FORT PORTAL, Uganda — The Babiito Clan Succession Committee has elected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma to succeed the late Tooro King, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, setting the stage for a new chapter in the leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference in Fort Portal, with Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, present as the succession decision was communicated.
According to the succession committee, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and grandson of Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III, has been elected to be enthroned as the successor to King Oyo.
The announcement comes as Tooro prepares to lay King Oyo to rest on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal City.
King Oyo, who died recently after a period of illness, will receive a major national send-off before his burial. His final farewell will include a national prayer service at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, ahead of the traditional royal burial rites.
The Kingdom has announced that only four official speeches will be delivered during the final send-off ceremony in order to keep the programme within the traditional early-afternoon burial schedule.
The speakers will be Queen Mother Best Kemigisa; Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale, the late King’s sister; Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan; and the President or his representative.
The main send-off Mass will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, assisted by Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese.
Public viewing of King Oyo’s body is scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, after which the Kingdom will proceed with final preparations for the burial.
The burial itself will be conducted under strict Tooro cultural protocols. Members of the public will not be permitted to access the royal tombs while the traditional burial rituals are being performed, with the restrictions intended to preserve the sanctity of the royal rites.
Who is Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma?
Prince Edward belongs to the Babiito royal clan, the dynasty from which the Tooro monarchs are traditionally drawn.
He is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of the former Tooro monarch Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III.
His family has a long-standing connection to the Tooro royal establishment. His siblings include the late Prince Charles Happy Kijanangoma, who was tragically killed in 1999, and Prince David Kijanangoma, a prominent royal figure who previously challenged the leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.
The election of Prince Edward now sets in motion the process leading to the installation of a new Omukama, following the death of King Oyo and his nearly three-decade reign over the Tooro Kingdom.
Further details regarding the enthronement and coronation ceremonies are expected to be communicated by the Kingdom in accordance with Tooro cultural and royal traditions.
