Journalist to be crowned king in Uganda after bitter succession dispute

What the report says

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo II, a long-time Ugandan broadcaster better known to many as a journalist and television anchor, is set to be crowned king of Tooro, one of Uganda’s officially recognised traditional kingdoms, according to BBC Africa. The coronation comes after the death last month of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who had ruled the kingdom since childhood and died aged 34. The ceremony is expected to follow customary rituals before the new king is formally seated and crowned at the royal palace in Karuziika, Fort Portal.

BBC reported that the succession has stirred dispute within the royal family. Some relatives said the late king had a young son and left instructions that the child should succeed him, but that child was not publicly presented and was not recognised by the 21-member Babiito clan committee that chose Kijanangoma. Oyo’s mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, objected to the decision and said the late king’s wishes should have been followed. Kingdom officials said the selection was made according to Tooro custom and tradition, and the government backed the clan’s choice.

Kijanangoma, 56, studied mass communication at Makerere University and worked in broadcasting for more than two decades in Uganda and Rwanda. He has said he wants to use his experience and connections to help develop the kingdom and unite its people. Uganda’s traditional monarchies hold cultural influence but no formal political power; they were restored in the 1990s after being abolished in 1967.