Story perspectives

Elders Name Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Tooro King After Succession

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 2:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Edward Rukidi Crowned

Tooro Kingdom elders named Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a 54-year-old news anchor, as king.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV died of cancer at 34 in August.
A nine-day mourning concluded with a funeral at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa urged rivals to stop fighting and let the nation mourn.
Family members claim Oyo’s will named an unidentified illegitimate son as heir, prompting rumors of other claimants.

Summary

Tumukunde Mediates Succession

The succession committee’s resolution was signed by 19 Babiito clan elders after due diligence, consultation and adequate consideration.
Culture Minister Henry Tumukunde announced he will mediate between the clan elders and the royal family.
Former footballer Prince George Desmond Kamurasi declined the throne, citing other responsibilities, according to the committee.
Military officials removed royal guards from the palace and placed the royal family under house arrest, the queen mother said.

History

Historical Context

After Milton Obote’s 1967 decree abolished Uganda’s monarchies, the Tooro Kingdom lay dormant for 26 years until Yoweri Museveni’s 1993 restoration granted the king a cultural role and a $150,000 annual stipend. In 2024 a council of 19 Babiito elders appointed news anchor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as Omukama, echoing the kingdom’s long-standing succession disputes.

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Edward Rukidi Crowned

Tooro Kingdom elders named Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a 54-year-old news anchor, as king.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV died of cancer at 34 in August.
A nine-day mourning concluded with a funeral at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa urged rivals to stop fighting and let the nation mourn.
Family members claim Oyo’s will named an unidentified illegitimate son as heir, prompting rumors of other claimants.

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