TAKEAWAYS

• Tooro’s influence stretches across sectors, with prominent Batooro making their mark in politics, journalism, academia, the military and entertainment.
• Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya, Andrew Mwenda Adyeeri, Margaret Muhanga Abwooli and Adolf Mwesige Kasaija Apuuli are among the kingdom’s most recognisable public figures.
• Juliana Kanyomozi Akiiki, A Pass and Amooti Omubalanguzi represent Tooro’s powerful contribution to Uganda’s entertainment industry.

Following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, eulogies, tributes and messages of heartbreak have continued to dominate the Ugandan scene.

The Batooro are one of Uganda’s major ethnic communities and have contributed immensely to the country in different sectors, from politics and public service to journalism, academia, the military, law, business and entertainment.

Beyond the hills of Tooro, several Batooro have built names that are recognised across Uganda and, in some cases, internationally. From royalty and politics to journalism, the military, music and comedy, here are 10 of the most renowned Batooro who have made a significant mark on Uganda.

1. Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya Akiiki

Full name: Elizabeth Christobel Edith Bagaaya Nyabongo Akiiki

Few Batooro have achieved the kind of international recognition associated with Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya Akiiki.

Born into the Tooro royal family as the daughter of Omukama Rukidi III, Bagaaya became a lawyer, diplomat, politician, international model and actress. She made history in 1965 when she became the first East African woman to be called to the English Bar.

But her achievements went far beyond law. She entered international modelling and became one of Africa’s early globally recognised models, appearing in major fashion publications. She later ventured into film, including appearing in Bullfrog in the Sun, the film adaptation of Things Fall Apart.

Her story remains one of the most remarkable journeys ever produced by the Tooro royal family.

2. Prof. Edward Rugumayo

Full name: Edward Bitanywaine Rugumayo

Prof. Edward Rugumayo is one of the most distinguished intellectuals and public figures to emerge from Tooro.

An academic, politician, diplomat and author, Rugumayo has had a long career in Uganda’s public life. He became one of the country’s prominent parliamentary figures and has also remained involved in matters concerning the development and cultural affairs of Tooro.

His contribution extends beyond politics, with a career that has combined academia, public service and leadership.

3. Andrew Mwenda Adyeeri

Full name: Andrew Mwenda

Andrew Mwenda Adyeeri is arguably one of Uganda’s most recognisable journalists and media personalities.

The founder and owner of The Independent, Mwenda has spent decades in journalism, radio, television and political commentary. He previously served as political editor of Daily Monitor before establishing The Independent in 2008. The Committee to Protect Journalists describes him as one of Uganda’s leading political journalists.

Beyond his media career, Mwenda has remained a prominent voice in Uganda’s public discourse and is one of the best-known Batooro figures of his generation.

4. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga

Full name: Kayanja Muhanga

From the newsroom to the battlefield, Tooro has also produced prominent figures in Uganda’s military establishment.

Gen. Kayanja Muhanga has risen through the ranks of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and held senior command positions. He is also part of the prominent Muhanga family from Tooro, alongside journalist Andrew Mwenda and politician Margaret Muhanga.

His military career has made him one of the most recognisable Batooro in Uganda’s security establishment.

5. Margaret Muhanga Abwooli

Full name: Margaret Muhanga Mugisa

Margaret Muhanga Abwooli has built a prominent career in Ugandan politics and public service.

She has served as a Member of Parliament representing Kabarole District and later Burahya County, while also holding a ministerial position in government. She has been involved in political and development matters affecting Tooro and remains one of the region’s recognisable political figures.

Muhanga also comes from one of Tooro’s better-known public families. She is the sister of journalist Andrew Mwenda and Gen. Kayanja Muhanga.

6. Juliana Kanyomozi Akiiki

Full name: Juliana Kanyomozi

When it comes to entertainment, it is almost impossible to compile a list of renowned Batooro without Juliana Kanyomozi.

The celebrated singer and actress is a princess of Tooro and a first cousin of the late Omukama Oyo. Her father, Prince Gerald Philip Manyindo, was a brother to Oyo’s father, which made the two cousins. Juliana’s connection to the royal family has always been an important part of her identity.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Juliana has established herself as one of Uganda’s finest vocalists. She has also consistently embraced her Tooro roots, including through music.

Her influence has made her one of the most visible Batooro ambassadors in Uganda’s entertainment industry.

7. A Pass

Full name: Bagonza Alexander

A Pass is one of the biggest names from Tooro’s younger generation.

The singer and songwriter has carved out a unique space in Uganda’s music industry through his distinctive sound, songwriting and experimental approach to music.

Unlike some people whose Tooro connection is based largely on birthplace or family background, A Pass has publicly identified himself as a Mutooro. In a message to fellow musician Bebe Cool, he introduced himself as “Bagonza A Pass Alexander” and explicitly described himself as a Mutooro.

His success has made him one of the most recognisable modern entertainers associated with Tooro.

8. Amooti Omubalanguzi

Real name: Allan Mujuni

If Uganda’s comedy industry had a Hall of Fame, Amooti Omubalanguzi would arguably be one of the first names on the wall.

The veteran comedian, actor, broadcaster and entertainer has been part of Uganda’s comedy scene for decades. He rose to national prominence through the Amarula Family and went on to build a long-running career in comedy and radio. His real name is Allan Mujuni, and his stage name Amooti Omubalanguzi.

Amooti has arguably played a godfather-like role in Uganda’s comedy industry, helping establish the culture of stand-up and character-based comedy that later generations of comedians built upon.

His Mutooro identity has also featured prominently in his public persona and comedy.

9. Adolf Mwesige Kasaija Apuuli

Full name: Adolf Kasaija Mwesige

Adolf Mwesige Kasaija Apuuli is another heavyweight from Tooro who has made his mark in Uganda’s political and public-service space.

He has served in several senior government positions, including as Minister of Defence and Minister of Local Government, and has represented Bunyangabu in Parliament.

His career has stretched across politics, government and public administration, making him one of the most experienced political figures associated with Tooro.

His Empaako, Apuuli, is also frequently used alongside his name in public references. Currently, he is the clerk to Uganda’s Parliament.

10. Dr. John Ntambirweki

Full name: John Ntambirweki

Dr. John Ntambirweki represents another important side of Tooro’s contribution to Uganda: academia and law.

A lawyer, academic and university administrator, Ntambirweki has spent years contributing to Uganda’s legal and higher education sectors.

His career demonstrates that the contribution of Batooro to Uganda extends far beyond the most visible political and entertainment personalities.

A legacy spread across generations and sectors

The stories of these 10 Batooro demonstrate just how broad Tooro’s contribution to Uganda has been.

Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya took Tooro to international fashion and film. Prof. Edward Rugumayo made his mark in academia and public leadership. Andrew Mwenda built one of Uganda’s most influential independent media brands, while Gen. Kayanja Muhanga rose through the military ranks.

In politics, Margaret Muhanga and Adolf Mwesige Kasaija Apuuli have served the country in different capacities. And in entertainment, Juliana Kanyomozi, A Pass and Amooti Omubalanguzi have each left their own unmistakable mark.

As the Batooro mourn the passing of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, these stories provide another reminder that the legacy of Tooro is not confined to the palace.

It lives on through the people of Tooro who have carried the kingdom’s name into almost every corner of Ugandan public life.