King Oyo buried as Omusuuga reaffirms new monarch

What the report says

Thousands of mourners gathered at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Saturday for the funeral of the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, before his body was taken to the Karambi Royal Tombs for burial. The service drew political leaders, cultural and religious figures, security personnel and foreign dignitaries, with senior Ugandan officials and representatives from nearby countries among those present. Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu officiated, while members of the royal family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere, accompanied the body.

The burial was reportedly delayed by disagreements over traditional rites at the tombs. According to the report, tension arose over the final ritual involving coffee berries, which is normally carried out by the head of the Babiito royal clan. The article says royal and security officials worked to continue the ceremony as the dispute unfolded, and that the burial passed the traditional time said to be required by Tooro custom.

During the funeral, Babiito clan head Musuuga Charles Kamurasi reaffirmed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next king of Tooro, saying the choice followed legal and cultural procedures. He said the new monarch would reign as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. The article notes that this position remains contested by some members of the royal family, who argue that Oyo left a different succession arrangement. The dispute underscores the sensitivity of succession within the kingdom and the importance of maintaining unity after Oyo’s death.