Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma (often referred to as Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I) is a prominent Ugandan journalist and member of the royal family who was named the successor to the throne of the Tooro Kingdom in September 2026.
Prince Kijanangoma was born on December 16, 1970, in Fort Portal City, Uganda. He is deeply rooted in the Tooro royal family tree
Education
He attended Kinyamasika Demonstration School in Kabarole for his primary education and completed his secondary education at St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe in Fort Portal. He later attended Makerere University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Mass Communication in 1999
Career in Journalism
Before ascending to the throne, Prince Kijanangoma spent over 24 years in broadcast journalism. He spent roughly a decade as a familiar face on Ugandan television, working as a veteran news anchor and editor for the state broadcaster, the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). He regularly presented major bulletins such as UBC News Tonight, covering national stories across politics, the courts, and education
Succession to the Throne
Following the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026, the 21-member Babiito royal clan succession committee selected Prince Kijanangoma to become the next Omukama of Tooro
Though the selection sparked a brief succession dispute among some members of the immediate royal family who favored a different heir mentioned in a reported written will, the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed his appointment.
On September 24, 2026, the Ugandan Government formally recognized him as the legitimate successor, clearing the way for his official coronation as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo1
The Kijanangoma family has featured prominently in Tooro’s succession history.
In 2015, Prince David Kijanangoma, another member of the royal family, challenged King Oyo’s reign and sought support from sections of the Babiito clan.
The dispute became one of the most notable succession-related disagreements during Oyo’s reign before the two sides eventually reconciled.
Prince Edward Kijanangoma is, however, a different member of the family. His selection now places him at the centre of the kingdom’s succession story.
Prince Kijanangoma married Rebecca in 2018 an the couple held their church wedding at Batata Church in Ntinda, Kampala, followed by a reception at La Jolla Gardens.
