Tooro Supreme Council, Muhoozi ‘confirm’ Kijanangoma as next king

What the report says

The Tooro Kingdom’s supreme council, Orukurato rw’ensanju, has formally confirmed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The decision was reached on Tuesday during a council sitting at the Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa, chaired by speaker Julius Mwirumubi, after a formal introduction from Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan.

According to The Observer, Kamurasi told the council that a 21-member Babiito succession committee had selected Kijanangoma, who is expected to reign as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. He said preparations for the new king were underway and that the Babiito clan would later announce a coronation date. The council then backed the nomination and asked Kamurasi and the Babiito to proceed with those preparations. The report also says some council members argued that continuity of the throne was necessary after Oyo’s death.

The succession remains disputed inside the royal family. Princess Ruth Komuntale and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya have rejected the selection, saying a will left by Oyo should guide the process. The Babiito clan maintains that its choice followed Tooro custom and tradition. The article also notes that an earlier attempt to meet failed after the chambers were locked and UPDF personnel were deployed nearby.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Kijanangoma on X and urged that the coronation not be delayed by court action. His statement adds political weight to a sensitive royal succession issue that could shape Tooro’s leadership transition.