Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Former TV Anchor Becomes Tooro King Amid Succession Dispute
Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom has a new king named Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma.
He used the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Before becoming king, he worked as a television news anchor and editor.
The previous king, Oyo Nyimba, died of cancer at age 34.
Oyo Nyimba’s mother and sister say he had a young son who should inherit the throne.
The royal Babiito clan says it did not know about the child.
A committee from the clan chose Oyo Nyimba’s cousin instead.
The coronation took place in Fort Portal and included traditional rituals, music, dancing, and a mock battle.
The new king does not have formal political power, but he is an important guardian of Tooro culture.
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former television anchor and editor, was crowned the 13th monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom.
He took the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I during a traditional ceremony in Fort Portal.
Kijanangoma, 56, is a cousin of King Oyo Nyimba, who died in the United States on August 27 at age 34.
Oyo Nyimba’s mother and sister say he left a young son and a will naming the child as heir.
The royal Babiito clan says it knew of no child and selected Kijanangoma according to Tooro succession customs.
- Who
- Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, Oyo Nyimba’s cousin, became king; Oyo Nyimba’s mother Best Kemigisa and sister Princess Ruth Komuntale disputed the succession.
- What
- Kijanangoma was crowned the 13th monarch of the Tooro Kingdom after a dispute over whether Oyo Nyimba had a son entitled to the throne.
- When
- The coronation took place on September 29, after Oyo Nyimba died on August 27 and was buried on September 12.
- Where
- The ceremony took place in Fort Portal, Uganda, including at Karuziika Palace.
- Why
- The royal Babiito clan selected a successor under its understanding of Tooro customs, while Oyo Nyimba’s family said his son was the rightful heir.
Royal Family’s Heir Claim
Babiito Clan’s Succession Decision
Who should inherit the throne?
Royal Family’s Heir Claim
Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale say Oyo Nyimba left a young son and a will naming him heir.
Babiito Clan’s Succession Decision
The royal Babiito clan says the alleged child was not known to it and selected Oyo Nyimba’s cousin, Kijanangoma.
Was the selection properly conducted?
Royal Family’s Heir Claim
A source familiar with the dispute told Reuters that Uganda’s central government pushed through Kijanangoma’s selection over the mother’s objections.
Babiito Clan’s Succession Decision
Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, the Babiito clan’s traditional king-maker, said the clan followed Tooro customs; the reports provide no direct government response.
- New king
- Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who took the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I
- Age
- Kijanangoma is 56
- Previous king
- Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at age 34
- Succession body
- A 21-member committee from the royal Babiito clan selected Kijanangoma
- Succession dispute
- Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale said Oyo Nyimba left a son and a will naming him heir
- Traditional ceremony
- The coronation included a bull sacrifice, the sprinkling of a hen’s blood, and a mock battle
- Monarchy’s role
- Tooro’s monarch has no formal political power but serves as a guardian of traditional culture
