Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival set for September

By Reagan Ssempijja

The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Cultural Festival, launched in 2021 by the King of Tooro – Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, will return for its fourth edition, running from September 13 to 14, in Fort Portal Tourism City.

As has been the norm for the last editions, the festival seeks to shine a light on the cultural heritage of Tooro, featuring a plethora of activities, including a music festival, cultural and fashion gala, sporting events, tourism excursions, and business clinics among others.

In a press statement released by the organisers – Minstry of Tourism, Tooro Kingdom and Talent Africa Group, on July 26, this year’s festival promises to be an exciting blend of music, art, sports, and fashion, offering something for everyone.

“This festival not only celebrates our unique cultural identity but also promotes tourism and community engagement. We invite everyone to join us in Fort Portal Tourism City for a truly memorable experience” said Honourable Joan Kantu Else Adyeeri, Minister of Tourism – Tooro Kingdom.

“We are excited to bring the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Cultural Tourism Festival back this year with an even more diverse and engaging lineup of events,” said Aly Allibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group.

From the exhilarating dance routines of of the Tooro culture, the storytelling folks songs of the land, the exciting drummers, to the amiable character of the tooro people, the festival looks at offering a wholesome entertainment experience

While this year’s edition has been reduced by a day, the organisers maintain that the usual activities, leading to the day one, such as cycling, boat regatta, mountain climbing among others will still feature.

Ultimately, the festival seeks transform the lives of the people of Tooro through social-economic engagements with the revellers who will attend.

Launching the festival in 2021, King Oyo remarked that, “if Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, then Tooro Kingdom is the Jewel of the Pearl,” therefore calling upon people from various cultures to come have a feel of that through the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Cultural festival.