At the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in Fort Portal, a sea of enthusiastic young faces gathered at Mucwa, the Tooro Kingdom’s administrative headquarters. Their mission: to chart a bold new path for their future—and their kingdom’s.
In his address at the inaugural Tooro Annual Youth Conference on Friday, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV urged the youth to rise above negative peer pressure and instead choose discipline, integrity, and self-drive as tools for personal and collective transformation.
“The choices you make today will shape the future of this kingdom. Reject what derails you and instead choose what uplifts you,” King Oyo told the youth, drawing applause from the packed courtyard.
Held under the theme “We Speak, We Lead: Cultural Young Voices Driving Change for a Just Uganda,” the conference brought together hundreds of youth from across Tooro and other regions. Sessions focused on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, mental health, and leadership—areas the kingdom believes are critical to addressing the modern challenges young people face.
King Oyo warned of the dangers of succumbing to peer pressure, which he said often leads to teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and substance abuse. He encouraged participants to focus on informed choices that align with the values of the kingdom.
He also reminded the youth of Tooro Kingdom’s ambitious 25-year development blueprint launched in 2021, which seeks to promote youth empowerment, cultural heritage, and sustainable development by 2045.
“Young people must take ownership of this plan. We have created the space, but it’s up to you to fill it with action,” King Oyo said.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Amstrong Rwomire reaffirmed the kingdom’s investment in youth-centered programs, noting that initiatives are already in motion to enhance youth involvement in governance and economic activities.
Humphrey Nabimanya, Executive Director of Reach A Hand Uganda—the event’s co-organizer—said the platform aimed to nurture values that would steer young people toward impactful leadership.
“This is more than a conference. It’s a movement to instill values and create change agents rooted in culture and character,” Nabimanya said.
The Tooro Youth Conference marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s drive to elevate youth voices and embed cultural pride in development agendas. With firm leadership and rising participation, the youth of Tooro appear ready to answer their king’s call.