After many controversies,government has formally recognised Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, paving the way for his coronation ceremony of the 13th Omukama of Tooro on September 29, 2026 at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, told Journalists in Kampala that government had received official communication from Tooro Kingdom confirming the completion of the succession process.
“Tooro has a new king,” Kamuli said, adding that the coronation will mark the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro and provide an opportunity to celebrate the kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditions.
She said the succession process followed the established customs and practices of Tooro’s traditional institutions after the death of King Oyo on August 27.
According to the Minister, the Babiito Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9 at Karuziika Palace.
The prince was subsequently presented and endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council, which convened at Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15.
“The Government has received the resolutions of the Succession Committee and the Rukurato in support of the succession process,” Kamuli said.
She said following the process, Prince Edward was formally affirmed as successor and assumed the official name and title of Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.
Kamuli said the Government’s role in the succession is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution, which recognises traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the cultures, customs and traditions of the communities concerned.
She said the process is also governed by the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
According to Kamuli, Tooro Kingdom has formally requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which is responsible for cultural institutions, 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,” she said.
Kamuli said the Government therefore considers the customary, constitutional and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama to have been satisfied.
She said the President had personally informed the people of Tooro that he will honour their invitation to the ceremony.
The Minister described the coronation as an important cultural event for Tooro and Uganda, saying it would showcase the kingdom’s heritage and contribute to cultural tourism.
She called on the people of Tooro and other Ugandans to approach the event with “peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.”
Kamuli also urged all stakeholders to respect the Constitution, national laws and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.
“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.
