Photos: A journalist is crowned king in Uganda

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that journalist Edward Rukidi Nyabongo has been crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, a traditional monarchy in western Uganda, after ritual ceremonies and a public unveiling in Fort Portal on Tuesday. Nyabongo has worked as a broadcaster and editor with the state-run Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, and took his regnal name after night-time rites before entering the palace.

The succession follows the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in August, which the article said triggered mourning and a dispute over who should succeed him. The kingdom’s elders from the ruling Babiito clan chose Nyabongo from among eligible princes, despite him not being high in the line of succession. Al Jazeera said Oyo died of cancer at 34 and was reportedly without a publicly acknowledged heir.

The coronation has also drawn a challenge from the queen mother, Best Kemigisa, who says Oyo left behind a young son whose identity will be disclosed later. Supporters online have raised questions about the legitimacy of the new king amid talk of a possible “Baby Oyo.”

Al Jazeera added that Uganda’s traditional kingdoms were abolished in the 1960s and restored in 1993. Although these monarchs do not hold constitutional power, they remain culturally influential. President Yoweri Museveni attended the ceremony and urged traditional leaders to help promote local languages, while Nyabongo said he wanted to be a unifying figure and emphasized duty over entitlement.