Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has appealed to members of the Tooro royal family, the Babiito clan and other stakeholders to stop succession discussions until after the burial of her late son, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.Kemigisa said she was deeply hurt by the growing disagreements over the Tooro throne while the family is still mourning the King, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving treatment in the United States.
She recalled that when her husband, former King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, died in 1995, Oyo was still a child and his succession also faced opposition. Despite the disputes, Oyo remained King and went on to lead Tooro for 31 years.The Queen Mother expressed concern over the announcement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as a successor before King Oyo was laid to rest. She said the move had caused pain within the royal family and should have been delayed until after the burial.Kemigisa also insisted that King Oyo’s will should guide the succession process, saying it provides for his recognised biological son to be considered first, followed by other options under specified circumstances.
She thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the UPDF for supporting preparations for King Oyo’s burial but raised concerns about security around Karuziika Palace, saying it had made it difficult for the royal family to freely receive mourners.The Queen Mother urged all sides to allow the family to mourn and give King Oyo a dignified send-off before addressing the succession dispute.“Please, there will be time for all of that. Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo,” Kemigisa appealed.
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