Fort Portal, July 18, 2025
Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, on Friday, 18th July 2025, delivered a powerful address at the 1st Tooro Annual Youth Conference, emphasising the crucial role of young people in shaping a responsive and youth-centred Uganda. Under the theme “WE SPEAK, WE LEAD; CULTURAL YOUNG VOICES DRIVING CHANGE FOR A RESPONSIVE AND YOUTH CENTRED UGANDA,” the King called on the youth to embrace leadership and actively participate in the Kingdom’s development agenda.
Agutamba expressed his delight in joining the distinguished attendees and extended heartfelt gratitude to the conference organizers, particularly Tooro Kingdom Ministry of Youth and key partners like Reach a Hand Uganda. Special recognition was given to Mr. Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder and CEO of Reach a Hand Uganda, for fulfilling an assignment given to him years prior. Other vital partners, including Centenary Bank, ABSA, MOVIT, NBS-TV, SAUTI, NTV, KRC, Britop FM, and Airtel Uganda, were also commended for their invaluable support.
In his address, King Oyo highlighted leadership as the cornerstone of success, stating, “Whatever issues one may hope to tackle, leadership is the key to success. Leadership inspires and provides strategic direction.” He reiterated his firm belief that “you are never too young to lead,” encouraging the youth to draw inspiration from the intergenerational discussions held at the conference.
Rukirabasaija emphasised the kingdom’s commitment to placing young people at the forefront of its 25-year Development Agenda. He outlined several key initiatives designed to empower the youth:
Agricultural Model Farms serving as learning centres for improved agricultural practices.
Youth Skilling Centres for Equipping youth with essential skills for self-employment.
Amasaza Sports Tournament for Promoting and nurturing talent in football and netball.
Modern ICT Centre, Soon to open, for providing technological skills to compete in the modern world.
HIV and Other Health Campaigns for Routine healthcare camps offering free treatment and sensitization across the Kingdom.
Environmental Preservation through massive tree-planting exercises implemented in schools and learning institutions.
Nkyanungi also urged all young people in the Kingdom to fully utilize these programs and the incredible opportunities they present, emphasizing, “If we work together, no target is too ambitious to reach; no obstacle is too hard to overcome.”
Furthermore, Rukirabasaija invited all partners and guests to return to Tooro on September 12, 2025, for the colourful celebration of his 30th Coronation Anniversary (Empango). He called upon the young people of Tooro to work hand in hand with the Kingdom Administration in mobilizing for this special milestone.
Agutamba concluded by commending the participants for their commitment, stating, “You investing your time and energy indicate quality character that is vitally needed to build a better Tooro and Uganda.” He encouraged them to avoid negative peer influences leading to dangerous outcomes such as HIV contraction, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, alcoholism, and violence.
Rukirabasaija expressed his sincere hope that the conference had been a meaningful, stimulating, and rewarding experience, motivating the youth to become leaders in all spheres of life, to “dream big and act big as we drive change towards a Uganda that allows young people to thrive.”
