Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I has been installed as the new Omukama of Tooro in a series of traditional rituals held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.The traditional installation followed an overnight procession that began at 11 pm on Monday at Rwengoma Palace, where Nyabongo and thousands of his subjects set off on a nearly three-kilometre journey through Fort Portal City to Karuziika Palace.The procession was illuminated by traditional lamps made from reeds, as participants chanted, ululated and praised the incoming king.According to kingdom protocol officials, women were barred from participating in the overnight procession as part of the traditional ritual. The restriction, officials said, applied only to the overnight trek, with women allowed to attend Tuesday’s church service and public coronation.The procession reached Karuziika Palace at about 3 am, where Nyabongo faced a traditional mock battle at Mugabante, the main entrance to the palace.The coronation followed a series of rituals across TooroNyabongo’s group battled an army led by Musuuga Charles Kamurasi in a ritual symbolising the incoming king’s takeover of the royal seat. The ritual also involved a fight with a bull, which was eventually overpowered and killed.Edward Kijanangoma on the throneNyabongo emerged victorious, clearing the way for him to enter the palace and proceed with the traditional rituals reserved for a new Omukama.Members of the public who had accompanied him stopped at Mugabante, while Nyabongo and members of the royal family proceeded into the palace for private rituals.Inside Karuziika, traditional ritualists presented Nyabongo with the royal drums, including the main royal drum, Butwarane, which was sounded nine times.The sound of the drums triggered excitement among thousands of people gathered around the palace and marked a significant moment in the transition from the reign of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV to the new king.Other rituals were performed inside the palace by Musuuga and traditional ritualists before Nyabongo was taken to the royal throne. He was also presented with royal regalia, including spears and a shield, as part of the traditional installation.During the overnight rituals, royal regalia, including the spears and drums, were restored to their upright positions after having been turned upside down following the death of Omukama Oyo.The post Edward Rukidi Nyabongo installed as new Omukama of Tooro appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.