It was Wednesday 9th September while at a friend’s wedding, when Daniel opened his whatsapp. Through the corner of my eye, I noticed an e-flier with a face familiar. I asked him to show it to me. It was Mr. Edward Rukidi — not just the friend I knew! But the new king of Tooro!
I met Edward and his wife Rebecca at church around 2017 where we served as Sunday service hosts. Later, I saw him read news on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. It made sense then why emceeing service came easy for him. It never hit me that he shared a name with King Oyo of Tooro, one of the prominent kingdoms here in Uganda
The two are second cousins sharing a grandfather Omukama George David Rukidi III.
Rebecca oft called Edward ‘Amooti’. That’s one among the many pet names common among the Nyoro & Tooro kingdoms. Amooti was always so parenty, kind, down-to-earth and caring. Both were. Rebecca drew close since she was of my mother’s tribe (an itesot). Their union was like my parents’ — East and West co-existing. They always checked on me especially regarding my architectural studies (post-covid) at university; always offering prayers and love.
Following the unprecedented demise of King Oyo was a turbulence that lasted weeks! The Supreme Council had to select a new king, as it is custom for the new king to be present at the burial to perform a ritual of throwing a particular number of beans onto the coffin of the former & deceased king. The selection happened as the Queen mother, close relatives and the nation mourned, and it was disputed heavily as it was cited that Oyo left a child heir (according to his will) who wasn’t disclosed.
That caused the council to choose from a different line out of George Rukidi. The first candidate chosen declined ascending the throne. Next in line was Amooti, who accepted the responsibility.
While at the table with Daniel, I shivered a bit! Not everyone was happy about decision; but my comfort was the fact that the new king was God-Fearing! VERY, very God-fearing just as the former had been. I’d been in the place of intercession for the kingdom due to all the unfolding quagmire.
Despite the backlash, I felt a Godly peace. Here, men receive tithes but God receives them in Heaven. Here, men choose, but Romans 13:1 tells that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So who can lay charge against God’s elect?
When the news I first heard, I remember reading about a General who confessed on X that he used to look down at Mr. Edward while at UBC, mocking that he always greeted him first even if the feeling wasn’t mutual. Now he was wondering how he’d get his Majesty’s attention!
My major take was to be good & kind to everyone; to keep networking and … to keep the relationship. Who knows what anyone could be tomorrow! After covid, the church systems changed a bit and we never had an opportunity to host service again. But, we kept in touch. A simple hello whenever we saw each other … a simple reply to a whatsapp status is all it took to keep the relationship aflame.
Take pictures as well with your people. When they do make it big, that’s all the evidence you have that you know them, or that they know you. The photo I had with the royals made rounds on the internet. Suddenly, people were calling me ‘Prince’. Now they too were bragging how they knew me, and that I’d be their connection to the new royals! Someone could ask how this could benefit me!
Well, I’m an architect. I imagine them calling me about a plan for a new palace. That alone would be great for my career. Haha. Does this mean we must do good expecting it back from people? No. Even the Bible says we shouldn’t expect it. But just being kind always does have its rewards. And even if they don’t call for a house plan, my image changed in the eyes of many.
Do remember the lesson. Treasure your friendships. Keep in touch; for who knows what one will be tomorrow! Mr. Edward went to bed a journalist one day — and king the following evening!
Congratulations to Him upon his one month in as king; kandi Her Highness Omugo Rebecca Amoding Rukidi. God will give Tooro beauty for ashes. And we may not comprehend everything, but trust that He still reigns, and that all will work together for the good.
•
1 Samuiri 10:24 Samuiri yagambira abantu bona ati Mulore ogu MUKAMA owakomelemu, busaho ondi orukumuingana omu bantu bona. Abantu bona batokera ahaiguru, nibagamba ngu Omukama ahangirize.
