The selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next King of Tooro has sparked fresh debate over his family life and the cultural expectations attached to the kingdom’s highest traditional office.Royal elder Prince Araali Kasagama has revealed that Kijanangoma, who is currently married to Rebecca Amoding-Rukidi, may be expected to take another wife from Tooro who understands the kingdom’s traditions and culture.Kasagama said the expectation does not mean Kijanangoma should divorce Amoding, but explained that the King’s senior wife, known as Omugo, is expected to understand and represent Tooro culture.
“I did witness the marriage of Prince Edward Kijanangoma to Mrs Amoding. We paid dowry and graced the function at their home in Mukono, and later they wedded,” Kasagama said.He added that Tooro’s royal traditions have historically allowed kings to have multiple wives, noting that some former monarchs had several spouses.
“The principle here is that as Omugo, you cannot preside over a culture that you do not understand,” Kasagama said.Kasagama also disclosed that Kijanangoma was previously married to a Rwandan woman and had children from that relationship before marrying Amoding, who is his second wife.
“In his first marriage to a lady from Rwanda he had children and Amoding is his second wife. These are not secrets. But also she is not his last,” he stated.Kijanangoma, who previously worked in Rwanda before joining Uganda Broadcasting Corporation as a news anchor and editor, was selected to succeed the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
His selection has faced opposition from some royals who have questioned the succession process and cited claims surrounding the late King Oyo’s reported wishes.As the succession debate continues, Kijanangoma now faces not only questions over his legitimacy as King-designate but also expectations to uphold the cultural traditions of the Tooro royal institution.0773997444
About the Author
