Mr Saul Mugasa, the Speaker (Rwigi) of Tooro Supreme Council, has resigned citing irreconcilable differences and mismanagement by Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In his May 3, 2021 letter, Mr Mugasa says after having served the kingdom for 22 years in various capacities, his conscience dictated that this was the right time to call it quits.
Mr Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi, the Tooro Kingdom Information Minister, said he was aware of Mr Mugasa’s resignation adding that he believed Omukama Oyo was grateful for Mr Mugasa’s contribution to the kingdom during his long term service.
“I think the thing is, after serving the king and kingdom for 22 years, I know as the kingdom and I believe the king is grateful for [Mr] Mugasa’s contribution to the kingdom over a 22- year period. That’s not a short time to serve an institution,” said Mr Mwanguhya.
The Speaker cited Omukama Oyo’s ‘lack of transparency’ in managing the kingdom’s finances and properties claiming that the Omukama misused the Shs2b that government compensated the kingdom for his own personal use.
“These assets and compensation are for the people of Tooro. Hence, are meant to be seen to benefit the people. I request a committee of stakeholders urgently be set-up to consult the people of Tooro on their views regarding the management of the returned assets and compensation” Mr Mugasa recommended in his letter.
However, Mr Mwanguhya denied having knowledge about these accusations made against the Omukama.
“I am not aware. He should describe that himself. He must have evidence to pin the king for such a crime,” said Mr Mwanguhya.
Mr Mugasa also accuses Omukama Oyo’s administration of alleged failure to respect the arms of the kingdom.
“The kingdom arms are the Orukurato Orukuru headed by the Rwigi and the cabinet headed by the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister). For all the years I have served in the kingdom, many of your people especially regents and the palace establishment, always undermined the role of those arms”.
The speaker says he and others kept on hoping that when Omukama Oyo comes of age, he would reverse the trend but says that has not been the case.
In his letter, Mr Mugasa also cites irreconcilable differences within the kingdom especially among the clan members adding that these divisions affect the stability of the kingdom and the king’s reign.
“Your Majesty, the religious leaders’ report of reconciling warring factions in the kingdom (by Prince Kijanangoma by then) dated December 9, 2015, had good recommendations but was neglected. I request you to pick a leaf from it.”
He urged King Oyo to initiate efforts that unite the people of Tooro through their kingdom they cherish and love.
Mr Mwanguhya acknowledged Mugasa’s recommendations made in the letter and said any advice towards the betterment of the kingdom is and should be welcomed.
“……and any advice intended to make the kingdom better is and should be worked on as an advice,” he asserted.
