The fortunes of Tooro: The declining unitary role of kingship 1891-2008.

Abstract

The dissertation highlights the external and internal factors that undermine the institution of kingship’s ability to promote unity in Tooro. Purposive sampling method was used. I analysed the data by identifying the strong key points of the data basing on the research questions. I sorted, cross checked and grouped together similar content, the grouped data with similar themes and concepts were used to generate information, which I used to formulate theory explaining the subject of research. This study addressed the concepts of cultural integration, unity, unity in diversity, homogeneity, ethnicity, conflict and power among others in relation to the institution of kingship.

The research findings indicate that the institution of kingship in Tooro has failed to achieve internal cohesion nor has it used its status as an embodiment of people’s culture to unite them. It is weakened by lack of income generating properties, internal power struggle, financial mismanagement and central government/ political interference. These factors have led to withdrawal of the people of Tooro from embracing the institution of kingship, thereby threatening its future. It is recommended that the institution of kingship embrace the concept of unity in diversity, allow members of different political parties, people of different ethnic groups to participate in Kingdom affairs, solve internal conflicts and to sensitize the masses about the institution in the modern political setting. The central government needs to formulate new policies that open the political space, invest in research on how best to involve cultural institutions in modern governance.