Tooro Supreme Council, Muhoozi ‘confirm’ Kijanangoma as next king

The Tooro Kingdom supreme council, Orukurato rw’ensanju, has formally confirmed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The confirmation was made on Tuesday during a sitting of the supreme council at the Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa, chaired by speaker Julius Mwirumubi.

It followed a formal communication by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, who introduced Kijanangoma to the council as the king-designate. Kamurasi told the council that Kijanangoma had been selected by a 21-member Babiito succession committee and would reign as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.

He said the king-designate was being prepared for his new role and that the Babiito would announce the date for his coronation in due course.

Kamurasi said Oyo’s death required the kingdom to undertake a succession process to ensure continuity of the institution. He added that anyone dissatisfied with Kijanangoma’s selection was free to pursue legal avenues to challenge the decision.

Rukurato resumes

Kamurasi also criticised the earlier closure of the supreme council chambers at a time when the council was expected to convene following Oyo’s death.

He said Tooro customs require the supreme council to sit whenever a king dies to receive formal communication about the death and discuss preparations for the funeral.

According to Kamurasi, an earlier attempt to convene the council on September 1 failed after the chambers were locked and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel were deployed around the premises, preventing members from sitting.

Patrick Ganjangu Ateenyi, the representative of the Bagweri clan on the supreme council, seconded Kamurasi’s communication and called on members to confirm Kijanangoma as Oyo’s successor.

Another council member, Julius Byamukama, said the Rukurato had rallied behind the king-designate to ensure continuity of the Tooro throne.

The council subsequently confirmed Kijanangoma as king-designate and asked Kamurasi and the Babiito royal clan to proceed with preparations for his coronation.

Muhoozi rules out court challenge

The council’s decision came amid a continuing dispute within the Tooro royal family over Oyo’s succession.

Princess Ruth Komuntale and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya are among royal family members who have rejected Kijanangoma’s selection, arguing that Oyo left a will that should be respected in determining his successor.

The Babiito royal clan, however, has maintained that Kijanangoma was selected in accordance with Tooro customs and traditions.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Tuesday weighed into the dispute, saying he did not want court proceedings to delay Kijanangoma’s coronation.

“My fellow Ugandans, the new Omukama of Tooro is His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Long may he reign. God bless him always. God bless Tooro,” Muhoozi posted on X.

“And I don’t want to hear of court cases. I want to hear of a Coronation date.”

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