By Mugula Dan
24 Sep 2026
FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — The Tooro Kingdom has confirmed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as its new Omukama, with his coronation scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Karuzika Royal Palace in Fort Portal City.
The Government of Uganda has endorsed the succession process, saying all customary, constitutional and legal requirements have been fulfilled. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the coronation.
The new Omukama was selected by the Babito royal clan on September 9 and later endorsed by the Rukurato wa Omukama wa Tooro, the kingdom’s supreme council, on September 15.
The announcement follows the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August 2026 at the age of 31.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Musuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki dismissed claims that the succession process has divided the Tooro Kingdom. He said the people of Tooro remain united and continue to enjoy the support of the Government of Uganda.
Kamurasi also addressed reports concerning another child allegedly born to the late King outside Uganda. He said, according to Tooro customs, royal births are expected to be communicated to the relevant royal family structures before they can be formally recognised by the kingdom.
He said he had raised the matter with President Museveni, who sought the opinion of the Attorney General, although Kamurasi said he was not aware of the Attorney General’s advice.
Minister of State for Gender and Culture Mary Kuteesa Kamuli said the government had received formal communication from the kingdom confirming the succession.
She urged the people of Tooro and other stakeholders to respect the Constitution, Ugandan law and the kingdom’s customs and traditions. The government has also called for peaceful and responsible coverage of the coronation.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is processing the formal publication of the new Omukama in the Uganda Gazette, as required by law.
The kingdom estimates that the coronation and related activities will cost about Shs922 million. Kamurasi has appealed to individuals, businesses, organisations and well-wishers to support the preparations.
The coronation will formally present King Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I to the people of Tooro and invited guests as the kingdom’s new cultural leader.
The ceremony is expected to celebrate Tooro’s cultural heritage and mark the continuation of the institution of the Omukama.
