Prince Edward Installed as Tooro’s New Omukama Despite Court Challenge

On September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, Uganda, the Babiito royal clan and Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council formally installed former television news anchor Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. The ceremony marked the kingdom’s first formal coronation in more than 30 years and brought an end to the official mourning period for the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The late King Oyo, who ascended the throne as a toddler in 1995 and reigned for 31 years, died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving treatment for cancer in the United States. He was buried on September 12 at Karambi Royal Tombs. A 21-member Babiito succession committee selected Prince Edward, a cousin of the late monarch and grandson of former Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III, on September 9. The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council (Rukurato) endorsed the choice on September 15, and the Ugandan government later formally recognised the succession under Article 246 of the Constitution.

Traditional installation rites began overnight on September 28–29. Prince Edward led a men-only torch-lit procession of several kilometres from Rwengoma Palace through Fort Portal to Karuziika Palace. Upon arrival around 3 a.m., he participated in a symbolic mock battle at the palace entrance against forces led by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito clan. The rites also included overpowering and killing a bull. Victorious, he entered the palace, restored royal drums and spears to their upright positions (symbols of the end of mourning), and uncovered the iconic lion sculptures. He then took his seat on the golden throne.

Daytime ceremonies included a blessing service at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese, followed by the public coronation at Karuziika Palace. The new Omukama appeared on the throne alongside Queen Rebecca Amoding Rukidi, his wife and a human-resources professional from the Teso sub-region. President Yoweri Museveni was expected as chief guest, underscoring official support for the transition.

A last-minute High Court petition filed on September 28 in Fort Portal by two Batooro and a civil-society group sought to halt the coronation. The applicants argued that an alleged will of the late King Oyo named a different heir (his son, or alternatively a cousin) and that the selection process had not followed those wishes. The petition did not prevent the rites from proceeding.

Buganda’s Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga offered congratulations on behalf of the Kingdom of Buganda, highlighting the longstanding brotherly ties between the two kingdoms and wishing unity and prosperity for Tooro. The new Omukama, previously known for his work as a news anchor and editor at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, now assumes cultural leadership of one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms as the first formal coronation in over three decades draws widespread attention.