Fort Portal, Uganda – A crowd of locals celebrated the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I on Tuesday, marking the end of a contentious succession dispute within the historic Tooro Kingdom. The 56‑year‑old former television news anchor was selected by a 21‑member committee of the royal Babiito clan to succeed the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died of cancer in August.
Selection and ceremony
The Babiito clan, which traditionally chooses the kingdom’s monarch, chose Kijanangoma, a cousin of the deceased king, after reviewing claims from the late king’s mother and sister that a previously undisclosed son should inherit the throne. A source familiar with the dispute said the central Ugandan government supported the clan’s decision despite the family’s objections.
The coronation ceremony followed centuries‑old customs, including the slaughter of a bull and the sprinkling of a hen’s blood on the new king. Nyabongo I walked to Karuziika Palace between midnight and 3 a.m. and participated in a mock battle for the crown.
Local reaction
Residents expressed joy at the event. “Everyone in Fort Portal is happy because of this new king. We are preparing, women are ironing their masuka, men are ironing their kanzus,” said local resident Elizabeth Kengonze. She added that people are rehearsing Amakondere, traditional praise songs, and that the celebration helps promote Tooro culture for younger generations.
Over the weekend, relatives and community members gathered at the palace, accompanied by drummers and dancers in traditional orange bark‑cloth shawls and calabashes.
Background on the late king
King Oyo Nyimba died in the United States on August 27 while receiving treatment for angiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer. He was buried on September 12 at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal. The former king had drawn global attention when he was enthroned at age three in 1995, becoming known worldwide as the “toddler king.”
Former colleagues at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation described the new king as humble and down‑to‑earth, qualities they say will serve the kingdom well.
Ongoing questions
The late king’s mother, Best Kemigisa, and sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, maintain that a young son—mentioned in an earlier statement by the kingdom’s prime minister—has a rightful claim to the throne. However, Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, head of the Babiito clan and traditional king‑maker, said the clan has found no evidence of such a child.
The coronation proceeds amid these lingering family claims, but the kingdom’s officials affirm that the selection follows Tooro customs and enjoys the backing of the national government.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
