Tooro throne is a cultural right under the authority of the Office of the Musuuga, the head of...
The Babiito royal clan has constituted a 21-member committee of elders to oversee the succession process following the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, marking a critical step in determining the next monarch to occupy the Tooro throne.
The panel was formed during the first official Babiito royal clan meeting held on Friday, following the death of King Oyo. It has been tasked with managing the traditional and cultural procedures required to identify and formally announce the next king.
In an official statement released on Saturday evening by the Communication Committee under the Office of the Musuuga and read by Fr Charles Oyo, the Babiito reaffirmed that the succession process remains strictly governed by custom. The clan emphasized that authority rests within the Office of the Musuuga, who serves as the traditional head of the Babiito clan.
"The succession to the throne is a cultural right falling under the authority and custodianship of the Office of Musuuga, and the Babiito clan bears responsibility for the succession plans and protocol that follow on behalf of the people of Tooro," the statement read.
According to the official communication, the 21 elders were selected from within the clan hierarchy and confirmed under the Musuuga's direct leadership. The committee's core responsibility is to carry out the succession protocol on behalf of the Babiito clan and the people of Tooro, aiming to preserve unity, diversity, and inclusiveness throughout the transition.
"Accordingly, a committee of 21 members has been constituted from among the elders of the Babiito clan and confirmed under the leadership of the Musuuga, the head of the Babiito clan," the statement added. "The committee mandate covers identification of the successor to the throne, formal announcement of the successor to the relevant stakeholders and preparation of the traditional and cultural ceremonies attached to the succession."
The establishment of the committee comes amid reports from both Kingdom officials and State House regarding the existence of an heir. Announcing the monarch’s death on Thursday night via X (formerly Twitter), the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister assured the public that the continuity of the crown was secure.
"The continuity of the Crown is assured. His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom," the Prime Minister stated.
President Yoweri Museveni corroborated the news on Saturday evening following a direct phone conversation with the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa.
"Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir that will be introduced to the public at the right time," President Museveni said.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late monarch, President Museveni commended King Oyo for maintaining strong ties with the state and steering clear of divisive politics.
"H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism. It would be good if all the Cultural leaders understood the importance of this," the President noted.
The 21-member committee will now move forward with preparing the traditional ceremonies and finalizing the formal introduction of the new heir to the kingdom and the public.
The committee comprises the following members:
