Fort Portal: The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival has officially begun today in Fort Portal, running from September 10th to 13th, 2025. This four-day cultural celebration kicked off with a royal tour led by His Majesty Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, accompanied by his sister, HRH Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki, and their mother, Her Royal Majesty Queen Dr. Best Olimi Kemigisa Akiiki. Together, they took partners, friends, and well-wishers on a royal tour around the Tooro Kingdom.
The first stop was the King Oyo Model Farm in Bugaaki Sub-county. This farm is not just a piece of land; it embodies His Majesty’s vision for a self-reliant and modern Tooro. Here, agriculture represents both heritage and the future. The farm seamlessly blends innovative techniques with traditional wisdom, showcasing how young people can embrace farming not only as a way of life but as a path to prosperity.
As visitors walked through the fields, they could sense the rhythm of daily life, witnessing farmers tending to their crops and families nourishing their children from this fertile soil. His Majesty’s presence served as a reminder that true leadership involves stewardship.
The tour continued to the Kiko Tea Plantation, a site that has historical significance dating back to the colonial era when tea was introduced to Tooro, thanks to the region’s cool, misty climate and volcanic soils.
Today, Kiko, managed by Rwenzori Commodities Limited of the Madhvani Group, stands as one of Uganda’s largest and most successful tea estates. Guests inhaled the fresh, tea-scented air while observing workers skillfully plucking tender leaves that will journey from these hillsides to teacups around the world, illustrating how Tooro has become one of Uganda’s great agricultural treasures.
Honored guests were treated to a delightful luncheon by Hon. Alex Ruhunda at his residence, setting a warm tone for the day. The evening culminated in a grand Presidential CEO Forum Dinner hosted by the King at Karuzika Palace, where over 500 CEOs gathered for a royal gala dinner, fostering connections among Uganda’s business leaders.
The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival is proudly supported by key partners, including the Uganda Tourism Board, Pilsner Lager, Talent Africa Group, Plascon, Movit, MTN, NBS TV, PEPSI, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of the Republic of Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Branny Nails Kampala, and the Microfinance Support Center (MSC). This festival not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Tooro but also aims to promote tourism and highlight the agricultural potential of the region.
