KAMPALA — The transition of the Tooro monarchy has formally entered its final stage after the Government recognised Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The prince will be crowned Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama of Tooro, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, marking the installation of Tooro’s 13th king.
Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, announced the development on Thursday at the Uganda Media Centre, saying the Government had received formal communication from Tooro Kingdom confirming that the customary succession process had been completed.
The Government has now begun the process of publishing the new Omukama’s recognition in the Uganda Gazette, in line with the constitutional and statutory framework governing traditional and cultural institutions.
According to Kamuli, the succession process began within the Babiito Clan, which selected Prince Edward on September 9 at Karuziika Palace under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki.
The selection was subsequently presented to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council, which convened at the Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15 and endorsed the succession.
“The Government has received the resolutions of the Succession Committee and the Rukurato in support of the succession process,” Kamuli said.
She added that following the completion of the customary procedures, Prince Edward was formally affirmed as successor and assumed the official name and title Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I.
Government begins formal recognition
Kamuli said the Government’s role is anchored in Article 246 of the Constitution, which provides for the recognition of traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the customs, traditions and practices of the communities concerned.
The process is further guided by the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
Tooro Kingdom has formally petitioned the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to declare and publish Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette.
“The Ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” Kamuli said.
She said the Government consequently considers the customary, constitutional and statutory requirements for the succession and formal recognition of the new Omukama to have been fulfilled.
Museveni to grace coronation
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the coronation after personally informing the people of Tooro that he would honour their invitation.
Kamuli described the ceremony as a significant cultural occasion for both Tooro and Uganda, with the potential to highlight the kingdom’s heritage while strengthening cultural tourism.
She urged the people of Tooro and other Ugandans to approach the coronation in a spirit of peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.
The Minister also called on all stakeholders to observe the Constitution, national laws and the customs and traditions governing the Tooro Kingdom.
“I call upon all stakeholders to fully participate and work together to ensure that the coronation is conducted peacefully, respectfully and in accordance with the Constitution, the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro,” she said.
Kamuli further appealed to the media to provide accurate, responsible and balanced coverage of the coronation and the cultural activities surrounding it.
Tribute to the late King Oyo
The announcement comes less than five weeks after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27.
Kamuli, who hails from Tooro, paid tribute to the late monarch, saying his death had left a profound sense of loss among the people of the kingdom.
She also said the Government continues to keep Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale in its prayers.
With the succession process now formally recognised by Government and the Gazette process underway, attention turns to September 29, when Karuziika Palace will host the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I and mark a new chapter in the history of the Tooro Kingdom.
