The Batoro are one of the Bantu tribes found in western Uganda and the Kingdom of Toro is one of the traditional Kingdoms found within the country inhabiting districts of Fort Portal, Kabarole and Kasese, and used to be part of the large empire of Kitara under the rule of the Bito dynasty which dates back to the 16th century.
There are several conflicting legends about these people with one of them asserting that they are the natives to Toro and originated from the Batembuzi and the Bagabu who are believed to have been the pioneer occupants and rulers of the earth. Other traditions point that they are actually related to the Bachwezi and Babiito line and said to being Bantu originating from the Congo region where other Bantu groups are believed to have originated. It is said that Prince Olimi Kaboyo Kasunsunkwanzi, son of the former King of Bunyoro Kingdom extended the southern Province of his father’s Kingdom thereby declaring himself the King of the land thus the formation of Toro Kingdom.
He was welcomed with open arms and accepted by the Batoro who later honored him as Rukirabasaija Omukama Kaboyo Olimi I and the new Kingdom survived the early rough years of its infancy and even grew well over a century of goodwill, prosperity and peace. Just like other Kingdom such as Busoga, Bunyoro and Buganda, Toro Kingdom was also abolished in 1967 by then Government of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote but was reinstated in 1993.
The current King (Omukama) is Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and the title “Omukama” is the name given to rulers of the East African Kingdom of Toro but this Kingdom has lasted as an independent state from the 16th to 19th century. Much as he is no longer the ruler of the state, the King of Toro remains an independent individual in the country’s politics especially among the people of Toro of whom he is the head.
Historically, the first Kings were of Batembuzi dynasty, pioneers and harbingers but the reign and origin of the Batembuzi is not documented but just surrounded by oral legends and myths. Little is written about their time period in history and even their names as well as successive order of individual Kings. It is said that their reign dates back to the climax of Africa’s Bronze Age. However, the Bachwezi dynasty are known as the founders of the ancient Kitara Empire which comprised of the current southern, central and western Uganda as well as eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Tanzania and western Kenya but little information is documented about them.
The first son of King (Omukama) Kyebambe III of Bunyoro went against his father and annexed the southern part of the father’s Kingdom thus forming his own Kingdom thus placing the northern border of his new Kingdom at River Muziizi. This led to the birth of Toro Kingdom under the reign of Rukirabasaija Omukama Kaboyo Kasunsunkwanzi Olimi I. After his death, there were other Kings and Princes on the throne but some of them ruled for short periods of time during which they were still known as Omubiito (Prince) not with the rightful title of “Rukirabasaija Omukama” but when you include the Princes too, the number of Kings of Toro from time of formation goes to eight.
The people of Toro are referred as Batooro-plural and Mutooro-singular and the language is “Rutooro”. They boast of rich culture of tribal customs, oral tradition, delicious dishes and indigenous handicrafts among others. One interesting thing about the Batooro is the use names of endearment (locally known as “Empaako”, which is also common with the Banyoro. These names are used as praise or for respect thus every child is given one of the following names-Amooti, Abooki, Atwooki, Akiiki, Abwooli, Araali, Adyeri, Apuuli and Ateenyi.
Marriage presented a significant part of their cultural life with a man regarded as incomplete before getting married and in the past, it was arranged by the parents of the boy and girl with or without their knowledge/consent. Usually, a middleman is selected by the boy’s side and role socially recognized and rewarded but his duty was to make investigations about the character of the girl. Just like other Kingdoms (Ankole, Buganda and Bunyoro), Toro also suffered the same fate when Kingdoms were abolished in 1967 but was later reinstituted in 1993 without the original administrative and Republican powers.
In conclusion, Batoro are one of the fascinating people to visit due to their jaw-dropping cultures, traditional dishes, art and crafts as well as dances that will take your breath away.