Tooro Kingdom's King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV

The King of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has started fasting, a month after announcing the move to protest what he called division of his kingdom. The 22 year old monarch declared the fasting on Monday at his palace in Fort Portal.

Addressing a section of his subjects, King Oyo said that the fasting which will last for six days will end on Saturday. He said that he has hope that God will guide him throughout the fasting period. He also requested that his subjects join him in fasting, saying that a King doesn’t fast alone.

Unlike last month, the King didn’t give reasons why he was fasting. However, Vincent Mugume, the Kingdom deputy Information minister, told local media that King Oyo was fasting for peace in his Kingdom.

Mugume says that during the fasting period, the King will fast with religious leaders and his subjects from the counties of Tooro, which include Kyaka, Mwenge, Kitagwenda, Kibaale, Bunyagabu, Burahya, Ntoroko and Fort Portal Municipality. He adds that prayers will also be held during the fasting period.

Oyo’s declaration of fasting was preceded by prayers which were led by Apostle Lillian Mboya from Mombasa in Kenya.  Mboya told King Oyo not to be tempted by the devil during the fasting period and told him to remain strong, despite criticism.

Mboya later prayed for the King, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and members of the Tooro royal family.

Last month, Steven Kaliba, the Tooro Kingdom Premier said that King Oyo would fast to protest what he sees as President Museveni’s decision to create more kingdoms within the greater Tooro monarchy. Kaliba said that the King is disappointed that the creation of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu in Kasese and Obudhingya Bwa Bamba in Bundibugyo has divided and weakened the power and supremacy of Tooro Kingdom. Kaliba adds that the King will also fast over delay by the government to return the kingdom assets.

Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo welcomes President Museveni to the Karuzika in Fortportal yesterday. The President had just arrived to attend the closing ceremony of the launch of Africa Queens and Leaders Network Conference last year.

President Museveni while reacting to comments from Tooro reported said the fasting would help King Oyo to reduce his weight and remain fit. His comments drew protests from Tooro Kingdom subjects who demanded an apology from the President.

The fasting comes just a week after 92 people were killed in sporadic violence in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts.