Bishop Kisembo to Tooro King: One wife, one woman

What the report says

Bishop Reuben Kisembo of the Ruwenzori Diocese used the coronation church service for Tooro’s newly crowned King, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to urge him to remain faithful to his wife and avoid polygamy. Speaking at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Tuesday, the bishop said the Christian marriage vows taken before God call for “one wife, one woman,” and said keeping that commitment was important for the king’s public example.

Beyond the marriage advice, Kisembo also pressed the monarch to improve accountability in the management of kingdom affairs. He called for stronger administration, proper bookkeeping, annual audits and clearer separation between the king’s personal property and assets belonging to the kingdom as an institution. He said good financial discipline would help prevent some of the problems the kingdom has faced in the past.

The service was attended by Nyabongo’s wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, members of the royal family and religious leaders from bodies under the Tooro Interreligious Council. Kisembo further encouraged the king to strengthen the Tooro Supreme Council, support education and youth employment, continue environmental protection efforts and help mobilize communities against alcoholism, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. After the service, Nyabongo returned to Karuziika Palace, where the official coronation took place.