Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom has named a new king. But the choice has already been challenged by members of the royal family.
Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was selected on Wednesday. He is a television news anchor and editor at Uganda’s state broadcaster, UBC.
The decision followed the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. He died in the United States on August 27. He was 34.
A New King Is Chosen
The royal clan’s succession committee announced Kijanangoma as the next monarch. The announcement was made in Fort Portal, the kingdom’s capital.
Tooro remains a traditional kingdom. Uganda, however, is a constitutional republic. Its monarchs hold no formal political power.
The kingdom still carries major cultural weight. Its influence extends across western Uganda.
Oyo’s Remarkable Reign
Oyo became king in 1995. He was only three years old at the time.
His accession made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch. That distinction was recorded by Guinness World Records.
Images from his coronation became famous. A small child was seen beneath a large crown and royal robes.
Oyo later became a United Nations goodwill ambassador. He was also known for his work on HIV and AIDS awareness.
Succession Fight Emerges
The choice of Kijanangoma has been disputed. The disagreement centres on claims that Oyo left behind a son.
The kingdom’s prime minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, had earlier said an heir existed. He said this ensured continuity of the crown.
Oyo’s sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, later rejected the new selection. Their mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, also opposed it.
“My brother, he left behind a will,” Komuntale said. She said it named his son as the heir.
She also said the document identified another preferred successor. That person would take over if Oyo’s son could not assume the throne.
Royal Family Rejects Choice
Komuntale said the family did not accept Kijanangoma’s selection. The disagreement now leaves the succession under dispute.
The succession committee has nevertheless announced its choice. The competing claims have not yet been resolved publicly.
The dispute comes as the kingdom prepares to bury Oyo.
Oyo’s Final Journey
Oyo’s body was returned to Uganda on September 4. It was received at Entebbe by President Yoweri Museveni and other dignitaries.
The king’s funeral is scheduled for September 12. He is due to be buried at the royal tombs near his palace in Fort Portal.
His death has prompted mourning across Uganda. His unusual childhood accession had made him known far beyond Tooro.
For now, the kingdom faces a delicate transition. A new monarch has been named. But the question of who should inherit the crown remains unresolved.
About the Author
