The Government of Uganda has officially recognised Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.Kijanangoma will take the royal name His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama of Tooro, with his coronation scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.The confirmation was announced by Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs Mary Kuteesa Kamuli during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre.
Kamuli said the Babiito Royal Clan selected Kijanangoma on September 9 before presenting him to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council.The Rukurato later endorsed his succession during a sitting at Muchwa on September 15, completing the key customary process required for the transition.According to Kamuli, the government has received the relevant resolutions and is now processing the publication of the new king’s declaration in the Uganda Gazette.
The government’s role in the succession is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the coronation, which will bring together members of the royal family, government officials, cultural leaders and people from across Tooro.The coronation comes about a month after the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026.Minister Kamuli has urged the people of Tooro and other stakeholders to maintain peace, unity and respect for the kingdom’s traditions, national laws and the Constitution during the transition.0773997444
