Fort Portal was on fire this weekend as the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Music Festival shut down Karuzika Palace in style, wrapping up a week of royal vibes, culture, and pure celebration for Omukama Oyo’s 30th coronation anniversary.
From the jump, the palace grounds were buzzing, drums, dances, cold Pilsners flowing, and thousands of people turning up to honor Tooro’s King. UTB boss Juliana Kagwa summed it up best, “Empango is more than culture, it’s a whole vibe — a chance for the world to experience Uganda’s living heritage.”
And trust, the vibes did not disappoint. At the Pilsner Cultural Village, the 4-for-10k deal had squads clinking bottles, posing with crafts, and letting loose on the drums. Pilsner’s rep, Lillian Kansiime, kept it real, “30 years of King Oyo means 30 years of unity and resilience and that’s exactly what the King’s beer stands for.”
The night? Straight fire. DJs Ken and Hash had the crowd warmed up before Tooro’s own talent, Aliddeki Brian, Zaya Rosette, and Big Doug, brought the energy. The House of Talent Cultural crew shut it down with the traditional amakondere dance that had everyone moving.
When King Oyo himself pulled up, the crowd went wild. Midnight hit, fireworks lit up the Fort Portal sky, and the party shifted gears.
Then came the heavy hitters. Iryn Hindah’s soulful vibes, Atwookie Richie’s smooth set, and finally, the “King Herself” Cindy Sanyu stormed the stage. One hour, back-to-back bangers, including her new smash See You Tonight. The crowd? Losing it. When Cindy bowed out, DJ Tony kept the palace jumping till the sun came up.
Big salute to Talent Africa Group for pulling off a flawless show, plus the squad of sponsors including Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Pilsner Lager, Plascon, Movit, MTN, NBS, Pepsi, UWA, and more — who made the royal turn-up possible.
30 years of King Oyo, and Tooro proved once again: culture + music + community = unforgettable vibes.
