Tooro Queen Mother denounces King-elect Kijanangoma

What the report says

The Observer reports that Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has publicly rejected the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next king of Tooro, saying the succession committee moved ahead despite what she described as the late King Oyo’s wishes and an earlier understanding to pause the process until after the burial. She said the will was read on Wednesday in the presence of royal family members and government officials, and that the family expected another meeting before any announcement was made.

According to the article, Kemigisa criticized the timing of the committee’s press conference, arguing that celebrations were inappropriate while King Oyo’s body was still lying in state. She urged the parties involved, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and President Yoweri Museveni, to allow the family to mourn and proceed with a dignified burial. She also alleged that palace security had been changed, making it harder for mourners to access Karuziika Palace.

The dispute has drawn in other members of the royal family. Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere, along with Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and Princess Margaret Komubaizi, also rejected the selection, saying there was no consensus with key Babiito clan leaders. The Babiito clan, however, has defended the choice of Kijanangoma and says the traditional succession process should decide the next monarch. The disagreement comes as Tooro prepares to bury King Oyo at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal on Saturday.