attended the event as President Yoweri Museveni’s representative, was joined by several other officials in encouraging the monarch to find a queen and secure the future of the Tooro royal lineage.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa also joined the chorus, publicly expressing her wish for more grandchildren especially after the recent baptism of her first grandchild by Princess Ruth Komuntale.
In her formal speech, Speaker Among praised the king and the Tooro Kingdom for their resilience and contributions to national development.
“I congratulate His Highness on this important milestone and applaud the Kingdom for its significant role in uplifting the lives of its people,” she said.
She also addressed a long-standing concern in the region the poor state of the Fort Portal–Mubende road. Responding to Omukama Oyo’s earlier complaints about the road’s impact on livelihoods and regional development, Among directed Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to urgently bring a loan request before Parliament for the road’s rehabilitation.
Minister Kasaija, also in attendance, assured the public that funds for the project had already been released in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport. He urged residents of Tooro to be patient as preparations for physical works begin.
The Empango festivities were rich with traditional rituals, spirited cultural performances, and declarations of loyalty to the king. Yet, the most talked-about moment was the united and playful appeal from leaders and subjects alike urging Omukama Oyo to take the next step and choose his queen.
