Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, the Chief Prince and head of the Babiito royal clan of Tooro Kingdom, was gifted a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado valued at Shs180 million on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal. The vehicle was handed over amid applause and chants of “Musuuga Juu” from supporters, just three days before the scheduled coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama of Tooro on September 29 . An emotional Kamurasi broke down in tears as he received the keys around 2 pm, recalling the responsibility entrusted to him by the late Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, Oyo’s father.
Why the Batooro Gave the Gift
The fundraising drive was launched shortly after the burial of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on August 27, 2026 . Batooro in Uganda and the diaspora, along with friends of Tooro, contributed toward a target of Shs500 million, with part of the funds used to purchase the Prado . Michael Mugisa, one of the organisers, explained that the decision followed the challenges Kamurasi faced while coordinating the kingdom’s affairs during the mourning and succession period. “We went through a lot to bury the king, and the people of Tooro promised Omusuuga the gift of a car,” Mugisa said . Kato Rwakatale, the deputy Musuuga, noted that Kamurasi had been using an ageing vehicle that frequently developed mechanical problems, making his royal and community engagements difficult .
A Personal Gift, Not for the Office
Organisers were deliberate in clarifying that the Land Cruiser is a personal gift to Kamurasi and does not belong to the kingdom or the Office of the Musuuga . “This car is for Charles Kamurasi as a person, not for the office. The things he went through are a lot, so we decided to buy him a car so that he can easily move wherever he wants,” Mugisa stated . Fr Charles Oyo, spokesperson for the coronation organising committee, described the gift as a symbol of gratitude from those who had watched Kamurasi’s service from a distance, calling him “a hero of Tooro, a hero of Uganda and a hero of Africa”.
Standing Firm During a Turbulent Succession
Kamurasi’s role became particularly pronounced following King Oyo’s death, as he helped guide the kingdom through mourning, burial arrangements, and the contested transition to a new monarch . A 21-member Royal Succession Committee associated with the Babiito was constituted after the king’s death, and Kamurasi became one of its central figures . His supporters say he remained firm in upholding Tooro’s cultural norms and traditions despite criticism during the succession process . Receiving the vehicle, Kamurasi expressed deep gratitude: “Through mountains and rocks, I have looked after his son, King Oyo, since his birth until his death” . He also thanked contributors, saying, “I want to thank you, the people of Tooro, the people of Uganda and those in the diaspora. This is patriotism of the highest order” . The vehicle arrived with the customised number plate “Musuuga 001” and will be officially recognised as a personal asset of the Omusuuga .