In a moving homecoming, Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale returned from the United States with her husband, Prince Philip, to join her family and people in celebrating 30 years of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s reign.
The homecoming was crowned by a ceremony at the Tooro Kingdom residence in Buziga, a serene Kampala suburb, where Princess Komuntale was unveiled as the newest Brand Ambassador of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
A Sister’s Tribute
During the ceremony, Princess Komuntale gave an emotional address that resonated deeply across the Kingdom and beyond, “I am so proud of my brother, not only as a great king but as the man he has become. To see him lead with grace, wisdom, and humility for 30 years is deeply moving. Today, I celebrate him not just as my king, but as my brother who has grown into a remarkable man.”
Her words underscored the personal journey of King Oyo, who was crowned at only three years old in 1995 and is now celebrated globally as one of Africa’s youngest and most resilient monarchs.
Inspiring the Youth
Princess Komuntale also used her platform to send a message to the youth of Tooro and Uganda, “To the young people of our Kingdom and our country, I urge you to be proud of who you are, honor your culture, and hold fast to your dreams. The future belongs to you. Let your heritage give you strength as you create, innovate, and lead.”
Her appeal positioned her not only as a royal figure but also as a mentor and cultural torchbearer for the next generation.
The Buziga ceremony also saw a historic partnership signed between Princess Komuntale and Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). With this, the Princess officially became UTB’s Brand Ambassador, tasked with promoting Uganda’s culture and tourism both locally and internationally.
Juliana Kaggwa praised the appointment saying, “We are honored to welcome Princess Komuntale as UTB’s Brand Ambassador. Her royal heritage, international profile, and deep love for Uganda make her the perfect voice to share our story with the world. This moment, as we celebrate 30 years of King Oyo’s reign, reflects the strength of cultural tourism in Uganda.”
Princess Komuntale’s unveiling comes just days before the grand Ekyooto Ha Mpango festival, scheduled for 10th to 13th September 2025 at the Kingdom Headquarters in Fort Portal. This year’s edition celebrates 30 Years of King Oyo’s reign — from the world’s youngest monarch to a respected African leader, Royal Cultural Ceremonies — rituals, dances, and storytelling, Entertainment and Fashion — performances by Cindy, Atwooki, and a cultural fashion showcase and Tourism Promotion — spotlighting Fort Portal and the wider Tooro region as Uganda’s tourism crown jewel.
A Royal Homecoming with Meaning
Princess Komuntale’s return, her tribute to King Oyo, and her message to the youth set the tone for a coronation anniversary unlike any other. With her new ambassadorship, she stands as a bridge between Uganda’s traditions and its global aspirations, ensuring that the fireplace (Ekyooto) burns brightly for future generations.
