Karuzika: The timeless jewel of Tooro Kingdom

Overlooking Fort Portal Tourism City, the palace is an unmissable sight, rich with stories that span decades of Uganda's tumultuous history.

FORT PORTAL | Perched majestically on Kabalore Hill, the Karuzika Palace stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and history in Tooro Kingdom.

Serving as the main palace for Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, Karuzika is more than just a royal residence; it is a symbol of resilience, restoration, and the enduring spirit of the Tooro people.

Overlooking Fort Portal Tourism City, the palace is an unmissable sight, rich with stories that span decades of Uganda's tumultuous history.

A Palace with a History

Built in 1962 by Sir George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukiidi III, the 11th Omukama of Tooro, Karuzika has witnessed both grandeur and turmoil.

The imposing structure, hidden behind a striking yellow and blue gate, has served as a silent witness to the highs and lows of Tooro's history.

The story takes a darker turn in 1966 when kingdoms in Uganda were abolished during the regime of Milton Obote.

"My father laid a foundation, I remember he was going to independence; he laid the foundation while still Duke of Kent," recalls Omujwera Musunga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the ruling Babiito clan, son of George Kamurasi Rukiidi III, and uncle to Omukama Oyo Nyimba.

"But in 1966-67, tragedy befell Uganda, and kingdoms were abolished. The kingdom was destroyed and looted until President Museveni restored kingdoms in 1993."

The restoration of kingdoms sparked a renewed sense of hope and excitement in Tooro.

"Upon restoration, Tooro was excited to rebuild, and the first building named 'Kachwabwemi'—meaning 'the one that ended war'—was constructed," Musunga shares.

However, despite promises of support from President Museveni, efforts to rebuild were met with challenges.

A Palace Reborn with Gaddafi’s Help

Faced with delays, the Tooro leadership turned to an unlikely ally.

"We were in confusion, so we invited Gaddafi. His visit was significant, and we only asked for the restoration of Gaddafi's palace," Musunga explains.

"When he came, that was the talk of the town. A proposal was presented, and he built it."

But the requests didn’t end there. "We said, now that the palace has been built, we want a fence," Musunga continues.

"It took time, but in 2020, it was fulfilled. Now the palace is a palace—security is like at the state house. This is our Birmingham Palace."

Exploring the Palace Ground

As we explore the wonders of Karuzika, Musunga guides us through its many entrances, each with a purpose.

"The palace where you are standing has many entrances but only one main 'chief entrance,' Mugaba Ente.

Whoever is coming here is supposed to pass there, whether in private entry or official— all officials pass through Mugaba Ente to enter Karuzika," Musunga explains.

Through the Mugaba Ente, one enters the Musanga, or Royal Parlor, a significant area where the Omukama meets with chiefs and guests before they are allowed into the palace.

"This is the chief veranda where the Omukama sits during cultural functions," Musunga notes. "When addressing the chiefs and guests, this is where they enter the palace before being allowed inside."

The Royal Parlor is a visual feast.

"Right there, there’s a drum called Kisurumi, with the king’s chair called Mugalihkya. These are stationed here every morning at 6 a.m. and returned at 5pm only when the Omukama is in the palace. They drum it to inform his subjects of his presence," Musunga reveals.

Adding to the intrigue is the presence of the Omuranga, a lady seated next to the Omusanga, whose role is to protect the royal regalia.

"The Omuranga is the only one allowed to touch and handle these indoor royal items," Musunga says.

Ms Lilian Karungi, a third-generation member of the Bahinda clan, is the current Omuranga.

"I feel so blessed to sit next to him," she shares.

"It’s our calling—I left everything. I am the only one who puts the crown on his head. Now that we are headed to Empango, I prepare the royal regalia."

Inside the Karuzika

With rapport established, we were granted access to the interior of the palace. The atmosphere was as silent as falling snow.

According to Tooro tradition, the Omukama resides in the palace alone; even when he marries, his wives are summoned as he wishes.

Separate quarters outside the palace are built for his servants, princes, and princesses.

Inside Karuzika, the walls are adorned with portraits of the various kings of Tooro, some well-known and others lesser-known, each contributing to the kingdom's rich tapestry.

We ended our tour by admiring the different crowns worn by the kings throughout Tooro’s history.

Musunga emphasizes the significance of these crowns, particularly the special crowns known as Enkondo, which are awarded to gallant men dear to the kingdom.

"We have one for President Museveni because he restored kingdoms," Musunga explains. "He played a crucial role in Oyo's reign."

Today, Karuzika stands not just as a residence for the Omukama but as a symbol of Tooro’s resilience and cultural pride.

The palace, with its rich history and vibrant traditions, remains an essential part of the Tooro Kingdom’s identity—a living monument to a people and their enduring spirit.