Prime
King Oyo appoints new premier
King Oyo (R) endorses new Tooro Kingdom prime minister Bernard Tungakwo during the supreme council meeting at the kingdom chambers in Fort Portal Municipality on Friday. PHOTO BY RUTH KATUSABE
What you need to know:
New face. Mr Bernard Tungakwo replaces Mr Stephen Kaliba whose two-year contract ended in April.
Kabarole. Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has appointed Mr Bernard Tungakwo the new kingdom prime minister.
The 53-year-old businessman and former civil servant replaces Mr Stephen Kaliba whose two-year contract ended in April. Mr Kaliba also indicated last week that he would be joining elective politics.
King Oyo announced Mr Tungakwo appointment on Friday during the supreme council meeting at the kingdom chambers in Fort Portal Municipality.
“I thank Mr Stephen Kaliba for the good work he has done. I urge the new premier to copy the work of the former prime ministers if he is to cause development and restore the glory of Tooro Kingdom,” said King Oyo.
The king also appointed Mr Stephen Tinka the kingdom’s second deputy prime minister and retained Ms Harriet Nyakake as first deputy prime minister.
Mr Tungwako promised to work and lobby for development of the kingdom and re-unite the subjects.
In his farewell speech, Mr Kaliba dismissed allegations that he was fired by the king. He said his two- year contract ended in April and he never wanted it renewed.
“I signed a contract of two years as Tooro Kingdom premier, which elapsed in April and I did not renew it but my king wished me well wherever I wished to go,” he said.
Mr Kalibasaid much as he left office, he will be available for any deployment by the king.
“I ask Amacumu ne Bitara to remain united. I also ask the President to return Tooro assets and fulfill the pledges he made during my term in office,” he said.
