The Tooro Kingdom succession saga has taken a dramatic turn, with reports claiming that George Kamurasi Desmond David has rejected the kingship, despite emerging as the preferred candidate in the recent Babiito succession process.
Kamurasi reportedly secured 15 of 18 votes during a closed-door meeting at Fort Motel in Fort Portal, with 21 elders involved in the wider process. Another member reportedly participated virtually.
However, sources now claim that Kamurasi has told those involved that he would rather remain in the United Kingdom with his family than return to Uganda to take up the responsibilities of the Tooro throne.
Kamurasi, the son of the late Jimmy Mugenyi and grandson of former Omukama Sir George Rukidi Kamurasi, is reportedly based in the UK, where he has a British wife and children and is pursuing his interests, including sports.
Sources further claim that Kamurasi was not informed beforehand that he was being considered for the throne. He allegedly believed his return to Uganda was primarily connected to the burial of his brother, the late King Oyo.
His reported refusal has now thrown the succession process into fresh uncertainty, with other royal family members potentially being considered if Kamurasi formally declines the position.
Among the names reportedly being discussed is Edward Kiijanangoma, who could once again become a contender.
The developments have also generated debate over whether a Babiito royal can decline the throne after being selected by the succession process, with some sources arguing that tradition expects the chosen candidate to accept the responsibility.
However, Kamurasi himself has not publicly confirmed the reported rejection, and the Babiito royal family has yet to issue an official statement confirming the claims.
If the reports are confirmed, what appeared to be a decisive step toward selecting Tooro’s next king could instead trigger another round of consultations within the kingdom.
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