Why you should not miss this year’s Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival celebrating 30 years of King Oyo’s reign as Pilsner Lager injects UGX 150m
In a momentous press conference held yesterday at His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s palace in Buziga, Kampala, two pivotal announcements were made that are set to illuminate the cultural landscape of the Tooro Kingdom. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with the Tooro Kingdom, proudly appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Komuntale as the new Visit Uganda Tourism Ambassador.
This esteemed role underscores Princess Komuntale’s dedication to showcasing Uganda as a premier tourism destination, particularly as the kingdom gears up for the highly anticipated Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival from September 10th- 13, 2025, in Fort Portal Tourism City.
Adding to the excitement, Pilsner Lager announced a generous contribution of UGX 150 million towards the celebrations of King Oyo’s 30th Coronation Anniversary. This announcement coincided with the warm welcome of Princess Ruth Komuntale, who has returned to Uganda for her brother’s Empango festivities on September 12th.
The support from Pilsner Lager highlights a collaborative effort to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Tooro Kingdom and to elevate Uganda’s status as a vibrant tourism destination during this historic celebration.
Princess Komuntale, currently residing in Texas, USA, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I applaud UTB’s leadership in positioning Uganda as the Pearl of Africa and for recognizing the role of our cultural institutions in this journey. Tooro has exciting milestones such as the Empango celebrations, and we would be honored to work with UTB to position these events as experiences that attract visitors to our kingdom. This homecoming is very special to me, not only because of the King’s 30th anniversary but also because I am here with my family to baptize my son in the land of my ancestors”
UTB Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, emphasized the significance of leveraging cultural heritage to market Uganda globally. “Princess Komuntale’s international presence will be instrumental in promoting Uganda to American audiences, particularly by highlighting our rich culture and natural attractions,” she noted.
This appointment is part of UTB’s broader strategy to engage diaspora Ugandans and cultural icons in promoting tourism across key international markets.In a show of solidarity, Pilsner Lager reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the traditions of the Tooro Kingdom with its substantial contribution.
Lillian Kansiime, a representative from Pilsner Lager, remarked, “Pilsner Lager is a champion of celebrating the people of Uganda and our shared heritage. We are proud to continue this partnership with Tooro Kingdom for two more years, and it is an honor to toast to Omukama Oyo and this kingdom’s enduring legacy.”
Aly Allibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with the kingdom, stating, “On behalf of Talent Africa Group, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Majesty and the Tooro Kingdom for believing in us as the official event partner for this historic celebration. It is a true honor to work alongside the Kingdom to bring the vision of Ekyooto Ha Mpango to life.”
The coronation celebrations will feature performances from renowned artists including Cindy Sanyu, Irene Hinda, Atwooki Richie, Muzamiru, Big Doug, Zaya Rossette, DJ Hash, and MC Droppa. The roadmap for the coronation festivities includes a series of exciting events leading up to the main festival, starting with the MTN Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Football Cup finals on September 7. The celebrations will continue with a Sports Gala on September 8, a Royal Baptism and Thanksgiving at St. John’s Cathedral on September 9, and the opening of the Tooro Business & Investment Expo on September 10.
The President of Uganda will arrive on
September 11 to officially open the Expo and preside over the cultural proceedings. The official Empango Celebrations will take place on September 12, culminating in the highly anticipated Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival on September 13th.
Ms Lillian Kansiime, the brand ambassador Pilsner Lager announced UGX 150m sponsorship for the event from the King’s beer
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Rwomire Armstrong addressing the media said, “This is a historic moment for Tooro. As we celebrate His Majesty’s 30th Coronation Anniversary, we are proud to welcome back our beloved Princess Komuntale and entrust her with the role of Visit Uganda Tourism Ambassador. Tooro has always been a beacon of culture, unity, and beauty, truly the Jewel of the Pearl, and with this appointment, the world will get to see it through her eyes.”
Aly Allibhai of Talent Africa Group, the Chief organizers of the event said revellers should expect top notch do
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).
