Queen Mother Kemigisa not under house arrest – minister

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s state minister for Internal Affairs, Juma Witonze Kiseka, has denied claims that Best Kemigisa, the Queen Mother of Tooro, is under house arrest. He said the security deployment around the royal palace is a routine precaution meant to protect mourners and members of the royal family during the mourning period for the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The dispute comes after Kemigisa said she and relatives were being restricted following an announcement by Babiito royal clan elders naming Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next king of Tooro. Kemigisa, along with Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and Princess Margaret Komubaizi, rejected that selection and argued that Oyo had left a will setting out the succession process and naming his son as heir. She later appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to restore what she described as her family’s freedom.

Kiseka urged Tooro subjects to stay calm and wait for guidance from the president, while stressing that the succession matter should be handled in line with kingdom customs and with respect. He also warned that statements or actions could worsen divisions. Uganda’s ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Ronnie Balya, separately called for patience and unity, saying the succession dispute should be taken through the proper channels.

The issue highlights tensions around royal succession in Tooro after Oyo died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34, ending a reign of more than three decades.