A new succession dispute has emerged in Tooro Kingdom after Chief Prince Charles Kamurasi Akiiki challenged claims that the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV left behind a son to inherit the throne.
Kamurasi, who heads the Babiito royal clan, said the royal family had never been officially informed about the existence of any child of the late monarch.
“The King had no child. I don’t know about it because we have never been told that,” Kamurasi said.His remarks come after Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that King Oyo had left behind a young Prince who could eventually succeed him.
President Yoweri Museveni also previously said Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him about the existence of the alleged heir.However, Kamurasi questioned how the information was obtained, saying succession matters should be handled by the royal family and the Babiito clan.
He argued that the Prime Minister had no authority to announce a successor without approval from the ruling clan.The disagreement has sparked debate over the future leadership of Tooro Kingdom as preparations begin to identify the next Omukama.
Kamurasi said if no direct heir is confirmed, the Babiito clan could explore other branches of the royal lineage for a possible successor.He is leading a committee of royal elders tasked with guiding the succession process and ensuring cultural procedures are followed.
King Oyo died at the age of 34 in the United States after serving as Omukama since 1995, when he ascended the throne at just three years old.As Tooro mourns the loss of one of its longest-serving monarchs, attention now turns to the Babiito clan to determine who will carry forward the royal legacy.
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